Catfish stings in the United States: case report and review

One report of a catfish sting is presented and 30 additional reports from the English language literature are reviewed. All of the reports involve catfish native to the United States. Freshwater catfish appeared implicated in 14 of the reports, madtom catfish in seven and saltwater catfish in ten. Pain and inflammation attributable to mechanical trauma and envenomation commonly occurred. A portion of the stinging apparatus became embedded in seven cases. Complications included infection, nerve and tendon damage, dry gangrene and possible anaphylaxis. One patient with predisposing disease died after developing a severe infection. Treatment of catfish stings includes control of pain, removal of foreign material and the use of antibiotics. Comparative studies on the toxins and normal flora of native catfish could provide more precise guidelines for treatment of stings.