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Afroz A, Siddiquea BN, Chowdhury HA, Jackson TNW, Watt AD. Snakebite envenoming: A systematic review and meta-analysis of global morbidity and mortality. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2024; 18:e0012080. [PMID: 38574167 PMCID: PMC11020954 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0012080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Snakebite envenoming represents a significant and often neglected public health challenge, particularly in rural communities across tropical and subtropical regions. An estimated 1.2-5.5 million people are envenomed by snakebites annually. More than 125,000 of these bites are fatal, and 3-4 times as many results in disability/disfigurement. Despite its prevalence, collecting accurate epidemiological data on snakebite is challenging. This systematic review and meta-analysis collates global epidemiology data on snakebite morbidity and mortality. METHODS Medline, Embase, Cochrane and CINAHL Plus databases were searched for articles published between 2001-2022. Pooled incidence and mortality were obtained using random effects modelling, heterogeneity (I2) was tested, and sensitivity analyses performed. Newcastle-Ottawa Scale assessed study quality. RESULTS Out of the four databases, 5,312 articles were found. After removing duplicates, 3,953 articles were screened by title and abstract and 65 articles containing information on snakebite epidemiology, encompassing 663,460 snakebites, were selected for analysis. The people most at risk for snakebite were men (59%), engaged in agricultural labour (27.5%), and residing in rural areas (66.7%). More than half (57%) of the reported bites resulted in envenoming. Incidents occurred frequently in the summer season (38.5%), during daytime (56.7%), and bites were most often to the lower limb (56.4%). Envenoming severity was frequently mild (46.7%), treated in hospital (68.3%), and was treated with anti-venom (64.7%). The pooled global incidence and mortality was 69.4 /100,000 population (95%CI: 36.8 to 101.9) and 0.33/100,000 population (95%CI, 0.14 to 0.52) per year, respectively. Stratified by continents, Asia had the highest incidence of 130.7/100,000 population (95%CI: 48.3 to 213.1) while Europe has the lowest with 0.7/100,000 population (95%CI: -0.2 to 1.5). The highest mortality was reported in Asia at 0.96/100,000 population (95% CI: 0.22 to 1.70), and Africa 0.44/100,000 population (95%CI: -0.03 to 0.84). Incidence was highest among inhabitants of lower-middle-income countries 132.7/100,000 population (95%CI: 55.4 to 209.9) while mortality was highest in low-income countries at 0.85/100,000 population (95% CI: -0.06 to 2.31). CONCLUSION Incidence and mortality rates noted here highlight the global impact of snakebite and underscore the critical need to address the burden of snakebite envenoming. It also reveals that while reported snakebite incidence was higher in lower-middle-income countries, the burden of mortality was greatest among inhabitants of low-income countries, again emphasising the need for greater efforts to tackle this neglected tropical disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afsana Afroz
- Australian Venom Research Unit, Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Bodrun Naher Siddiquea
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Hasina Akhter Chowdhury
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Timothy NW Jackson
- Australian Venom Research Unit, Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Andrew D. Watt
- Australian Venom Research Unit, Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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Gupta PP, Bhandari R, Bhandari R, Sarraf DP, Malla G. Presentation, treatment profiles, and outcome of snake bite patients presented in emergency department at a tertiary hospital in Eastern Nepal. J Family Med Prim Care 2024; 13:1037-1041. [PMID: 38736788 PMCID: PMC11086815 DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1470_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Snake bite is one of the most common animal bites in Nepal. Different species of snake cause different clinical presentations. The incidence of snakebite is very high in rural Nepal. The objectives were to assess the presenting pattern, demographic profile, outcome, and treatment profiles of snakebite victims admitted to the emergency ward. Materials and Methods A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted among the patients who presented in emergency department with alleged history of snake bites from 2015 to 2016. The patient's record files were reviewed and the relevant data were recorded on a self-designed proforma. Descriptive statistics were calculated using SPSS version 11.5. Results Out of 137 snakebite victims, 73 (53.3%) were female. The mean age was 35.17 ± 18.27 years. The upper limb (59%) was the most common site for snake bites followed by the lower limb (35.1%). Fifty patients (36.2%) were bitten by snakes during night (20.00-2.59 AM). Twenty-eight (20.4%) patients presented with ptosis as the most common sign and symptom followed by diplopia (15.3%). Out of 137 patients, 39 (28.5%) were admitted, 65 (47.4%) discharged, and 12 (8.8%) patients expired. Antisnake venom was given to 30 patients among which 23 patients (76.7%) were improved. Conclusions Snake bite is one of the major problems in rural Nepal. It can be easily managed if treatment is given properly and in a timely manner. The importance of effective first aid management and effective treatment have to be disseminated among the peoples in rural areas via social media and radio.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pramendra Prasad Gupta
