spider venom
spiders, atracine venoms are complex chemical cocktails, including a very large number of peptides and other molecules7. For example, Palagi et al.28 used modern mass spectrometry methods to survey venoms of multiple atracine taxa and found a large number of peptides (800 peptides in female venoms, ~400 in male venoms), marked sexual differences, and clear species-level differences.
spider venom
In the United States, black widow spiders are considered the most venomous. They have a toxin capable of a systemic reaction that affects muscle and nerve function. Black widow spider bite symptoms can be used to diagnose these bites and include:
- “Fang” marks (tiny twin holes): telltale signs that are only visible right after the bite happens, before any swelling or redness occurs
-
Sweating
- Chills
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Muscular cramps (legs, stomach, etc.)
- Rapid pulse
- Exhaustion
Other countries have a widow spider called the redback spider. It’s a good idea to consider any shiny black spider with a red mark to be in the widow family. Another type of widow spider, the brown widow, generally has a weaker toxin and can be found worldwide.
Pathophysiology
A primary concern of the bite of a spider is the effect of its venom. A spider envenomation occurs whenever a spider injects venom into the skin. Not all spider bites involve injection of venom, and the amount of venom injected can vary based on the type of spider and the circumstances of the encounter.
The mechanical injury from a spider bite is not a serious concern for humans.
However, it is generally the toxicity of spider venom that poses the most risk to human beings; several spiders are known to have venom that can cause injury to humans in the amounts that a spider could inject when biting. While venoms are by definition toxic substances, most spiders do not have venom that is directly toxic (in the quantities delivered) to require medical attention and, of those that do, severity is typically mild.
spider venom
Spider venoms work on one of two fundamental principles; they are either neurotoxic (attacking the nervous system) or necrotic (attacking tissues surrounding the bite). In some cases, the venom affects vital organs and systems. The venoms of the widow spiders, Brazilian wandering spider and Australian funnel-web are neurotoxic. Heart muscle damage is an unusual complication of widow venom that may lead to death. Pulmonary edema, which is fluid accumulation in the lungs, is a feared and potentially serious but uncommon complication of funnel-web venom.Recluse and South African sand spider venoms are necrotic. Recluse venom may also cause severe hemolysis (destruction of red blood cells), though this is typically uncommon
spider venom
