INTRODUCTION

Although spiders are feared, only a few of them have been associated with severe outcomes in humans. This study aimed at reviewing case reports and case series on spider bites to inform the current state of the problem.

METHODS

A systematic literature review was conducted in several databases, without search date limit. The search strategy was limited to articles published in Portuguese, French, English and Spanish. Eligible studies were case reports and case series that reported outcomes in humans caused by spider bites. Patient-level and study-level information was extracted.

RESULTS

The literature search yielded 10 683 studies. A total of 248 articles were included, reporting 351 patients; 54% of them were male. The most frequently reported signs and symptoms were local. The death of 17 patients was documented (4.85%). Spiders from the genera Loxosceles and Latrodectus caused most of the accidents. No difference in hospital stay length in Latrodectus or Loxosceles envenomation with or without antivenom was found.

DISCUSSION

The bite of different species of spiders around the world can cause serious consequences to human health, especially spiders from the genera Loxosceles and Latrodectus. Even as mortality is not high, spider bites must be quickly diagnosed and treated properly

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