Latrodectus hasselti (redback spider)

Epidemiology

• endemic throughout Australia
• has a dorsal red stripe
• females responsible for all significant bites

Pathology

• venom causes local pain & erythema
• two fang marks may be seen on skin
• lymphatic drainagevof venomv in the axilla or groin may involve an entire limb
• systemic symptoms include nausea/vomiting, abdominal pain, headache, migratory arthralgias
  • hypertension, fever, tachycardia, weakness, facsciculation & paralysis in 1/3 of cases
  • myocarditis, rhabdomyolysis rare

More general terms

• spider

Additional terms

• spider bite