- Department of General Practice and Emergency Medicine, B. P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal
| | - Rabin Bhandari
- Department of General Practice and Emergency Medicine, B. P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal
| | - Rupak Bhandari
- Department of General Practice and Emergency Medicine, B. P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal
| | - Deependra P. Sarraf
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, B. P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal
| | - Gyanendra Malla
- Department of General Practice and Emergency Medicine, B. P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal
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Tianyi FL, Oluoch GO, Otundo D, Ofwete R, Ngari C, Trelfa A, Ahmed S, Wang D, Smith M, Meta V, Casewell NR, Lalloo DG, Harrison RA, Stienstra Y. Snakebite prevalence and risk factors in a nomadic population in Samburu County, Kenya: A community-based survey. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2024; 18:e0011678. [PMID: 38165835 PMCID: PMC10760648 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/04/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Snakebite is an important public health concern, especially in tropical areas, but the true burden remains unclear due to sub-optimal reporting and over-reliance on health facility-based data. METHODS A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted in Samburu County, Kenya from December 2019 to March 2020. Geospatial techniques were used to create a sampling frame of all households in Samburu County and a multistage cluster sampling strategy to select households and recruit study participants. Five year prevalence and mortality rates were estimated, the characteristics and circumstances of snakebite were described, and multilevel logistic regression models were built to identify independent risk factors for snakebite. RESULTS We recruited 3,610 individuals living in 875 households from 30 clusters. The 5-year prevalence of snakebite was 2.2% (95% CI 1.4%-3.4%), and the 5-year mortality rate was 138 (95% CI 44-322) deaths per 100,000 inhabitants, resulting in an estimated 1,406 snakebites and 88 deaths from snakebites per year in Samburu County. Snakebite incidents often occurred at night between 9pm and 6 am (44%, n = 36), and the participants were mostly walking/playing outdoors (51%, n = 41) or sleeping (32%, n = 27) when they were bitten. Lower household socioeconomic status and smaller numbers of people per house were significant independent risk factors. CONCLUSION Samburu County has a high snakebite burden and the most victims are bitten while sleeping or walking outdoors at night. Snakebite prevention and health promotion programs in Samburu County, and other endemic regions, need to be contextualised and consider the geographic, seasonal, and temporal specificities found in our study. Our findings also have implications for health care delivery, especially identification of the need for night-time staffing with expertise in snakebite management and antivenom availability to better manage patients and thereby improve outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank-Leonel Tianyi
- Centre for Snakebite Research and Interventions, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - George O. Oluoch
- Centre for Snakebite Research and Interventions, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Kenya Snakebite Research and Intervention Centre, Kenya Institute of Primate Research, Ministry of Health, Karen, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Denis Otundo
- Kenya Snakebite Research and Intervention Centre, Kenya Institute of Primate Research, Ministry of Health, Karen, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Robert Ofwete
- Kenya Snakebite Research and Intervention Centre, Kenya Institute of Primate Research, Ministry of Health, Karen, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Cecilia Ngari
- Kenya Snakebite Research and Intervention Centre, Kenya Institute of Primate Research, Ministry of Health, Karen, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Anna Trelfa
- Centre for Snakebite Research and Interventions, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Sayem Ahmed
- Centre for Snakebite Research and Interventions, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Health Economics and Health Technology Assessment, School of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Duolao Wang
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Monica Smith
- Kenya Snakebite Research and Intervention Centre, Kenya Institute of Primate Research, Ministry of Health, Karen, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Nicholas R. Casewell
- Centre for Snakebite Research and Interventions, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - David G. Lalloo
- Centre for Snakebite Research and Interventions, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Robert A. Harrison
- Centre for Snakebite Research and Interventions, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Kenya Snakebite Research and Intervention Centre, Kenya Institute of Primate Research, Ministry of Health, Karen, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Ymkje Stienstra
