Stonefish envenomation--a lucky outcome

Travel Med Infect Dis. 2006 Sep;4(5):281-5. doi: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2005.09.001. Epub 2005 Oct 25.

Abstract

Stonefish are one of the most intriguing examples of a perilous marine inhabitant. Equipped with a sophisticated defence mechanism, 13 dorsal spines armed with one of the most toxic fish venoms, against its natural foes, it lays perfectly camouflaged under the sand in shallow waters. Unsuspicious bypassers can be in for a deadly surprise as several fatalities, even after minor injuries, have been reported. We present an unlucky patient who sustained a single puncture wound causing her tremendous pain immediately. Surprisingly she did not develop complications after a considerable delay in receiving medical care. A review of the literature gives a brief account of pathophysiolology, complications and treatment.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antivenins / therapeutic use
  • Bites and Stings / complications*
  • Bites and Stings / diagnosis
  • Diving
  • Female
  • Fish Venoms / poisoning*
  • Fishes, Poisonous*
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Travel

Substances

  • Antivenins
  • Fish Venoms
  • stonustoxin