Snakebites in Northeastern Brazil: accessing clinical-epidemiological profile as a strategy to deal with Neglected Tropical Diseases

Author(s)

Sâmia Caroline Melo Araújo ^[1] ; Joseneide Teixeira Câmara ^[2] ; Thaís B. Guedes

Affiliation

^[1] Universidade Estadual do Maranhão. Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biodiversidade, Ambiente e Saúde - Brasil

^[2] Universidade Estadual do Maranhão. Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biodiversidade, Ambiente e Saúde - Brasil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Revista da Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical; v. 56, 2023-10-06.

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: Brazil ranks first in the number of snakebites in South America. A detailed analysis of these cases is required to improve the public health planning. In this study, we retrospectively examined the clinical and epidemiological profiles of snakebites in Maranhão between January 2009 and December 2019. Methods: Data were obtained from the compulsory notification forms provided by the Health Department of Maranhão. Results: A total of 17,658 cases were recorded during the study period. Most of the bites were from snakes belonging to the genus Bothrops. Medical care was mostly within three hours after the bite. Most cases were classified as mild and most victims recovered; however, 139 deaths were recorded. Most bites occurred among people aged 20-39 years, mainly among rural workers. The most frequent local clinical manifestations were pain, edema, and ecchymosis. The most common systemic clinical manifestations include neuroparalysis, vagal syndrome, and myolysis. Most snakebites occurred between January and March. The municipalities with the highest number of notifications were Buriticupu (936 cases), Arame (705 cases), and Grajaú (627 cases). Conclusions: The clinical profile of snakebites in Maranhão is similar to that observed in other states of Northeast Brazil. However, we found that some systemic manifestations are not compatible with the etiology of snakebites, which leads us to believe that the problem could be the lack of knowledge of the health professionals at the site of envenomation, who may not be ready for attendance, and an important lack of health centers with snake antivenom to treat snakebites. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 22/09428-2 - Evolution and Biogeography of the herpetofauna: patterns, process and implications for conservation in a scenario of environmental and climate changes
• Grantee: Thaís Barreto Guedes da Costa
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Young Researchers
• FAPESP's process: 21/07161-6 - Evolution and biogeography of the herpetofauna: patterns, process and implications for conservation in a scenario of environmental and climate changes
• Grantee: Thaís Barreto Guedes da Costa
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Young Investigators Grants