Oriental Catfish (Plotosus lineatus) Spine Envenomation: A case report.
- Author:
Jin Woo JEONG
1
;
Seok Ran YEOM
;
Suck Ju CHO
;
Eun Kyoung KIM
Author Information
1. Department of Emergency Medicine, Pusan National University Hospital, Pusan, Korea. advanced@lifesupport.pe.kr
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
Oriental catfish;
Plotosus lineatus;
Envenomation;
Marine animal
- MeSH:
Adult;
Analgesics;
Animals;
Anti-Bacterial Agents;
Aquatic Organisms;
Bites and Stings;
Catfishes*;
Emergency Service, Hospital;
Fingers;
Fishes;
Forearm;
Hand;
Humans;
Immersion;
Male;
Marine Toxins;
Nerve Block;
Oceans and Seas;
Punctures;
Spine*;
Tetanus;
Thumb;
Wounds and Injuries
- From:Journal of the Korean Society of Emergency Medicine
2002;13(3):359-361
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
Although encounters with poisonous marine organisms occur predominantly in warm temperatures and tropical seas, dangerous marine animals are found as far north as 50degrees latitude. There are some 1000 catfish species inhabiting both fresh and salt waters; many of these fishes are capable of inflicting serious stings. The oriental catfish (Plotosus lineatus) possesses one of the most potent known marine toxins, and it is potentially lethal. We report a case of moderate envenomation by an oriental catfish. A 42-year-old male was stung by an oriental catfish. A puncture wound was noted on his left swollen thumb. He complained of severe pain in the hand and forearm, especially in the punctured finger. Initial management included hotwater immersion, tetanus prophylaxis, antibiotics, analgesics and digital nerve block. He was discharged after observation in the emergency department.
