COMPLICATED VIPERINE ENVENOMATION WITH A PULMONARY EMBOLISM

Badr Adouani*, Hassan Alaoui , Abderahman Elwali and Yassir Bousliman

ABSTRACT

Ophidian envenomation is a major public health issue in the world due to its seriousness and the complications that it can lead to. We report the case of a viper bite envenomation in southern Morocco that has been complicated by pulmonary embolism. The composition of venom secreted by vipers is very rich in enzymes and toxins, they act on platelets, plasma coagulation and fibrinolysis, and they are responsible for clinical signs: edema, coagulation disorders and hemostasis. The antivenom immunotherapy remains the only specific treatment for a serious envenomation; its preparation must be based on venoms used to obtain antibodies able to neutralize the main activities of the venoms of the species living in the region.

Keywords: Envenomation, snake venom, pulmonary embolism, antivenom immunotherapy.