A key for the clinical diagnosis of araneism in Africa south of the equator.

Abstract

A simple key that will enable the clinician to diagnose the culprit species in cases of spider bite in Africa south of the equator in the absence of the culprit is presented. Species of four spider genera are responsible for virtually all the cases of araneism requiring medical attention, viz. Latrodectus, Chiracanthium, Loxosceles and Sicarius. The signs and symptoms at various intervals following envenomation by these spiders are sufficiently distinctive to allow specific diagnosis in most cases. To make this more easily possible the signs and symptoms at various intervals after envenomation have been tabulated in the form of a diagnostic key.