- Centre for Snakebite Research and Interventions, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- University of Groningen, Department of Internal Medicine/Infectious Diseases, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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Oluoch GO, Otundo D, Nyawacha S, Ongeri D, Smith M, Meta V, Trelfa A, Ahmed S, Harrison RA, Lalloo DG, Stienstra Y, Tianyi FL. Conducting epidemiological studies on snakebite in nomadic populations: A methodological paper. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011792. [PMID: 38153942 PMCID: PMC10754435 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Research on snakebite has mostly been conducted on settled populations and current risk factors and potential interventions are therefore most suited for these populations. There is limited epidemiological data on mobile and nomadic populations, who may have a higher risk of snakebite. METHODS AND RESULTS We conducted a scoping review to gather evidence on survey methods used in nomadic populations and compared them with contemporary survey methods used for snakebite research. Only 16 (10.5%) of 154 articles reportedly conducted on pastoralist nomadic populations actually involved mobile pastoralists. All articles describing snakebite surveys (n = 18) used multistage cluster designs on population census sampling frames, which would not be appropriate for nomadic populations. We used geospatial techniques and open-source high-resolution satellite images to create a digital sampling frame of 50,707 households and used a multistage sampling strategy to survey nomadic and semi-nomadic populations in Samburu County, Kenya. From a sample of 900 geo-located households, we correctly identified and collected data from 573 (65.4%) households, of which 409 were in their original locations and 164 had moved within 5km of their original locations. We randomly sampled 302 (34.6%) households to replace completely abandoned and untraceable households. CONCLUSION Highly mobile populations require specific considerations in selecting or creating sampling frames and sampling units for epidemiological research. Snakebite risk has a strong spatial component and using census-based sampling frames would be inappropriate in nomadic populations. We propose using open-source satellite imaging and geographic information systems to improve the conduct of epidemiological research in these populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- George O. Oluoch
- Kenya Snakebite Research and Intervention Centre, Kenya Institute of Primate Research, Ministry of Health, Karen, Nairobi, Kenya
- Centre for Snakebite Research and Interventions, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Denis Otundo
- Kenya Snakebite Research and Intervention Centre, Kenya Institute of Primate Research, Ministry of Health, Karen, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | | | | | | | - Anna Trelfa
- Centre for Snakebite Research and Interventions, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Sayem Ahmed
- Centre for Snakebite Research and Interventions, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Health Economics and Health Technology Assessment, School of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Robert A. Harrison
- Kenya Snakebite Research and Intervention Centre, Kenya Institute of Primate Research, Ministry of Health, Karen, Nairobi, Kenya
- Centre for Snakebite Research and Interventions, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - David G. Lalloo
- Centre for Snakebite Research and Interventions, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Ymkje Stienstra
- Centre for Snakebite Research and Interventions, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Department of Internal Medicine/Infectious Diseases, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Frank-Leonel Tianyi
- Centre for Snakebite Research and Interventions, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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Gutiérrez JM, Bolon I, Borri J, Ruiz de Castañeda R. Broadening the research landscape in the field of snakebite envenoming: Towards a holistic perspective. Toxicon 2023; 233:107279. [PMID: 37659665 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2023.107279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/04/2023]
Abstract
Snakebite envenoming (SBE) is a neglected tropical disease that kills and maims hundreds of thousands of people yearly, particularly in impoverished rural settings of the Global South. Understanding the complexity of SBE and tackling this disease demands a transdisciplinary, One Health approach. There is a long-standing research tradition on SBE in toxinology and human medicine. In contrast, other disciplines, such as veterinary medicine or social sciences, still need to be better developed in this field, especially in countries with a high incidence of SBE. Broadening the disciplinary landscape, connecting various research approaches, methods, and data across disciplines and sectors, and engaging with communities affected by SBE in implementing evidence-based solutions are needed. This review summarizes areas that require strengthening to better understand the complexity of SBE and to generate a robust body of knowledge to be translated into effective public health interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- José María Gutiérrez
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica.
