title: Envenomation by the red-tailed coral snake (Micrurus mipartitus) in Colombia.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Although the red-tailed coral snake (Micrurus mipartitus) is widely distributed in Colombia and its venom is highly neurotoxic and life threatening, envenomation by this species is rare. Therefore, this report may shed some light on the clinical presentation ofM. mipartitusbites.
  
  
  METHODS
  Herein, we describe two cases of patients bitten by red-tailed coral snakes, illustrating the clinical presentation of the victims, the outcomes and treatment provided.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Envenomation caused byM. mipartitusprovokes predicable neurotoxicity, and its treatment should be based on respiratory support and use of specific antivenom.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, Fundación Valle del Lili, Universidad Icesi, Cali, Colombia.
authors.forename: Carlos A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Cañas
authors.affiliation: Department of Physiological Sciences, School of Health Sciences, Universidad del Valle, Cali, Colombia.
authors.forename: Fernando
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Castro-Herrera
authors.affiliation: Department of Physiological Sciences, School of Health Sciences, Universidad del Valle, Cali, Colombia.
authors.forename: Santiago
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Castaño-Valencia
keywords: Colombia; Micrurus mipartitus; Red-tailed coral snake; snake envenomation