Loxoscelism: a case report from Bandar Abbas in south of Iran

Introduction: Loxoscelism is a medical condition resulting from the envenomation by recluse spiders (Loxosceles spp.), which could lead to necrotic tissue symptoms. The only species of this genus recorded from Iran, Loxosceles rufescens, or the Mediterranean recluse spider, has a cosmopolitan distribution and have already been recorded from numerous parts of Iran, including Bandar Abbas. This study aims to report a case of loxoscelism in Bandar Abbas (southern Iran) for the first time. Patient: This report is related to a 46-year-old female patient who referred to infectious ward of Shahid Mohammadi Hospital, with acute necrotic clinical symptom on right flank of her trunk due to the bite of a spider. Conclusion: As Loxosceles rufescens has already been recorded from Hormozgan Province, cases of loxoscelism are likely in this region. Diagnosis and treatment of most of the cases is very difficult, because the spider may not be identified correctly and the clinical symptoms are similar to other diseases; this will result in false differential diagnosis of the disease and consequently, delay in appropriate treatment.