| | - Isabelle Bolon
- Institute of Global Health, Department of Community Health and Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Rafael Ruiz de Castañeda
- Institute of Global Health, Department of Community Health and Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
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O’Bryan E, Imputiua S, Elobolobo E, Nicolas P, Montana J, Jamisse E, Munguambe H, Casellas A, Ruiz-Castillo P, Rabinovich R, Saute F, Sacoor C, Chaccour C. Burden and risk factors of snakebite in Mopeia, Mozambique: Leveraging larger malaria trials to generate data of this neglected tropical disease. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011551. [PMID: 37590272 PMCID: PMC10464960 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Snakebite is a neglected disease that disproportionally affects the rural poor. There is a dearth of evidence regarding incidence and risk factors in snakebite-endemic countries. Without this basic data, it will be impossible to achieve the target of a 50% reduction of snakebite morbidity and mortality by 2030 as set by the World Health Organization. METHODS This was a descriptive analysis nested in a 2021 community-based demographic survey of over 70,000 individuals conducted in Mopeia, Mozambique, in preparation for a cluster randomized trial to test an intervention for malaria. We describe the incidence rate, demographics, socioeconomic indicators and outcomes of snakebite in this population. FINDINGS We found the incidence of self-reported snakebite in Mopeia to be 393 bites per 100,000 person-years at risk, with 2% of households affected in the preceding 12 months. Whilst no fatalities were recorded, over 3,000 days of work or school days were lost with an individual household economic impact higher than that of uncomplicated malaria. 1 in 6 of those affected did not fully recover at the time of the study. We found significant relationships between age older than 15, use of firewood for household fuel, and animal possession with snakebite. CONCLUSIONS This study exposes higher than expected incidence and burden of snakebite in rural Mozambique. Whilst snakebite elimination in Mozambique seems unattainable today, it remains a preventable disease with manageable sequelae. We have shown that snakebite research is particularly easy to nest in larger studies, making this a practical and cost-effective way of estimating its incidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma O’Bryan
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Eldo Elobolobo
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça, Mopeia, Mozambique
| | - Patricia Nicolas
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça, Mopeia, Mozambique
| | - Julia Montana
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça, Mopeia, Mozambique
| | - Edgar Jamisse
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça, Mopeia, Mozambique
| | | | - Aina Casellas
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Regina Rabinovich
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Francisco Saute
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Charfudin Sacoor
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carlos Chaccour
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Madrid, Spain
- Clinica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
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Pandey DP, Thapa NB. Analysis of News Media-Reported Snakebite Envenoming in Nepal during 2010-2022. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011572. [PMID: 37639403 PMCID: PMC10491300 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Snakebite envenoming is a well-known medical emergency in the Terai of Nepal in particular. However, there is an epidemiological knowledge gap. The news media data available online provide substantial information on envenomings. Assessing this information can be a pristine approach for understanding snakebite epidemiology and conducting knowledge-based interventions. We firstly analyzed news media-reported quantitative information on conditions under which bites occur, treatment-seeking behavior of victims, and outcomes of snakebite envenomings in Nepal. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS We analyzed 308 Nepalese snakebite envenomed cases reported in 199 news media articles published between 2010 and 2022 using descriptive statistics, Wilcoxon, and Chi-square tests to know why and how victims were bitten, their treatment-seeking behavior, and the outcomes. These envenomated cases known with substantial information represented 48 districts (mostly located in the Terai region) of Nepal. These envenomings mostly occurred in residential areas affecting children. Generally, envenomings among males and females were not significantly different. But, in residential areas, females were more envenomed than males. Further, victims' extremities were often exposed to venomous snakebites while their active status and these episodes often occurred at night while victims were passive during snakebites indoors and immediate surroundings of houses. Snakebite deaths were less among referred than non-referred cases, males than females, and while active than passive conditions of victims. CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE The most of reported envenomed patients were children, and most envenomings were due to cobra bites. Consultation with traditional healers complicated snakebite management. In most cases, deaths that occur without medical interventions are a severe snakebite consequence in Nepal. Further, several deaths in urban areas and mountains and higher hills of Nepal suggest immediate need of snakebite management interventions in the most affected districts. Therefore, there is an urgent need to immediately admit Nepalese snakebite victims to nearby snakebite treatment centers without adopting non-recommended prehospital interventions. The strategies for preventing snakebite and controlling venom effects should also include hilly and mountain districts where snakebite-associated deaths are reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deb P. Pandey
