Scolopendra bite in Crimea (clinical observation)

Scolopendrae represent the best-known genus of centipedes. They are the largest centipedes. There were several reported cases of scolopendra venom poisoning around the world. We report a clinical case of an unusual reaction to a scolopendra bite in Crimea, accompanied by severe acute neurological and articular manifestations and hard-to-diagnose delayed sequela. Despite the full range of medical care provided and active management strategy, the female patient developed allergic and subsequently autoimmune pathologies due to individual immune characteristics, including genetic ones caused by the presence of previously undiagnosed connective tissue dysplasia. The retrospective observation showed how the female patient’s congenital imbalance between humoral and cellular components of the immune system contributed to the more aggravated clinical picture that developed as reaction to the arthropod bite, and it was its venom that initially acted as an allergic, and subsequently as an autoimmune trigger. A review of modern Russian and foreign literature on cases of scolopendra bites was performed. This review highlighted possible complications associated with the effects of the venom. Recommendations on the management strategies for such patients are provided to primary care physicians.