Wilderness & environmental medicine
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Wilderness Environ Med · Nov 1997
ReviewWidow spider envenomation (latrodectism): a worldwide problem.
The objective of this study was to review widow spider envenomation on a worldwide basis, with an emphasis on regional variability in management, particularly between the United States and Australia. Data sources were the Medline database (1966-1997) for English language references using as key words widow spider, latrodectism, and red back spider, and Mesh headings. Textbooks of toxinology were also used. ⋯ The literature suggests that antivenin to one species of Latrodectus is likely to be effective against other species. The conclusion drawn was that latrodectism is a common envenomation worldwide. There is a strong case for a comparative trial of Australian vs US antivenin in treating latrodectism due to the black widow spider in the United States.
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Wilderness Environ Med · Nov 1997
ReviewPrimary amebic meningoencephalitis: a review of the clinical literature.
Primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) is a rapidly progressive and potentially fatal infection frequently contracted by swimming in bodies of warm fresh water. The etiological agent in most reported cases of PAM is the ameboflagellate Naegleria fowleri. ⋯ Physicians treating individuals who present with an acute pyogenic meningitis should consider the diagnosis of PAM, particularly if the patient has a recent history of swimming in warm fresh water. We review the recent literature for cases of PAM and the discuss ecology of N. fowleri and the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of PAM.