Image by Miguelrangeljr - Wikicommons

Uruguayan Coral Snake Bite

Article
Brain & Nerve
Bone, Muscle, & Joint
+9
Contributed byKrish Tangella MD, MBAMay 18, 2022

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

  • Double-Banded Coral Snake
  • Micrurus Altirostris Snake Bite
  • Short-Tailed Coral Snake

What is Uruguayan Coral Snake Bite? (Definition/Background Information)

  • The Uruguayan coral snake (Micrurus altirostris) is a venomous snake found in some nations of South America, notably Argentina and Brazil, besides Uruguay. The snake belongs to the Elapidae family that generally includes slender and swift moving snakes, of genus coral snakes (Micrurus) that form a large group of elegant and ‘mostly’ brightly colored and banded venomous reptiles. No subspecies have been identified for Micrurus altirostris
  • The snake usually grow to 2.5 feet (or slightly more) in length, while some adults reach 4.5 feet in length. The body of the snake is medium-sized, but the head size is small; the head and neck are indistinct from each other. The body is cylindrical and uniform in size with respect to the head and neck. The snake is terrestrial and active during both days (diurnal) and nights (nocturnal)
  • Like many colorful coral snakes, the Uruguayan coral snake is characterized by a black and red head, a set of alternating black and white/yellow rings interspaced by large bands of reds; this uniform pattern continues till the tail. The yellow/white bands are relatively thinner and may appear jagged-edged. The snake is glossy, and the scales may have white borders
  • The Uruguayan coral snake is found in the tropical forests, grasslands, fields and farms, and even in rocky areas and desert lands. It mostly feeds on lizards, other small snakes and their eggs. The snake is commonly seen before the rains. It usually stay buried under the ground or below vegetative covering of the forests it inhabits; it is described as a burrowing reptile. Some may be spotted under rocks and near fallen trees too
  • The mouth and fangs of the Uruguayan coral snake are small, and it is difficult for the snake to generally break human skin. Like many coral snakes, the Uruguayan coral snake is a shy and solitary snake that tends to silently move away when disturbed. However, Uruguayan Coral Snake Bite can sometimes result in fatalities from systemic envenomation (venom injection through a bite) in the absence of treatment. The potent myotoxic-neurotoxic venom released can cause systemic effects including significant muscle damage and respiratory distress
  • The signs and symptoms of Uruguayan Coral Snake Bite may include mild effects at the bite site such as pain and swelling. As various body systems gets rapidly affected by the venom, it can result in widespread symptoms including slurred speech, vision defects, low blood pressure, heart rhythm disorders, and kidney failure
  • 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 peritoneal dialysis. The prognosis of Uruguayan Coral Snake Bite with prompt and effective therapy is usually good
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!