Epidemiology of venomous and semi-venomous snakebites (Ophidia: Viperidae, Colubridae) in the Kashan city of the Isfahan province in Central Iran

Background: Information on the epidemiology of venomous snake species responsible for envenomation to humans in Iran has not been well documented. In the Kashan city, venomous snakebite remains a recurring medical problem. Information providing the correct identifi cation of snake species responsible for envenomation in this geographic region would be useful to regional medical clinics and personnel for the eff ective and optimal management of the patients. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, all patient data was collected from Kashan city and its suburbs. Th e specifi c data relating to the taxonomic identifi cation of snakes responsible for envenomation were evaluated. A general approach to the diagnosis and management of patients was also provided. Snakes responsible for bites were transported to a laboratory, where their taxonomic classifi cation was confi rmed based on key anatomical features and morphological characteristics. Results: A total of 46 snakes were examined. Of these, 37 (80%) were non-venomous species, and 9 (20%) were identifi ed as venomous. Seven of the nine venomous snake species (78%) were of the family Viperidae, and two specimens (22%) were in the family Colubridae. Specifi cally, the viperid species were Macrovipera lebetina obtusa, Pseudocerastes persicus, Pseudocerastes fi eldi, and Echis carinatus. Th e two colubrid species were Malpolon monspessulanus insignitus and Psammophis schkari. Conclusion: Five diff erent species of venomous snakes responsible for envenomation in the Kashan city region were confi rmed. Th e viper, P. fi eldi, was reported for the fi rst time in the central part of Iran.