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Biomedical subjects

J Covacevich

Publications and source records attributed to J Covacevich.

7 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1985

Prolonged intensive therapy after snake bite. A probable case of envenomation by the rough-scaled snake.

A case of snake-bite envenomation, probably by the rough-scaled snake (Tropidechis carinatus), in a 9-year-old boy is reported which we believe to represent the most severe and prolonged case yet of non-fatal snake-bite envenomation in a human. The initial clinical features included loss of consciousness within minutes of the bite, followed by a period of partial recovery. The child subsequently developed total body paralysis, acute renal failure, and gross rhabdomyolysis. Artificial ventilation was maintained for 10 weeks; muscle paralysis and paresis persisted for 18 weeks before neuromuscular function returned to normal. Recovery occurred in centripetal fashion, the respiratory muscles and the palatal muscles being the last to recover. Acute renal failure persisted for 18 days and was treated by peritoneal dialysis. Some beneficial effects were seen even when antivenom was given 90 hours after the bite, but gross rhabdomyolysis caused by this species is not prevented by the administration of antivenom after 60 hours. It is concluded that if life can be sustained for 10 weeks by artificial ventilation, normal intellectual and neuromuscular recovery is possible in such cases.

Acute Kidney Injury↗
PubMed1983

Can Australians identify snakes?

A study of the ability of Australians to identify snakes was undertaken, in which 558 volunteers (primary and secondary schoolchildren, doctors and university science and medical students) took part. Over all, subjects correctly identified an average of 19% of snakes; 28% of subjects could identify a taipan, 59% could identify a death adder, 18% a tiger snake, 23% an eastern (or common) brown snake, and 0.5% a rough-scaled snake. Eighty-six per cent of subjects who grew up in rural areas could identify a death adder; only 4% of those who grew up in an Australian capital city could identify a nonvenomous python. Male subjects identified snakes more accurately than did female subjects. Doctors and medical students correctly identified an average of 25% of snakes. The ability to identify medically significant Australian snakes was classified according to the observer's background, education, sex, and according to the individual snake species. Australians need to be better educated about snakes indigenous to this country.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1978

Australia's potentially most venomous snake: Parademansia microlepidotus.

Studies on the venom of the small-scaled or fierce snake, Parademansia microlepidotus, suggested that its combination of high toxicity and relatively large venom yield make it the most venomous snake in Australia. The species is distinct from the taipan, but its venom is neutralized by taipan antivenom but not other monospecific antivenoms.

Antivenins↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Studies on the venom of Oxyuranus microlepidotus.

The Australian Small-scaled Snake, Oxyuranus microlepidotus , recently rediscovered, is the world's most venomous snake, with a murine LD50 of 0.01 mg/kg. Recently developed immunological techniques, combined with a whole animal model, have enabled us to measure accurately the mass of venom actually injected by a striking snake. The venom of this species contains at least six identified protein fractions, and one or more of these possesses potent neurotoxic action. An initial assessment of the molecular weights of each of these is reported. This study describes field biting experiments applicable to potential human snake-bite, and presents data concerning the injected venom:LD50 ratio which is an index of potential human lethality. This snake delivers an average mass of 17.3 mg in a strike, and the injected mass:LD50 ratio is 1730, the highest recorded for any snake. Comparative results for five other Elapidae whose venom contains potent neurotoxins are also presented. An average mass of 0.6 mg of venom is split on the skin surface during a strike, and 40% of this can be recovered within three hours after a simulated bite. As with other Elapidae studied to date, an adequate mass of venom remains on the skin for an accurate species diagnosis to be made in the case of human snake-bite.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Snakebite in herpetologists.

OBJECTIVES: To define the risk of snake envenomation in herpetologists, assess factors which lead to their being bitten, assess their occupational morbidity and propose preventive stratagems. SUBJECTS AND DESIGN: Interview of 14 of the most experienced professional herpetologists in Queensland; and questionnaire to 14 members of the Cape York Peninsula Herpetological Society, Cairns, Queensland. RESULTS: The 28 herpetologists had sustained 119 bites by potentially dangerous species, and hundreds of clinically insignificant bites. Seventeen had been admitted to hospital. Only five had never been bitten by a medically dangerous snake and 14 had been bitten on two or more occasions. Correct first-aid techniques were applied in less than half the bites. Two had permanent morbidity--renal damage, and permanent tissue damage to the hands. Anaphylactic reactions from the repeated use of antivenom did not occur. The experienced herpetologists sustained a life-threatening bite every 10 years (median). Four herpetologists had been bitten by the western taipan (Oxyuranus microlepidotus), the world's most venomous snake. CONCLUSIONS: Herpetologists working with highly venomous snakes are at high risk. Prevention involves recognising the risk; possessing a first-aid certificate; applying standard first-aid if a bite is sustained; carrying a mobile telephone; and not working alone.

Animals↗