EVENOMING BY BUNGARUS-MULTICINCTUS (MANY-BANDED KRAIT) IN HONG-KONG

We describe the clinical course of two cases of envenoming by the many -banded krait (Bungarus multicinctus). A man developed generalized par alysis and respiratory failure with transient hypertension. Nerve cond uction studies revealed normal motor and sensory conduction velocities with reduced motor unit action potential amplitudes consistent with n euromuscular blockade. He showed a slight transient response to the ba nded krait (B. fasciatus) antivenom but required ventilatory support f or 8 days. After the fourth day, there was some response to treatment with anticholinesterase. Another man developed diplopia, dysphagia and leg weakness but recovered spontaneously after 48 hours.