First record of snakebites by Micrurus ortoni and Micrurus hemprichii (Serpentes: Elapidae) in Colombia and Perú

Abstract

Two snakebites by Micrurus ortoni in Colombia and one by M. hemprichii in Peru were reported. In two cases mild to moderate motor neurological affections was observed and, in all cases, there was a marked sensory effect with hyperesthesia and hyperalgesia radiating from the bite site to the entire ipsilateral half-body. As an additional finding, the sole patient who received antivenom (which did not correspond with the type of poison), developed equine serum sickness eight days after its application. The results of laboratory tests are presented and discussed, including an electromyographic study, the photographic record of the clinical manifestations and the causative agents.