Epidemiologic, clinical, and therapeutic aspects of formally identified Echis romani bites in northern Cameroon.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Species of the genus Echis, particularly those of the 'ocellatus' group, are responsible for the majority of snakebite envenomations and deaths in the savannas of sub-Saharan Africa. In a clinical study conducted in Cameroon, we treated a series of patients bitten by formally identified E. romani. The clinical outcomes are described and discussed.

Methodology/principal findings

Specimens brought in by the victim were identified by a herpetologist. Clinical description and therapeutic management followed a standardized protocol applied by trained physicians. We included 92 patients, 95% of whom (n = 87) were envenomated. More than one third of the bites occurred during agricultural work, and one quarter in the victim's home. The bite site was the foot in 48 victims

SUBMITTER: Chippaux JP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12303315 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature