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Home BYGL Bug Bytes May 8, 2008 SPIDER BITE: UNDENIABLE EVIDENCE!
SPIDER BITE: UNDENIABLE EVIDENCE! PDF Print E-mail

Curtis Young received a call from a resident of Hancock County who was concerned about a spider that had bitten her.  Curtis suspected that the diagnosis of a "spider bite" was a false accusation.  There was no doubt that an injury had occurred, but blaming a spider for the injury may have just been a convenient "scapegoat" when no other cause could be found.  Quite to the contrary, the caller assured Curtis that she was certain it was the spider that had inflicted the wound.  Her evidence was that the spider was still hanging on her impaled toe when she raised her foot to inspect the injury.  The spider was delivered to Curtis for identification.  It was a YELLOW SAC SPIDER (Cheiracanthium spp.).

Several species of sac spiders are suspected of being responsible for most indoor spider bites to humans.  As with most spiders, sac spiders typically do not bite unless they are trapped against the skin or provoked.  Sac spiders are among the few medically important spiders in the United States.  Sac spider venom is cytotoxic, causing tissues at the bite site to die (necrose).  Recluse spider venom also is cytotoxic; hence many victims, even doctors, mistakenly believe a brown recluse spider is responsible for some bites.  However, sac spider venom is not very toxic to humans.  Initially, the bite of a sac spider may result in sharp pain, although some persons do not experience any pain.  The bite seldom results in more than localized redness, a brief (30-60 minutes) burning sensation, and slight swelling at the site of the bite for a day or two.  Usually the reaction to a sac spider bite is mild and is no more severe than a bee sting.  As with bee venom, though, some individuals have more severe physiological reactions than others.  The other concern with any break of the skin is the introduction of bacteria through the wound, especially MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus).  All such wounds should be watched closely for potential infection.  If an infection develops, seek medical attention immediately.

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Last Updated ( Thursday, 08 May 2008 19:44 )
 

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