GLOBAL EYE
New antivenom invented for black widow spider bites
HEALTH
WORDS EMILY COOKE
A male European black widow wrapping up his prey
Scientists have invented a new antivenom for European black
widow spider bites that uses human antibodies to mitigate the
effects of the arachnid’s painful toxins. The new treatment could be superior to existing antidotes, but it will need much more testing before it’s available to patients. When European black widows bite, they inject into their victims a powerful toxin called alphalatrotoxin. Alpha-latrotoxin attacks the nervous system and can trigger a condition called latrodectism, with symptoms such as severe pain, headaches and nausea. If left untreated, symptoms can last for several days, but the condition is rarely fatal.