A snakebite caused by a bushmaster (Lachesis muta): report of a confirmed case in State of Pernambuco, Brazil

• Main Authors: Pedro Henrique Santana de Lima, Vidal Haddad Junior
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical (SBMT) 2015-10-01
• Series: Revista da Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical
• Subjects: Bushmaster; Snakebite; Lachesis; Bites and stings; Venomous animals
• Online Access: http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0037-86822015000500636&lng=en&tlng=en

ABSTRACTWe report a case of envenomation caused by a bushmaster ( Lachesis muta) in a male child in State of Pernambuco, Brazil. The victim showed discrete local manifestations, but presented altered blood coagulation 2 hours after the bite. Ten ampoules of bothropic-lachetic antivenom therapy were administered, and 48 hours later, the patient showed discrete edema, pain, and ecchymosis around the bite and normal blood coagulation. The patient was discharged 5 days after the envenomation. The prompt administration of specific treatment was important for the favorable outcomes observed.