The epidemiology, syndromic diagnosis, management, and prevention of spider bites in the South.

Unlike other arthropods, spiders rarely transmit communicable diseases, and thus play a critical role in the ecosystem by consuming other insects that frequently transmit human diseases, such as mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas. There are more than 30,000 species of spiders worldwide, most of which are venomous, but cannot inflict serious bites due to delicate mouthparts and short fangs. Other insect bites, skin infections, and chemical- or physical-agent exposures are often misdiagnosed as spider bites. Approximately 40 species from 4 major genera of spiders in Louisiana and throughout the South, however, can cause severe human envenomings, with dermonecrosis, systemic toxicity, and, rarely, death. Spider bites can usually be prevented by simple personal and domestic measures. Early species identification and specific management may help prevent serious sequelae of spider bites.