Diagnosis of loxoscelism in a child confirmed with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and noninvasive tissue sampling.

Abstract

Confirmation of mild bites caused by Loxosceles reclusa with swab testing has not been previously documented, to our knowledge. We report a case using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test. A lesion lacking necrosis or other specific signs of loxoscelism was confirmed by identification of the Loxosceles venom and further confirmed by identification of a spider found in the patient's bed. This is a pilot single-case report for this enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test. A sensitive and specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay designed to detect Loxosceles venom, using a specimen obtained by swabbing the lesion, can aid in diagnosis of loxoscelism.