Snakebites in the Central American Region: More Government Attention Required.

Abstract

A review was conducted on snakebites in Central America. Information was extracted using the databases of PubMed, SciELO, and LILACS. Information included retrospective studies, case reports, and case series; in this way, valuable information was retrieved from limited sources. The identified studies comprised those discussing envenoming snakebites. Several species were identified, but three of them had major epidemiological features impacting envenoming by snakebites: Bothrops asper, Crotalus simus, and Micrurus sp. Adolescents and young adult males living in rural areas and engaged in agricultural activities were identified as the main victims of snakebites by clinical records. Symptoms of local damage in the bite sites included edema and skin and muscle necrosis. In addition, the cardiovascular system was affected, with symptoms like hypotension, bleeding, and coagulation disorders. Neurotoxicity causing sensitivity and motricity problems was also reported. For El Salvador, accidents caused by Crotalus simus and Micrurus spp. were given more attention due to their greater relevance. The role of Bothrops species was more relevant in the envenoming reported by other countries. Treatment was found to be provided based on antivenoms produced in Costa Rica, and the recovery of the patients depended on the time elapsed between the accident and the initial treatment in the healthcare system.