Bites and stings

Environmental health
Volume 171 - Issue 11

Funnel-web spider (Hadronyche infensa) envenomations in coastal south-east Queensland

Authors:  Anthony P Harrington, Robert J Raven, Paul C Bowe, Gabrielle M Hawdon and Kenneth D Winkel

Med J Aust 1999; 171 (11): 651-653.
Published online: 6 December 1999
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Bites and Stings

Funnel-web spider (Hadronyche infensa) envenomations in coastal south-east Queensland

Five patients with confirmed funnel-web spider bites (Hadronyche infensa) presented to Nambour General Hospital, in south-east Queensland, between 1992 and 1998. Two patients required antivenom; low doses of antivenom were effective. Patients were bitten in spring and early summer. In areas such as this, where funnel-web spider bites are reported less frequently than in New South Wales, clinicians and the community should be aware of the risks and immediate management of these bites.

Spider

Anthony P Harrington, Robert J Raven, Paul C Bowe, Gabrielle M Hawdon and Kenneth D Winkel

MJA 1999; 171: 651-653

Introduction - Clinical record - Discussion - Acknowledgements - References - Authors' details
- - More articles on Insects, bites and stings

Authors

  • Anthony P Harrington
  • Robert J Raven
  • Paul C Bowe
  • Gabrielle M Hawdon
  • Kenneth D Winkel

References

  1. Dieckmann J, Prebble J, McDonogh A, et al. Efficiency of funnel-web spider antivenom in human envenomation by Hadronyche species. Med J Aust 1989; 151: 706-707.
  2. Gray M. Distribution of funnel-web spiders. In: Covacevich J, Davie P, Pearn J, editors. Toxic plants and animals: a guide for Australia. Brisbane: Queensland Museum, 1987: 319.
  3. Hartman L, Sutherland S. Funnel-web spider (Atrax robustus) antivenom in the treatment of human envenomation. Med J Aust 1984; 141: 796-799.
  4. Sutherland S, Duncan A, Tibballs J. Local inactivation of funnel-web spider (Atrax robustus) venom by first aid measures: potentially lifesaving part of treatment. Med J Aust 1980; 2: 435-437.
  5. Sutherland S. Genus Atrax Cambridge, the funnel-web spiders. In: Australian animal toxins: the creatures, their toxins and care of the poisoned patient. Chapter 20. Melbourne: Oxford University Press; 1983: 255-298.
  6. Wilson D, Alewood P. HPLC/ES-MS fingerprinting of Australian funnel-web spider (genus Atrax and Hadronyche) venoms. In: From venoms to drugs. Inaugural conference abstract book, Heron Island, Queensland, Australia: 16-21 August 1998. Brisbane: University of Queensland, Centre for Drug Design and Development, 1998.
  7. Sutherland SK. Antivenom to the venom of the male Sydney funnel-web spider Atrax robustus: Preliminary report. Med J Aust 1980; 2: 437-441.

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