Bite by Bothrops pictus in an adult patient from a district in Lima: a case report

• Autores: Atencio Paulino, Joel Isaac, Galarza Caceres, Deivi Nick, Crispin Ayala, Jhonatan, Bendezu Meza, Jeampier, Sanabria Huamán, Alvaro Daniel
• Formato: artículo
• Fecha de Publicación: 2025
• Institución: Universidad de San Martín de Porres
• Repositorio: Horizonte médico
• Lenguaje: español
• OAI Identifier: oai:horizontemedico.usmp.edu.pe:article/2812
• Enlace del recurso: https://www.horizontemedico.usmp.edu.pe/index.php/horizontemed/article/view/2812
• Nivel de acceso: acceso abierto
• Materia: Snake Bites; Bothrops; Public Health; Peru; Mordeduras de Serpientes; Salud Pública; Perú

Snakebites, particularly those from the genus Bothrops spp., represent a public health concernin Latin America due to their high incidence and significant clinical variability. We present thecase of a 44-year-old male patient, a gardener by occupation, who was bitten on the left thirdfinger by a snake in Cieneguilla. Initially, no antivenom was available at the nearest health center;therefore, he was transferred to Hospital Edgardo Rebagliati Martins on the same day. Despitereceiving immediate medical attention and antivenom treatment upon arrival at the hospital, hedeveloped common local symptoms such as pain, edema, and ecchymosis, but did not exhibit anysevere long-term complications. Although the patient did not present with serious complications,the variability in the clinical presentation of snakebites can complicate their management,highlighting the importance of individualized evaluation and treatment. The patient experienceda favorable recovery and was discharged after six days, with no complications. This case pointsout the importance of prompt medical attention and access to antivenom, especially in areaswhere snakebites are endemic. In addition, it underscores the need for increased communityeducation on local species and bite prevention, particularly for agricultural workers who facea higher risk. The definitive diagnosis of ophidism caused by Bothrops pictus, recorded in themedical history, was made based on the characteristic clinical presentation, laboratory findings, the snake’s features described by the patient, and the geographic-epidemiological characteristics.