Spider bite - the redback spider and its relatives

BACKGROUND: Redback spider bite is thought to be the commonest serious spider bite in Australia. The treatment for the envenomation syndrome it causes, termed 'latrodectism', is the most frequently used antivenom in Australia. Several cases of a 'latrodectism-like' illness after cupboard spider bites ('steatodism') have also appeared to respond to redback antivenom. OBJECTIVE: This article describes the key presenting features of redback spider envenomation and discusses treatment for bites by this spider and that of its close relatives, the cupboard spider. It is intended that this information will assist general practitioners in the diagnosis and management of spider bite in Australia. DISCUSSION: Redback spider antivenom is safe and appears to be broadly cross reactive with the venom of other spiders of the Theridiidae family. Guidelines for the use of this product are also provided. (author abstract)