Anaphylactoid reaction and tissue damage following bite by Atractaspis Engaddensis

Abstract

Atractaspis engaddensis Haas, was described as a species in 1950. Only one case report following bite by this viper had previously been published. The authors describe 3 further cases. In 2 there was marked local tissue necrosis, the third suffered from a severe anaphylactoid reaction and all showed some further damage to internal organs. A. engaddensis was shown to be potentially lethal in one case. It is suggested that the venom of A. engaddensis may differ from that of other burrowing vipers with respect to it necrotizing components. The geographical distribution of the snake is briefly discussed.