Poisons and poisonous snakes and ophidism in Guatemala
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54495/Rev.Cientifica.v9i2.379Keywords:
poisons, poisonous snakes, ophidism, GuatemalaAbstract
Snake bites in Guatemala are caused mainly by species of the Viperidae family. The venoms of snakes belonging to this family are characterized by causing a pronounced lethal effect consisting of pain, edema, ecchymosis, hemorrhagic phlycthemas and tissue necrosis, which frequently causes sequelae such as tissue loss or amputation of the affected limb. The pathogenesis has been attributed to the myotoxic effect, hemorrhagic action, local ischemia resulting from compression and proteolytic activity. As in other regions of the world, snake bites are practically restricted to agricultural workers and occasionally hunters and snake handlers. The incidence of bites throughout the year is variable and is related to the type of agricultural activity in each region, being generally higher during land preparation, harvesting and in the rainy season. The research consisted of the following stages: 1.1 Lexicological characterization of the venoms of the species Bpthrpps aspee (yellow beard), Bothrops nummifer (stone hand) and Crptalus dunssus durissus (rattlesnake). 1.2 Epidemiology of snakebite accidents: A retrospective study of 851 patients was carried out, in the period from 1988 to 1993 in six departments of the republic, finding that 32.66% were caused by B. aspee, 3.52% by Crptalus durissus durissus, 4.7% by B. gpdmanii (cantil) and in 58% the causal agent was not identified. 1.3 Determination of the degree of knowledge about snake bites by medical personnel. It was determined that only 24.8 percent have an acceptable level (average of 1.4 out of 30 points). Guidelines will be developed for identifying the causal species and treatment of snake bites.Downloads
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Copyright (c) 1994 A.M Valdés de García, S. Chuy, O. Lara, P. Torres, C. Escobedo, G. Ibarra
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