Taipan envenoming is rare and is usually lethal without antivenom treatment. It is characterised by rapid onset of venom-induced consumptive coagulopathy (VICC), neurotoxicity and rhabdomyolysis. The Papuan taipan is the most medically important snake in Papua New Guinea.
- Oxyuranus scutellatus: Coastal taipan
- Oxyuranus scutellatus canni: Papuan taipan
- Oxyuranus microlepidotus: Inland taipan, Small-scaled or fierce snake
- Oxyuranus temporalis
References
- Sutherland SK, Tibballs J. Australian animal toxins: the creatures, their toxins and care of the poisoned patient. South Melbourne: Oxford University Press, 2001.
- Trevett AJ, Lalloo DG, Nwokolo NC, et al. The efficacy of antivenom in the treatment of bites by the Papuan taipan (Oxyuranus scutellatus canni). Trans Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygeine 1995; 89:322-325.
- Williams D, Bal B. Papuan Taipan (Oxyuranus scutellatus canni) envenomation in rural Papua New Guinea. Annals of Australasian College of Tropical Medicine 2003; 4(1):6-9.
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