Abstract
Background
The paradise tree snake, Chrysopelea paradisi, is a rear-fanged colubrid. Like other members of the genus Chrysopelea, it is able to glide through the air, and thus, is commonly known as a “flying snake.”
There are few documented effects of its bite on humans.
Case Report
A 16-year-old military college student presented to the Emergency Department (ED)
of an urban teaching hospital 2 h after being bitten by C. paradisi. There were multiple bite marks and the patient reported moderate pain on the left
index finger. There was no evidence of significant local or systemic envenomation.
A transient prolonged coagulation profile and raised creatine kinase level were noted.
Conclusion
The full effects of a bite from C. paradisi remain uncharacterized. This case featured only mild local effect. After the administration
of first aid, non-sedating analgesia, anti-tetanus toxoid injection, and broad-spectrum
antibiotic coverage, a short stay in the ED observation ward with regular monitoring
of vital signs and serial wound inspection are recommended. More effort is required
to increase awareness of the prevention and management of snakebite with equal emphasis
on conservation of wildlife and their natural habitat.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: December 12, 2011
Accepted:
March 20,
2011
Received in revised form:
September 14,
2010
Received:
July 12,
2010
Identification
Copyright
© 2012 Elsevier Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
