Can Spiders Give You Diseases?
WouterSpiders are eight-legged arthropods that rarely bite humans. They usually live in houses or other buildings, in low vegetation, and under objects. But the venom of some spiders is known to cause dermonecrotic wounds in humans.
In the past, some synanthropic spiders were considered medical concerns. But the spiders that are most commonly associated with bites are not synanthropic. Rather, they are the result of their parasitic relationships with other insects.
The most dangerous spider to humans is Atrax robustus. It is also the most common species of spider that can be found in North America. However, the brown recluse spider is not native to the United States. In fact, it has only been reported in two cases in the literature.
Another medically significant spider is the violin spider. It is a close relative of the North American Loxosceles reclusa. The spider’s venom contains metalloproteases and a translationally controlled tumor protein family of toxins.
The violin spider tends to hide in bed sheets and clothing. When pressed against the skin, it can give an allergic reaction. A severe allergic reaction may require a hospital visit.
In Brazil, 15 people have died of this disease. In addition, the Brazilian wandering spider, Phoneutria nigriventer, has been associated with two deaths. It has been noted that its venom contains a large amount of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA).
There are only a few species of spider that are considered medically significant. The only European species is Latrodectus tredecimguttatus. The Brazilian recluse spider has been shown to carry Clostridium perfringens on its fangs. In addition, it has been found that MRSA colonization is likely secondary to the spider bite.
