AI Article Synopsis
- The Australian funnel-web spider is considered one of the most venomous spiders globally and typically resides in moist, cool environments like rainforests along the eastern coast of Australia.
- Previous studies indicated these spiders were found only near bushland or native rainforests in the outskirts of Brisbane.
- A recent report documents the first case of funnel-web spider envenoming in inner-city Brisbane, highlighting the need for emergency departments to be prepared and have antivenom available.
Article Abstract
The Australian funnel-web spider, arguably the most venomous spider in the world, is distributed along the Australian eastern seaboard, typically preferring moist, cool, sheltered habitats such as rainforests. Prior surveys around Brisbane have only ever demonstrated funnel-web spiders in the outskirts of the city contiguous with bushland or native rainforest. We report the first funnel-web spider envenoming syndrome presumed from a spider resident to inner-city Brisbane. Emergency departments in the greater Brisbane area should be prepared for this clinical scenario, and stocks of Commonwealth Serum Laboratory funnel-web spider antivenom, until now thought to be unnecessary, should be readily available.
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| http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1742-6723.2008.01069.x | DOI Listing |
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