Copyright (c) 2026 Revista médico científica
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
Venomous snakebites represent a significant public health risk in tropical and subtropical regions, with a high incidence due to frequent human-animal interactions. Globally, more than five million bites are reported each year, resulting in approximately 130 000 deaths and 400 000 victims with permanent disabilities, primarily in rural areas of Asia, Africa, and Latin America. In Panama, Bothrops asper is responsible for most cases. Secondary complications include cellulitis, abscesses, septic arthritis, and septicemia, often worsened by necrosis and delayed medical care. Factors such as the extent of tissue damage and poor hygiene conditions promote infections by bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. Proper management with antivenom and antibiotics, along with epidemiological surveillance protocols, is essential to reduce morbidity and mortality.
