Ophitoxaemia- An Experience from North Kerala

Abstract

Ophitoxaemia is an exotic term that describes the clinical spectrum of snake bite envenomation. Of the 3000 species of snakes distributed world-wide, about 500 are venomous. Snake bite remains a major public health problem in many developing countries even though it is difficult to estimate the actual number of cases due to poor reporting system.

Aim: To find out the profile of venomous snake bites admitted to a North Kerala hospital from April 2002 to June 2007.

Study design: Retrospective descriptive study of all cases during the study period.

Conclusion: Most cases of venomous snake bites can successfully be managed at secondary care level with rationale use of anti snake venom.