Myriapods (Diplopoda and Chilopoda): medical aspects of envenomations

Abstract

The Subphylum Myriapoda is part of the Phylum Arthropoda, and has two Classes related to human medicine. The Diplopoda Class comprises the Millipedes that poison through contact of their toxins with the skin and mucous membranes. The Chilopoda Class, the Centipedes are venomous animals that cause painful envenomation through stings. The clinical manifestations of human injuries caused by myriapods are typical. Because of the frequency with which these animals are found in domestic environments, it is important that this information be transmitted to medical teams and the general population.