A verified spider bite and a review of the literature confirm Indian ornamental tree spiders (Poecilotheria species) as underestimated theraphosids of medical importance.
Literature on bird spider or tarantula bites (Theraphosidae) is rare. This is astonishing as they are coveted pets and interaction with their keepers (feeding, cleaning the terrarium or taking them out to hold) might increase the possibility for bites. Yet, this seems to be a rare event and might be why most theraphosids are considered to be harmless, even though the urticating hairs of many American species can cause disagreeable allergic reactions. We are describing a case of a verified bite by an Indian ornamental tree spider (Poecilotheria regalis), where the patient developed severe, long lasting muscle cramps several hours after the bite. We present a comprehensive review of the literature on bites of these beautiful spiders and conclude that a delayed onset of severe muscle cramps, lasting for days, is characteristic for Poecilotheria bites. We discuss Poecilotheria species as an exception from the general assumption that theraphosid bites are harmless to humans.
Swiss Toxicological Information Centre, Associated Institute of the University of Zurich, Freiestrasse 16, CH 8032 Zurich, Switzerland. Electronic address: joan.fuchs@usz.ch.
Joan
J
Fuchs
Swiss Toxicological Information Centre, Associated Institute of the University of Zurich, Freiestrasse 16, CH 8032 Zurich, Switzerland.
Margot
M
von Dechend
Hospital Aarberg, 3270 Aarberg, Switzerland.
Raffaella
R
Mordasini
Swiss Toxicological Information Centre, Associated Institute of the University of Zurich, Freiestrasse 16, CH 8032 Zurich, Switzerland; Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
Alessandro
A
Ceschi
Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Bern, Baltzerstrasse 6, CH 3012 Bern, Switzerland.
Wolfgang
W
Nentwig
D000818:Animals; D003402:Creatine Kinase / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D008140:Lorazepam / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008274:Magnesium / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008874:Midazolam / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008875:Middle Aged; D009120:Muscle Cramp / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000473:pathology; D057805:Pets; D001098:Spider Bites / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology*; D013111:Spider Venoms / Q000633:toxicity*; D013112:Spiders; D013557:Switzerland; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D013111:Spider Venoms; D003402:Creatine Kinase; D008274:Magnesium; D008140:Lorazepam; D008874:Midazolam
Muscle cramps; Poecilotheria regalis; Tarantula; Theraphosidae