Freshwater Catfish Envenoming in a Tropical Country

ObjectiveFreshwater catfish are known to cause painful stings in humans. Stings usually cause mild envenomation and, in some instances, can lead to severe secondary bacterial infections. Sri Lanka is a tropical country where catfish stings are not rare. However, presenting signs and symptoms, complications, and management options are scarce in the literature.MethodsA retrospective, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted by reviewing patient records in the university surgical units and surgical clinic in the teaching hospital in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, during 2015.ResultsTen patients presented to the hospital following catfish stings. The common presenting features following stings were severe pain, swelling, and lymphadenopathy followed by cellulitis. Late complication such as tenosynovitis were also observed.ConclusionsRoutine procedures are sufficient to reduce further complications. However, people who are at high risk of encountering catfish, and travelers visiting tropical countries, should be aware of the possibility of stings and take necessary precautions.