The use of antibiotics in venomous snake bite
Date First Published:
August 21, 2000
Last Updated:
January 10, 2002
Report by:
Polly Terry, SpR in Emergency Medicine (Manchester Royal Infirmary)
Search checked by:
Kevin Mackway-Jones, Manchester Royal Infirmary
Three-Part Question:
In [well adults who have been bitten by a venomous snake] do [prophylactic antibiotics] reduce [the incidence of infection]?
Clinical Scenario:
A 26 year old man attends the emergency department having been bitten on his right hand 30 minutes previously by his pet a venomous snake. Examination reveals extensive swelling of his forearm with lymphangitis, hypotension and gingival bleeding. He has no relevant previous medical history and is fully anti – tetanus immunised. You know there is the potential for infection from the snakes fangs and oropharynx, as well as contamination from the victim's skin and clothing. You thoroughly clean the wound with local wound toilet, and are happy that there is no fang left in situ. You wonder if prophylactic antibiotics are indicated to reduce the risk of infection.
Search Strategy:
Medline 1966–11/01 using the OVID interface.
Search Details:
(exp snake bites OR snake bite$.mp) AND (exp Antibiotics OR anti-biotics OR antibiotic$.mp) LIMIT to human AND English.
Outcome:
60 papers of which 3 were relevant to the original question.
Relevant Paper(s):
| Study Title | Patient Group | Study type (level of evidence) | Outcomes | Key results | Study Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The incidence of Wound Infection Following Crotalid Envenomation. Clark RF, Selden BS, Furbee B. 1993, USA | 54 patients who attended with crotalid (rattlesnake) envonamations observed for signs of infection Data available for 41 |
Prospective observational study | Presence of infection | 3% pts without antibiotics developed an infection, compared with 22% (2/9) who were receiving antibiotics | Follow up involved telephone consultation as well as direct observation Very small numbers |
| Antibiotic Prophylaxis for Pit Viper Envenomation: Prospective, Controlled Trial. Kerrigan KR, Mertz BL, Nelson SJ et al. 1997, Ecuador | 114 pts – 59 randomly assigned to receive antibiotics |
PRCT | Presence of infection as shown by abscess formation | 10.2% of treated patients developed abscesses compared with 5.5% of the untreated P = 0.558 | No blinding Not controlled for other variables e.g. anti venin administration or surgical debridement Initiation of antibiotic treatment delayed |
| Antibiotic Use and Infection in Snakebite Victims. Blaylock RS. 1999, South Africa | 363 patients presenting with snake bites – both venomous and non venomous (12%) (310 files available) requiring admission to hospital with swelling | Prospective trial | % receiving antiobiotics | 84.8% of pts received no antibiotics | Not PRCT ?Comparable groups Extrapolation and interpretation of results is controversial Very little raw result data provided |
| Compared the length of stay in the 2 groups, (antibiotics vs no antibiotics) further subdivided and analysed depending on main symptomatology – swelling, weakness | No difference in length of stay between the groups - this is interpreted as reflecting no difference in infection rate |
Author Commentary:
Most of the trials involved small numbers and were affected by the use of antivenin, which in itself has antibactericidal activity. There is concern that use of antibiotics prophylacticaly will have little impact on further infection but may give rise to side effects, is not cost effective and may select out more resistant organisms. These studies again confirm the low event rate for infection following snakebite from venomous snakes.
Bottom Line:
Prophylactic antibiotics are not required in snake bites from venomous snakes.
References:
- Clark RF, Selden BS, Furbee B.. The incidence of Wound Infection Following Crotalid Envenomation.
- Kerrigan KR, Mertz BL, Nelson SJ et al.. Antibiotic Prophylaxis for Pit Viper Envenomation: Prospective, Controlled Trial.
- Blaylock RS.. Antibiotic Use and Infection in Snakebite Victims.