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Parasitology, Agriculture and Forestry University, Rampur, Chitwan, Bagmati Province, Nepal
| | - Narayan B. Thapa
- Department of Pediatrics, Bharatpur Hospital, Bharatpur, Chitwan, Bagmati Province, Nepal
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Hsu JY, Chiang SO, Yang CC, Hsieh TW, Chung CJ, Mao YC. Nationwide and long-term epidemiological research of snakebite envenomation in Taiwan during 2002-2014 based on the use of snake antivenoms: A study utilizing National Health Insurance Database. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011376. [PMID: 37289739 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In Taiwan, six venomous snake species with medical importance have been found; however, long-term epidemiological data of snakebite envenomation (SBE) is lacking. This study aimed to explore the epidemiology of SBE based on the distribution and use of different antivenoms in different parts of Taiwan to facilitate the development of prevention strategies and resource allocation. METHODS AND RESULTS This retrospective study was conducted using the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database from 2002 to 2014. A total of 12,542 patients were treated with antivenoms. The directly standardized cumulative incidence was 3.6 cases per 100,000 individuals based on the 2000 World Standard Population. The incidence of SBEs peaked in the summer (35.9%). The relative risk (RR) of male patients versus female patients was 2.5 (p < 0.0001). The RRs of patients aged 18-64 and ≥65 years versus those aged <18 years were 6.0 (p < 0.0001) and 14.3 (p < 0.0001), respectively. Furthermore, the RR of eastern Taiwan versus northern Taiwan was 6.8 (p < 0.0001). The RR of agricultural workers versus laborers was 5.5 (p < 0.0001). Compared with patients envenomed by Trimeresurus stejnegeri stejnegeri or Protobothrops mucrosquamatus, those envenomed by Naja atra or Bungarus multicinctus multicinctus were more likely to occur in central (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.6, p < 0.0001) or southern (aOR = 3.2, p < 0.0001) Taiwan, but less frequently among agricultural workers (aOR = 0.6, p < 0.0001). The overall case-fatality rate was 0.11%. CONCLUSIONS Among Asian countries, Taiwan had low incidence and case-fatality rates of SBE. Risk factors included male gender, old age, summer season, being in eastern Taiwan, and being an agricultural worker. Differences of the epidemiological findings between snake species should be focused on when developing strategies for snakebite prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jen-Yu Hsu
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Clinical Toxicology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Office of Preventive Medicine, Centers for Disease Control, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shu-O Chiang
- ESTAT Statistical Consulting Co., Ltd., Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Chang Yang
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Clinical Toxicology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tan-Wen Hsieh
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Jung Chung
- Department of Public Health, College of Public Health, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yan-Chiao Mao
- PhD Program in Medical Biotechnology, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Post-Baccalaureate Medicine, College of Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Division of Clinical Toxicology, Department of Emergency Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
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Warrell DA, Williams DJ. Clinical aspects of snakebite envenoming and its treatment in low-resource settings. Lancet 2023; 401:1382-1398. [PMID: 36931290 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(23)00002-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 11/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/18/2022] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
There is increasing recognition of the public health importance of snakebite envenoming. Worldwide annual incidence is likely to be 5 million bites, with mortality exceeding 150 000 deaths, and the resulting physical and psychological morbidity leads to substantial social and economic repercussions. Prevention through community education by trained health workers is the most effective and economically viable strategy for reducing risk of bites and envenoming. Clinical challenges to effective treatment are most substantial in rural areas of low-resource settings, where snakebites are most common. Classic skills of history taking, physical examination, and use of affordable point-of-care tests should be followed by monitoring of evolving local and systemic envenoming. Despite the profusion of new ideas for interventions, hyperimmune equine or ovine plasma-derived antivenoms remain the only specific treatment for snakebite envenoming. The enormous interspecies and intraspecies complexity and diversity of snake venoms, revealed by modern venomics, demands a radical redesign of many current antivenoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Warrell
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Experimental Medicine Division, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, UK.
