Octopus bite

Background

  • Blue-ringed octopus (genus Hapalochlaena) is commonly cited venomous octopus
    • Venom contains tetrodotoxin, which inhibits voltage-gated Na+ channels --> paralysis
    • Potentially lethal
    • Becomes bright yellow with blue rings when provoked
Blue ringed octopus

Clinical Features

Differential Diagnosis

Marine toxins, envenomations, and bites

Evaluation

  • Clinical diagnosis

Management

  • Supportive treatment only; no antivenom exists

Disposition

See Also

External Links

References