Bites by the noble false widow spider Steatoda nobilis can induce Latrodectus-like symptoms and vector-borne bacterial infections with implications for public health: a case series

Abstract

Context

In recent years, the Noble false widow spider Steatoda nobilis (Thorell, 1875) has expanded its range globally and may represent a potential threat to native ecosystems and public health. Increasing numbers in synanthropic habitats have led to more human encounters and envenomations. Steatoda nobilis bites were previously classed as medically significant with similarities to bites from true black widows of the genus Latrodectus but deemed milder in onset, with symptoms generally ranging from mild to moderate.

Case details

In this manuscript we present 16 new cases of S. nobilis envenomations bringing the total number of confirmed cases reported in the literature to 24. We report new symptoms and provide discussion on the contributing factors to pathology following bites by S. nobilis.

Discussion

We report a range of pathologies including necrosis, Latrodectus-like envenomation symptoms that include debilitating pain, tremors, fatigue, nausea, hypotension, and vectored bacterial infections including cellulitis and dermatitis. Symptoms ranged from mild to severe, requiring hospitalisation in some cases.

Keywords:

• Envenomation
• Steatoda nobilis
• necrosis
• Latrodectus-like
• cellulitis
• antibiotic-resistant infectious bacteria

Acknowledgment

The authors are very grateful to Eoin MacLoughlin for assistance, and to the two anonymous reviewers whose critical review of this manuscript was extremely valuable.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This project was funded through the NUI Galway Ryan Award for Innovation held by Michel Dugon and a NUI Galway College of Science PhD scholarship held by John Dunbar.