| | - David J Williams
- Regulation and Prequalification Department, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
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Ochoa C, Rai M, Babo Martins S, Alcoba G, Bolon I, Ruiz de Castañeda R, Sharma SK, Chappuis F, Ray N. Vulnerability to snakebite envenoming and access to healthcare in the Terai region of Nepal: a geospatial analysis. THE LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. SOUTHEAST ASIA 2023; 9:100103. [PMID: 37383041 PMCID: PMC10306013 DOI: 10.1016/j.lansea.2022.100103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Background Snakebite envenoming is a neglected tropical disease that mainly affects poor populations in rural areas. In hyperendemic regions, prevention could partially reduce the constant risk, but the population still needs timely access to adequate treatment. In line with WHO's snakebite roadmap, we aim to understand snakebite vulnerability through modelling of risk and access to treatment, and propose plausible solutions to optimise resource allocation. Methods We combined snakebite-risk distribution rasters with travel-time accessibility analyses for the Terai region of Nepal, considering three vehicle types, two seasons, two snakebite syndromes, and uncertainty intervals. We proposed localised and generalised optimisation scenarios to improve snakebite treatment coverage for the population, focusing on the neurotoxic syndrome. Findings In the Terai, the neurotoxic syndrome is the main factor leading to high snakebite vulnerability. For the most common scenario of season, syndrome, and transport, an estimated 2.07 (15.3%) million rural people fall into the high vulnerability class. This ranges between 0.3 (2.29%) and 6.8 (50.43%) million people when considering the most optimistic and most pessimistic scenarios, respectively. If all health facilities treating snakebite envenoming could optimally treat both syndromes, treatment coverage of the rural population could increase from 65.93% to 93.74%, representing a difference of >3.8 million people. Interpretation This study is the first high-resolution analysis of snakebite vulnerability, accounting for uncertainties in both risk and travel speed. The results can help identify populations highly vulnerable to snakebite envenoming, optimise resource allocation, and support WHO's snakebite roadmap efforts. Funding Swiss National Science Foundation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Ochoa
- Institute of Global Health (IGH), Department of Community Health and Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Institute for Environmental Sciences (ISE), University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Sara Babo Martins
- Institute of Global Health (IGH), Department of Community Health and Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Gabriel Alcoba
- Institute of Global Health (IGH), Department of Community Health and Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), Neglected Tropical Diseases Working Group, Geneva, Switzerland
- Division of Tropical and Humanitarian Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals (HUG), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Isabelle Bolon
- Institute of Global Health (IGH), Department of Community Health and Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Rafael Ruiz de Castañeda
- Institute of Global Health (IGH), Department of Community Health and Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - François Chappuis
- Division of Tropical and Humanitarian Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals (HUG), Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Community Health and Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas Ray
- Institute of Global Health (IGH), Department of Community Health and Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Institute for Environmental Sciences (ISE), University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
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11
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Bogati S, Bhatt N, Nepal S, Nepali P, Sharma SK. Snakebite in the Hills and Mountains of Nepal. JNMA J Nepal Med Assoc 2022; 60:1066-1069. [PMID: 36705115 PMCID: PMC9795130 DOI: 10.31729/jnma.7562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Snakebite is an important public health issue around the world. In Nepal, it affects a huge number of people mostly belonging to low-income households who are involved in agriculture. Although snakebite has a serious impact on the Terai population, a few studies suggest that snakebite also occurs frequently in hills and mountains. In the absence of sufficient studies related to snakebites in these geographical regions, it is tough to sketch a true picture and estimate the magnitude of snakebites in those areas. Because of this, the healthcare system is probably not prepared enough to handle the victims of snakebites. This demands a proper study of the burden of the issue in these regions and appropriate initiatives for addressing it. Keywords antivenom; Nepal; snakebite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunil Bogati
