Keywords
Mediterranean spider
bites
human
clinic cases
Spain
Guidelines
How to Cite
Abstract
Despite the bad reputation of spiders, the reality is that their bites occur accidentally and are only dangerous in a very limited number of cases. However, in recent years, there has been a significant increase in spider bite cases in Spain, mainly attributed to the species Loxosceles rufescens (Dufour,1820), commonly known as the Mediterranean recluse spider. Its cytotoxic, proteolytic, and hemolytic venom can cause skin lesions and lead to a clinical condition known as loxoscelism. In this study, we present four human cases of presumed L. rufescens bites in Mallorca, Gerona, and Bizkaia, each with different clinical manifestations and outcomes. Additionally, a brief review is provided on other bite cases, L. rufescens, identification, habitat, biology, monitoring, and integrated control, and medical treatment. The main objective of this article is to provide objective information about these arachnids, whose presence is becoming increasingly evident, and to raise awareness in society and alert authorities to the need to include this species in urban pest surveillance and control programs. This is crucial due to its impact on public health in both private and public spheres.
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