Latrodectus mactans (black widow spider)
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Epidemiology
- endemic in southern & western US.
- males & juvenile spiders do not bite
- higher summer temperatures correlate with higher potency of venom
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Pathology
- venom contains an alpha-latrotoxin that causes neurologic & autonomic dysfunction
- reactions are generally mild & local
- systemic symptoms (lactrodectism) include abdominal cramping, hypertension, nausea, perspiration, urinary retention
More general terms
Additional terms
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Grimm L Medically Significant Spider Bites: Which to Watch Out For, Medscape. July 25, 2023 https://reference.medscape.com/slideshow/venomous-spiders-31606