- Kolhabi Primary Health Care Center, Kalaiya, Bara, Nepal,Correspondence: Dr Sunil Bogati, Kolhabi Primary Health Care Center, Kalaiya, Bara, Nepal. , Phone: +977-9849453341
| | - Navin Bhatt
- Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Institute of Medicine, Maharajgunj, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Shristi Nepal
- Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Institute of Medicine, Maharajgunj, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | | | - Sanjib Kumar Sharma
- Department of Internal Medicine, B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Sunsari, Nepal
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12
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Abstract
Snakebite envenoming is an important cause of preventable death. The World Health Organization (WHO) set a goal to halve snakebite mortality by 2030. We used verbal autopsy and vital registration data to model the proportion of venomous animal deaths due to snakes by location, age, year, and sex, and applied these proportions to venomous animal contact mortality estimates from the Global Burden of Disease 2019 study. In 2019, 63,400 people (95% uncertainty interval 38,900-78,600) died globally from snakebites, which was equal to an age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) of 0.8 deaths (0.5-1.0) per 100,000 and represents a 36% (2-49) decrease in ASMR since 1990. India had the greatest number of deaths in 2019, equal to an ASMR of 4.0 per 100,000 (2.3-5.0). We forecast mortality will continue to decline, but not sufficiently to meet WHO's goals. Improved data collection should be prioritized to help target interventions, improve burden estimation, and monitor progress.
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Gupta A, Bhandari S, Anand A, Sharma SK, Gautam A, Priyanka KC, Acharya N, Singh S. Management of snake bite during third trimester of pregnancy with coagulopathy and delivery of a live baby in resource-limited setting in Nepal: a case report. Oxf Med Case Reports 2022; 2022:omac105. [PMID: 36299668 PMCID: PMC9589466 DOI: 10.1093/omcr/omac105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2022] [Revised: 08/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
We reported a case of snakebite in an 18-year-old woman, Gravida 2 Para 1+0 in the third trimester of pregnancy who presented with pain and swelling over the left hand and forearm and vaginal spotting. The laboratory investigations revealed coagulopathy attributed to green pit viper envenomation. On the fourth day of admission, the patient developed sudden abdominal pain and massive per vaginal bleeding with haemorrhagic shock, most likely abruptio placentae. In Nepal, no anti-snake venom has been developed for green pit-viper. So, she was managed conservatively, including blood transfusion, and delivered a single live female baby without any foetal complications. The patient was discharged along with the baby after 8 days of hospitalization. This case demonstrated that vigilant observation and appropriate resuscitation with fluids and blood products could save mother and baby in pit viper envenomation cases in settings where specific anti-snake venom is unavailable.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sudeep Bhandari
- Department of Internal Medicine, B. P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal
| | - Ayush Anand
- B. P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal
| | - Sanjib Kumar Sharma
- Department of Internal Medicine, B. P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal
| | - Arun Gautam
- Department of Internal Medicine, B. P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal
| | - K C Priyanka
- Department of Internal Medicine, B. P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal
| | - Neeraj Acharya
- Department of Internal Medicine, B. P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal
| | - Sweta Singh
- B. P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal
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Basnyat B, Shilpakar O. Snakebite envenoming: a hidden health crisis. THE LANCET GLOBAL HEALTH 2022; 10:e311-e312. [DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(22)00029-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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