The Effect of Latrodectus Venom and its Proteomic Functional Analyses

Abstract

Only a small number of spiders worldwide have fangs that penetrate human skin. Their venom is strong enough to harm humans. Among them, Latrodectus has 30 species and Sicariidae has more than 140 species worldwide. The bite of Latrodectus also called red back spider contains a neurotoxin that causes a condition called latrodectism. The bite of this type of spider causes a condition called loxoscelism, in which local necrosis of the surrounding skin and extensive breakdown of red blood cells may occur. While there is antivenom for Latrodectus venom, the bite of this spider is similar to a state of anaphylaxis and thus it is not commonly used. In many reports of spider bites, it is unclear whether a spider bite really occurred. Historically, a number of conditions were attributed to spider bites. Although necrosis has been attributed to the bites of a number of spiders, good evidence supports this only for Sicariidae. This review provides an overview of the development of spider venom research, focusing on the structure and function of venom components and analysis techniques.