Diagnosis of loxoscelism in a child confirmed with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and noninvasive tissue sampling.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Confirmation of mild bites caused by Loxosceles reclusa with swab testing has not been previously documented, to our knowledge.

METHODS:

We report a case using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test.

RESULTS:

A lesion lacking necrosis or other specific signs of loxoscelism was confirmed by identification of the Loxosceles venom and further confirmed by identification of a spider found in the patient's bed.

LIMITATIONS:

This is a pilot single-case report for this enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test.

CONCLUSIONS:

A sensitive and specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay designed to detect Loxosceles venom, using a specimen obtained by swabbing the lesion, can aid in diagnosis of loxoscelism.

• Authors: William V Stoecker, Jonathan A Green, Hernan F Gomez
• Journal: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (J Am Acad Dermatol) Vol. 55 Issue 5 Pg. 888-90 (Nov 2006) ISSN: 1097-6787 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 17052500 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Spider Venoms
• loxosceles venom
• Phosphoric Diester Hydrolases

Topics

• Animals
• Bedding and Linens
• Child
• Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Phosphoric Diester Hydrolases (analysis)
• Specimen Handling (methods)
• Spider Bites (diagnosis, metabolism, pathology)
• Spider Venoms (analysis)
• Spiders