A Case of Brown Widow Envenomation in Central Florida

Abstract

Latrodectus geometricus, also known as the brown widow or brown button spider, is an unrenowned relative of the American black widow. While brown widow envenomation is generally thought of as mild, it does have the potential to lead to moderate or severe features similar to black widow bites. We report a case of brown widow envenomation that led to a moderate reaction including rash, local pain, pain radiating proximally in the extremity and nausea. Poison control was consulted for aid in spider identification. The patient was treated for pain control and muscle relaxation and monitored for eight hours. After proper tetanus prophylaxis, the patient was successfully discharged home with well-controlled, but continued mild symptoms. This case highlights a little-known, but clinically relevant species of widow spider with a wide distribution. Expeditious identification and treatment of brown widow bites can increase patient comfort, satisfaction, and discharge rates.

Bite envenomation by Latrodectus geometricus (Araneae: Theridiidae) spiders in Malaysia

“…geometricus is considered to be non-aggressive because when threatened, they will withdraw from their webs and exhibit prolonged thanatosis (Mullen & Durden, 2002;Goddard et al, 2008). However, lactrodectism due to L. geometricus, some with severe reactions, have been reported (Cardoso et al, 2003;Goddard et al, 2008;Almeida et al, 2009;Earwood et al, 2020). Despite the low average yield of venom produced by L. geometricus when compared against the other five Lactrodectus spp.…”

“…Treatment for widow spider bites, including brown widow, is based on the severity of the symptoms. Oral analgesics such as oxycodone/acetominophen or ibuprofen can be prescribed to alleviate the pain (Earwood et al, 2020). L. mactans antivenom is usually administered to the high-risk patient with severe latrodectism (Goddard et al, 2008).…”

“…Its legs differ in length; with few spines on the tibiae and metatarsi, and the tarsus tapers towards the tip of its leg (Koh & Leong, 2013). It also has a yellow-orange or red-orange hourglass-shaped marking on the ventral abdomen, rather than bright red of the black widows (Koh & Leong, 2013;Earwood et al, 2020). In addition, L. geometricus is the only known spider egg sacs with spherical-spikey shape (de Luna et al, 2020).…”

A history of accidental widow spider (genus Latrodectus ) introductions on the island of Ireland with a new irish record for Latrodectus hesperus (Chamberlin and Ivie, 1935), and additional records of Latrodectus geometricus (C.L. Koch, 1841).

“…To date, there have been no human deaths resulting from envenoming by S. nobilis or L. geometricus. While most bites result in mild symptoms, envenomings from both species have resulted in hospitalisations for symptoms such as debilitating pain, nausea, vomiting, cramps or vectored bacterial infection in the case of some S. nobilis envenomings (Almeida et al 2009;Dunbar et al 2018a;Dunbar et al 2022b;Earwood et al 2020;Goddard et al 2008). On the other hand, envenoming by Latrodectus hesperus can lead to severe systemic symptoms (Clark et al 1992;Nelsen et al 2014).…”

De Novo Transcriptome Analysis of the Venom of Latrodectus geometricus with the Discovery of an Insect-Selective Na Channel Modulator

“…It can be found in agricultural areas, garages, and even houses. There is no surprise that cases of L. geometricus spider envenomation have been reported [ 7 , 8 , 9 ]. Therefore, Latrodectus is considered one of the most dangerous spider genera to humans and animals.…”