Image by parham_beyhaghi - inaturalist

Latifi's Viper Snake Bite

Article
Brain & Nerve
Bone, Muscle, & Joint
+9
Contributed byKrish Tangella MD, MBADec 06, 2022

What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

  • Damavandi Viper Snake Bite
  • Iranian Valley Viper Snake Bite
  • Montivipera Latifii Snake Bite

What is Latifi's Viper Snake Bite? (Definition/Background Information)

  • The Latifi's viper (Montivipera latifii) is an uncommon and moderately venomous snake that is found in the country of Iran, specifically in the Lar Valley in Central Alborz Mountains. The snake belongs to the viper family or Viperidae and is found in altitudes ranging from mean sea level to 9,800 feet (3,000 m). Latifi's vipers can grow to a maximum size of slightly over 2.5 feet or so, but the average adult size is around 16 inches
  • The viper is a land-dwelling reptile that is usually seen in the well-drained, sparsely-vegetated rocky areas along the steep valley sides (hillsides and steppe terrains). It has a medium-stout body and a short tail. The small head of the snake is slightly elongated and triangular; the head is distinct from its neck
  • The Latifi's viper may present many combinations of colors and patterns including brown-gray with distinct dark brown zig-zag pattern; yellow-gray with blotches, darker than the body color; gray or brown with narrow dark midline stripe; or gray or brown with no specific pattern. The belly of the snake usually presents fine dark spotting
  • The snake is mostly diurnal in nature. It preys on large insects, such as grasshoppers, mice, and lizards. The snake is known to be sluggish and slow-moving; but can strike aggressively if provoked slightly. It may coil itself and make a hissing sound before striking
  • Latifi's Viper Snake Bites can result in moderate systemic envenomation (venom injection) but fatalities are uncommon. The snake may be occasionally found near human settlements. The venom contains mildly to moderately potent hemotoxins and neurotoxins that can cause seizures, bleeding issues that may be severe, and low blood pressure
  • The signs and symptoms of Latifi's Viper Snake Bite may include pain, bruising, and swelling at the bite site, which may be progressively followed by tissue necrosis (rarely), headache, nausea and vomiting, abnormal breathing issues, minor paralysis, dizziness, shock, respiratory issues, and collapse, necessitating immediate treatment
  • Early administration of suitable antivenom (or antivenin) is the mainstay of treatment. Apart from this, symptomatic treatment is necessary, which may include pain medication, respiratory support, and blood transfusions. The prognosis of Latifi's Viper Snake Bite with prompt and effective therapy is usually good; deaths have been occasionally reported in the absence of proper treatment
Was this article helpful

On the Article

Krish Tangella MD, MBA picture
Approved by

Krish Tangella MD, MBA

Pathology, Medical Editorial Board, DoveMed Team

0 Comments

Please log in to post a comment.

Related Articles

Test Your Knowledge

Asked by users

Related Centers

Loading

Related Specialties

Loading card

Related Physicians

Related Procedures

Related Resources

Join DoveHubs

and connect with fellow professionals

Related Directories

Who we are

At DoveMed, our utmost priority is your well-being. We are an online medical resource dedicated to providing you with accurate and up-to-date information on a wide range of medical topics. But we're more than just an information hub - we genuinely care about your health journey. That's why we offer a variety of products tailored for both healthcare consumers and professionals, because we believe in empowering everyone involved in the care process.
Our mission is to create a user-friendly healthcare technology portal that helps you make better decisions about your overall health and well-being. We understand that navigating the complexities of healthcare can be overwhelming, so we strive to be a reliable and compassionate companion on your path to wellness.
As an impartial and trusted online resource, we connect healthcare seekers, physicians, and hospitals in a marketplace that promotes a higher quality, easy-to-use healthcare experience. You can trust that our content is unbiased and impartial, as it is trusted by physicians, researchers, and university professors around the globe. Importantly, we are not influenced or owned by any pharmaceutical, medical, or media companies. At DoveMed, we are a group of passionate individuals who deeply care about improving health and wellness for people everywhere. Your well-being is at the heart of everything we do.

© 2023 DoveMed. All rights reserved. It is not the intention of DoveMed to provide specific medical advice. DoveMed urges its users to consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and answers to their personal medical questions. Always call 911 (or your local emergency number) if you have a medical emergency!