EPIDEMIOLOGY OF ARANEISM BETWEEN 2005 AND 2013 AT THE TOXICOLOGICAL ASSISTANCE CENTER, JOÃO PESSOA-PB, BRAZIL

Abstract

Araneism records in northeastern Brazil are scarce and possibly underestimate the actual risk situation. Objective: to analyze the clinical and epidemiological profile of araneism during the 2005-2013 period reported in the Toxicological Assistance Center of Paraíba. Material and Methods: This is a descriptive study using data collected from the database of the Toxicological Assistance Center of Paraíba and from accident notification files. Results: There were 484 notifications of accidents with spiders, amongst which only 202 cases identified the spider genus, with a high prevalence of Brazilian spider “caranguejeira” (57.9%) and Loxosceles (33.2%). Regarding seasonality, August, March, January and June, were the months with the highest number of occurrences, respectively. Most accidents occurred in urban areas; females and 21-30 age groups were the most affected ones; and the upper and lower limbs were the most affected parts of the body. The main clinical manifestations were pain, redness, swelling and itching. Conclusion: The results indicate that the prevalence of araneism can be related to urbanism. There was no predominance of severe cases. DESCRIPTORS: Spiders. Animals, Poisonous. Epidemiology, Descriptive. Retrospective Studies. Accident Prevention. Toxicology.