Cobra bite complicated by soft tissue infection with Salmonella enterica subsp. diarizonae. A case report

Abstract

Appropriate first aid and subsequent clinical management are essential to reduce the mortality and morbidity associated with snakebite envenoming. Evidence regarding secondary bacterial infection following venomous snakebites remains limited. We describe the clinical course and microbiological findings in a Danish tourist, who developed a soft tissue necrosis with infection following a venomous cobra snakebite sustained in South Africa. The case describes a secondary soft tissue infection with a polymicrobial culture including Salmonella enterica subsp. diarizonae. Extensive surgical management, including aggressive debridement, resulted in a favourable clinical outcome despite substantial soft tissue necrosis. We describe how the surgical debridement was managed in Denmark and highlight its importance for a successful outcome.