BOTHROPS-ASPER (VIPERIDAE) SNAKEBITE AND FIELD RESEARCHERS IN MIDDLE AMERICA

The problem of pitviper bite in field researchers working in Middle Am erica (Mexico to Panama) was studied using case histories of nine biol ogists and one project employee bitten during the period of 1980 to 19 91. All snakes involved were Bothrops asper. Based on local tissue and systemic effects, seven cases were severe, three with permanent disab ility. There were no fatalities. Although antivenom was administered i ntramuscularly as field treatment to seven victims and later intraveno usly as hospital treatment to nine as patients, its effect on outcome was uncertain. Nevertheless, intramuscular antivenom is recommended fo llowing an adult Bothrops asper bite when there are signs of envenomat ion and travel time to a treatment facility is more than four hours. T he Extractor (Aspivenin) suction device may be of some benefit, but in cisions, constricting bands, and electroshock should not be used. Havi ng a prior plan of action and implementing it effectively is most like ly to improve outcome. Three bites occurred during 1.5 million person- hours in the field with Bothrops asper at four field operations in Bel ize, Costa Rica, and Guatemala. Although risk of Bothrops asper bite t o field researchers is low, it should not be ignored.