Clinical aspects and consequences of envenoming by a captive rhinoceros viper (Bitis nasicornis) in Hungary.

A case of Rhinoceros viper (Bitis nasicornis) bite is reported. The bitten hand distended to the wrist, which was tense and painful, with only mild local livid discolouration manifested around the fang mark. Slight hypertension with moderate tachycardia and temporary coagulopathy were observed. The patient received analgesic and intravenous fluids, antibiotics and anti-tetanus therapy. Use of antiserum was not necessary. The bitten person was treated in the main centre for snakebite first aid: in the Toxicological Ward of Erzsébet Hospital of Budapest. We attach importance to the implications of this case because envenoming by B. nasicornis being relatively rare in captivity all over the world (particularly in Europe and the USA), as well as in the wilderness in Africa.