Stingray Poisoning, an Aspect with Medical Relevance

The aim of writing this chapter is to spread knowledge about some stingray species that many times due to ignorance we can expose ourselves to accidents.

We rarely think that marine animals, large or small, can feel threatened by the human presence in their habitat. Sometimes out of ignorance we want to have some marine life animal in our hands, either because of its color or its appearance and sometimes they seem harmless. There are unpleasant surprises when trying to touch a sea urchin, it buries its stinger causing pain and subsequent infection that requires antibiotics for treatment. Little importance has been given to rayism, however, cases of stingray stings are not rare. A variety of manta rays abound on some Mexican beaches, some more poisonous than others.

An overview of the different species and their taxonomic classification, their venom and biochemical composition, diagnosis, and medical management, as well as therapeutic management of stings are given here. Some recommendations are also given to prevent accidents caused by these organisms. Special attention should be paid to those patients who have diabetes where wound repair is slow and there is a higher risk of infection.