Weevers (Trachinidae) stings in European seas: Double case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Trachinus draco (a); Echiichthys vipera, the arrows indicate the spiniform rays of the first dorsal fin and the spine of the operculum (b); envenomation caused by Trachinus draco in a 10-year-old boy. Note the presence of the small puncture in the fifth finger, characterized by ecchymosis (directly induced by the venom) and by an erythematous and swelling surrounding skin (c); envenomation by Echiichthys vipera in a 43-year-old man, that caused ecchymosis and blistering, involving the whole finger (d). Photocredits: Marco Colombo (a); Rudolf Svensen (b); Verity Freeman (c); Alan Deidun (d).

Venomous Bites, Stings and Poisoning by European Vertebrates as an Overlooked and Emerging Medical Problem: Recognition, Clinical Aspects and Therapeutic Management

“…Members of this family present characteristic spines on the opercula and on the first dorsal fin, through which they can inject venom into the body of their attackers/predators ( Figure 4 A) [ 69 ]. A recent work indicates almost 40 patients stung by the weever in Europe [ 70 ], suggesting that Trachinidae is the fish family causing the highest number of envenomations [ 71 , 72 , 73 , 74 , 75 , 76 , 77 , 78 , 79 , 80 , 81 , 82 , 83 , 84 , 85 , 86 , 87 , 88 , 89 , 90 ].…”

“…Tetanus immunization status should always be evaluated and immunization provided as needed. Anti-inflammatory (steroidal or non-steroidal) treatment can be provided to reduce pain, erythema and swelling [ 70 ].…”

“…Inhabiting the sandy bottoms of Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans, members of this family also inhabit the Mediterranean and the Red and Black Seas [ 94 , 95 ]. Stargazer fish are distinguishable for having the eyes located on top of their heads and for possessing two venomous spines, one per gill operculum ( Figure 4 B) [ 68 , 68 , 69 , 70 , 71 , 72 , 73 , 74 , 75 , 76 , 77 , 78 , 79 , 80 , 81 , 82 , 83 , 84 , 85 , 86 , 87 , 88 , 89 , 90 , 91 , 92 , 93 , 94 , 96 , 97 , 98 ]. Despite the presence of several case reports in the web [ 99 ], it should be noted that the actual presence of venom in stargazer fish spines is sometimes still questioned (see [ 100 ]) and that reports concerning envenomations caused by members of the family Uranoscopidae in the official literature appear to be lacking.…”