Tegu (teiu) bite: report of human injury caused by a Teiidae lizard

Wilderness Environ Med. 2008 Summer;19(2):111-3. doi: 10.1580/07-WEME-CR-1172.1.

Abstract

Lizards of the Teiidae family are large reptiles measuring up to 2 meters long. If threatened, they can demonstrate aggressive behavior by whipping their tail and occasionally biting. Here, we report a severe injury following a Teiidae lizard bite on the right index finger of a human. There was significant soft tissue damage and an avulsion fracture of the distal phalanx. He was treated with conservative wound care and prophylactic antibiotics. He developed no evidence of secondary infection and underwent delayed skin grafting.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Animals
  • Bites and Stings / complications*
  • Finger Injuries / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Lizards*
  • Male
  • Soft Tissue Injuries / surgery*
  • Treatment Outcome