Abstract
Background
The Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis) is the world's largest living lizard and exists in private captivity worldwide.
Bites to humans are rare and have been proposed to be both infectious and venomous.
Case Report
A 43-year-old zookeeper was bitten on the leg by a Komodo dragon and suffered local
tissue damage with no excessive bleeding or systemic symptoms to suggest envenomation.
No specific therapy was administered other than local wound irrigation. The patient
was placed on prophylactic antibiotics and on follow-up, which revealed no local or
systemic infections, and no other systemic complaints.
Discussion
Three venomous lizards have been described throughout the world. The systemic actions
of their venoms have not been extensively studied, and antivenoms do not exist for
their treatment. Komodo dragon bites can result in significant wound infections, but
the activity of their venom is not well described.
Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This? Although venomous lizard bites
are uncommon, prompt recognition of possible envenomation and management of these
bites is important. Komodo dragon bites may produce not only superficial lacerations
but also deep tissue injury, but are unlikely to produce serious systemic effects;
whereas Gila monster and beaded lizard bites may cause delayed angioedema, hypotension,
and other systemic symptoms. Treatment in all cases is supportive.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: December 18, 2022
Accepted:
December 12,
2022
Received in revised form:
July 22,
2022
Received:
May 28,
2022
Publication stage
In Press Uncorrected ProofIdentification
Copyright
© 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
