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Envenomation is the process by which venom is injected by the bite or sting of a venomous animal. [1]Many kinds of animals, including mammals (e.g., the northern short-tailed shrew, Blarina brevicauda), reptiles (e.g., the king cobra), [2] spiders (e.g., black widows), [3] insects (e.g., wasps), and fish (e.g., stone fish) employ venom for hunting and for self-defense.
A spider envenomation occurs whenever a spider injects venom into the skin. Not all spider bites inject venom – a dry bite, and the amount of venom injected can vary based on the type of spider and the circumstances of the encounter. The mechanical injury from a spider bite is not a serious concern for humans.
Venom is produced in a specialised gland (or glands) and is delivered through hollow fangs or a stinger in a process called envenomation. The main function of venom is to disrupt the physiological processes of the wounded animal through neurotoxic cytotoxic, myotoxic, or haemotoxic mechanisms. This can then help in certain processes such as ...
One other genus in the family Macrothelidae has been reported to cause severe symptoms in humans. Severe bites have been attributed to members of the genus Macrothele in Taiwan, but no fatalities. [16] In other mammals, such as rodents, for example, the effects of funnel web spider venom are much less severe.
Envenomation of a human by a scorpion may affect the sympathetic or parasympathetic systems depending on the species of scorpion. Some of the more severe side effects include respiratory distress syndrome, pulmonary edema, cardiac dysfunction, impaired hemostasis, pancreatitis, and multiple organ failure.
There is a lot of evidence to support the venom metering hypothesis. For example, snakes frequently use more venom during defensive strikes, administer more venom to larger prey, and are capable of dry biting. A dry bite is a bite from a venomous snake that results in very little or no venom expulsion, leaving the target asymptomatic. [89]
Every month, thousands of Eritreans attempt to flee repression, torture and indefinite forced conscriptions by embarking on a dangerous journey to Europe. Many of them put their fate in the hands of human smugglers and travel thousands of miles in the hope of finding a better life.
Less frequently, venomous spider bites are also associated with morbidity and mortality in humans. Most arthropod stings involve Hymenoptera (ants, wasps, and bees). While the majority of Hymenoptera stings are locally painful, their associated venom rarely cause toxic reactions unless victims receive many stings at once.