Animal-related Injuries relevant to the Maltese Islands - Terrestial

Myriapoda

The class Myriapoda comprises animal species belonging to four different subclasses of which only two - Diplopoda or millipedes and the Chilopoda or centipedes - are large enough to be familiar.

Sub-Class Diplopoda - Family Julidae: Millipedes

The millipedes are generally herbivores and pose no danger to humans. Many of the species, e.g. Pachyiulus flavipes, secrete a foul-smelling liquid from a series of glands situated on the side of the body whenever the animal disturbed. The secretions of some species may also irritate the skin but causes no particular harm.

• The toxic secretions of millipedes should be washed from the skin with copious amounts of soap and water. Cleansing with alcohol should be avoided. A corticosteroid lotion or cream can be applied if a skin reaction develops. Transfer of the secretions to the eye must be avoided - otherwise manage with immediate irrigation and the application of a corticosteroid-analgesic ointment.

Sub-Class Chilopoda: Centipedes

The centipede species found in the Maltese Islands are carnivorous and assist the capture of their prey by the injection of a poison which paralyses and kills the prey. Since the species are generally small, they pose no harm to humans. One Maltese species, Scolopendra cingulata, can grow up to 10 cm and thus can have very strong large teeth which can deliver a painful bite.

Clinical Features:

With injection of the toxin, the sting of the Scolopendra cingulata causes a mild inflammatory response at the wound site with localized swelling and erythema. This may possibly be associated with some lymphangitis and swelling of the regional lymph nodes. Necrosis of the wound site is rare. Symptoms and signs seldom persist for more than 48 hours. A hypersensitivity reaction can occur in sensitized susceptible persons. This is highly unlikely since repeated exposure to this species is unlikely.

Treatment:
The treatment of centipede poisoning is largely empirical. Cool compresses should be applied to the site. Analgesics, including local infiltration of the bite site, can be given if required. Corticosteroids have been used as anti-inflammatory agents.