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Case Reports
. 2023 May-Jun;50(3):245-249.
doi: 10.1097/WON.0000000000000963.

Treatment of a Snakebite Injury With Secondary Bacterial Infection: A Case Study

Jacqueline de Almeida Gonçalves Sachett  1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8 , Samara Sousa Carvalho Vieira  1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8 , Frandison Gean Souza Soares  1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8 , João Arthur Alcântara  1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8 , Hanna Beatriz de Souza Carvalho  1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8 , Eliana Marques Gomes da Silva  1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8 , Iran Mendonça da Silva  1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8 , Wuelton Marcelo Monteiro  1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8
Affiliations
Case Reports

Treatment of a Snakebite Injury With Secondary Bacterial Infection: A Case Study

Jacqueline de Almeida Gonçalves Sachett et al. J Wound Ostomy Continence Nurs. 2023 May-Jun.

Abstract

Background: Pit viper snakebites are challenging as they often cause tissue injury and secondary bacterial infection that may impair full recovery of the affected limb. We describe the evolution of a snakebite injury with secondary infection and the use of specialized dressings to achieve tissue repair and complete closure of the wound.

Case: Ms E., a 45-year-old woman, was bitten by a pit viper that began as a small lesion and progressed to necrosis, cellulitis, edema, and hyperemia of the perilesional skin, local inflammation, and infection. We implemented a combination of topical hydrogel therapy with calcium alginate and hydrofiber with 1.2% silver to promote autolytic debridement, combat local infection, and provide a moist wound environment. The wound required daily local treatment for 2 months due to extensive tissue damage, combined with the proteolytic action of the bothropic venom.

Conclusion: The care of wounds caused by snakebites is a challenge for the health care team due to tissue loss resulting from the action of the venom and secondary bacterial infection. Close follow-up with the use of systemic antibiotics and topical therapies proved effective in minimizing tissue loss in this case.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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