VENOMOUS BITES AND STINGS

Bramuel Kisuya, Department of Human Pathology,

Egerton University
 Introduction

Venomous bites and stings pose a

considerable public health concern
globally, including Kenya, where a
diverse range of flora and fauna
coexists in a tropical environment.

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 Bee Stings
Bee stings are not random events but a defensive tactic of female worker bees. Their
stingers, equipped with venom, are swiftly deployed when perceiving a threat. The
venom is a complex blend of enzymes, peptides, and histamine-releasing compounds.
Bee stings lead to immediate pain, redness, swelling, and itching at the sting site.
Allergic individuals may experience systemic reactions ranging from mild symptoms
like hives to severe anaphylaxis, characterized by difficulty breathing and loss of
consciousness.
Swift stinger removal reduces venom injection. Cold compresses alleviate local
symptoms, while corticosteroids and antihistamines offer relief. For systemic reactions,
epinephrine is central, accompanied by bronchodilators and corticosteroids as needed.
Awareness in outdoor settings and avoidance of floral scents minimize the risk of bee
encounters. Wearing light-colored clothing further reduces attraction to bees.

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 Wasp Stings
Wasp stings are a defensive mechanism involving a stinger connected to venom
sacs within the Hymenoptera order. The venom is a complex mixture of enzymes,
peptides, and histamine-releasing compounds.
Wasp stings cause immediate pain, redness, swelling, and warmth. Allergic
individuals may experience urticaria and angioedema, with rare cases progressing
to anaphylaxis, marked by severe symptoms like difficulty breathing and loss of
consciousness.
Effective management involves removing the stinger promptly, cleansing the
sting site, and applying cold compresses. Antihistamines relieve itching, while
systemic reactions require immediate epinephrine administration.
Minimize the risk of wasp stings by being cautious in their frequented areas,
avoiding provocation, wearing protective clothing, and being cautious with sugary
foods outdoors.

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 Spider Bites
Spider bites result from arachnid self-defense mechanisms, where spiders
use fangs to inject venom, consisting of proteins, enzymes, and peptides with
distinct roles in prey capture and self-preservation.
Spider bites lead to immediate pain, swelling, and redness, with severe cases
causing itching and necrotic lesions. Systemic responses may include fever,
chills, headaches, muscle pain, and, in certain cases, neurological effects due
to neurotoxins.
Managing spider bites involves local care like cleaning and using cold
compresses, along with systemic interventions such as analgesics and
antihistamines. In severe cases, antivenom may be considered based on spider
identification. Prevent spider bites through awareness, minimizing exposure,
and taking precautionary measures. Be cautious in spider-frequented areas,
use protective gear, and maintain cleanliness to reduce the likelihood of
spider encounters.

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 Crab Stings
Crab stings lack venom but pose a challenge due to potential bacterial introduction
during defensive claw encounters. These incidents occur when crabs feel threatened,
delivering pinches or small puncture wounds.
Crab stings result in immediate sharp pain, swelling, and redness. Secondary
infections are a major concern due to the potential entry point for bacteria through
broken skin.
Manage crab stings by addressing immediate pain and inflammation, and preventing
or treating infections. Clean the wound promptly, apply antiseptic ointment, use cold
compresses, and administer antibiotics if signs of infection emerge.
Prevent crab stings through awareness, protective measures, and prompt wound care.
Exercise caution when handling crabs, wear protective footwear in rocky areas, and
ensure careful handling to minimize direct contact with their claws. Swift cleaning and
treatment of wounds are crucial for reducing infection risk and ensuring a speedy
recovery.

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 Snake Bites
Snake bites result from venomous serpents deploying fangs, injecting a complex
mixture into victims. Snake venom, a biological arsenal, contains neurotoxins,
cytotoxins, hemotoxins, each with distinct effects on the human body.
Snake bites cause immediate pain, swelling, and bruising at the bite site.
Generalized symptoms include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and weakness.
Neurological effects may lead to blurred vision, difficulty speaking, and paralysis
in severe cases.
Manage snake bites with immediate care, antivenom administration, and
supportive measures like pain management and monitoring. Immobilize the
affected limb, remove tight clothing, and clean the bite site.
Prevent snake bites through awareness, protective measures, and habitat
modification. Understand snake habitats, use sturdy footwear, and modify living
spaces by keeping them clear and sealing potential entry points.

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 QUESTION ONE
What is the main component of bee venom responsible for
disrupting cell membranes and inducing cellular damage?
A. Hyaluronidase
B. Histamine
C. Phospholipase
D. Melittin
E. Epinephrine

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 QUESTION TWO
Which allergic reaction to bee stings can escalate into
anaphylaxis, marked by difficulty breathing and loss of
consciousness?
A. Localized itching
B. Hives and swelling
C. Redness and warmth
D. Mild pain
E. Itching and necrotic lesions
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 QUESTION THREE
What is the recommended method to remove a bee stinger to
minimize venom injection?
A. Pulling it out quickly
B. Scraping horizontally
C. Twisting it gently
D. Applying heat
E. Ignoring it

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 QUESTION FOUR
Which component of wasp venom can prompt symptoms
like fever, chills, headaches, and muscle pain in systemic
reactions?
A. Enzymes
B. Histamine-releasing compounds
C. Peptides
D. Epinephrine
E. Melittin
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 QUESTION FIVE
Spider venom can contain neurotoxins, enzymes, and
peptides. What may be a consequence of spider bites
involving neurotoxins?
A. Localized pain
B. Swelling and redness
C. Necrotic lesions
D. Difficulty breathing
E. Muscle pain
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 QUESTION SIX
Spider venom contains a variety of components, including neurotoxins.
What clinical manifestation may indicate the presence of neurotoxins after
a spider bite?
A. Immediate pain and swelling
B. Urticaria and angioedema
C. Blurred vision and paralysis
D. Localized discomfort
E. Necrotic lesions

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EU CATALOGUE
PATH 302: Medical Entomology (15/30/0: C.F 2.0)
(Y3T2)
Medically important vectors of parasitic infections;
Ecology, physiology, population biodynamics,
vectoral capacity and control; Ectoparasites: blow
flies, bot flies, venomous bites and stings;
Laboratory methods: Collection, handling of
clinical specimens, identification of pathogenic
organisms.
MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY [PATH 302]-VENOMOUS BITES AND STINGS
KMPDU DESCRIPTION
Medical entomology
• Medically important vectors of parasitic
infections
• Ecology, physiology, population
biodynamics, vectoral capacity and control
• Ectoparasites, lice, scabies mites, blow flies,
bot flies, venomous bites and stings
• Laboratory methods: Collection, handling of
clinical specimens, identification of pathogenic
organisms.
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 STUDY TOPICS
1) Introduction to medical entomology
2) Mosquitoes
3) Tsetse flies
4) Sand flies and Triatomine bugs
5) Blackflies and Chrysops
6) Lice and Fleas
7) Bed bugs and Cockroaches
8) Ticks
9) Flies and Myiasis
10) Venomous bites and stings
MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY [PATH 302]-VENOMOUS BITES AND STINGS 15