Abstract

DIAZ, Alba  and  PEFAUR, Jaime E. Envenenamiento por un insecto de la familia Belostomatidae (Insecta: hemiptera). RFM [online]. 2006, vol.29, n.2, pp.125-128. ISSN 0798-0469.

Objective: To report an envenomation case caused by a hemipterous insect belonging to the genus Lethocerus, family Belostomatidae. Methods: The accident involved an adult woman, bitten in one of her hands, and that place while the insect floated in a swimming pool in the city of Merida, Venezuela. These semi-aquatic insects, dwell in lentic water bodies such as lakes, lagoons and swimming pools, where there are efficient invertebrates and small vertebrates predators. Results: The envenomation is produced by the introduction of a proteolitic irritant saliva. Signs and symptoms are described as the patient was observed during 30 days. Conclusions: The saliva of these insects produces edema and pain, as proteolic reactions. Recovery of patient was total. An increase in the knowledge of the components and the action is due to prescribe a precise treatment.

Keywords : Envenomation; Hemipterous insect; Belostomatidae; Merida; Venezuela.