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Latrodectus sp (Black Widow Spider)
- The only indigenous neurotoxic insect in the state of Maryland and found through many states in the US
- The "bite" often not visible and does not cause a necrotic lesion like the brown recluse
- Causes Acetycholine release from post-synaptic motor and sensory nerves
- This leads to intense muscle contraction and pain. There have been reports of a black widow spider on the leg and the patient undergoes ex lap surgery for suspected acute abdomen only to find out the abdominal muscles were fasciculating due to envenomation
- Treat with aggresive analgesia and benzodiazepines.
- Not often lethal with approximately 60-70 deaths in the US over 30 years
Take a look at a picture of the black widow on the following attachment