Hand wound caused by an active sting with a toxin spine of a catfish (Heteropneustes fossilis)--a case report.

A case of a 33-years-old aquarist admitted to the Clinic with a painful wound caused by a Stinging Catfish (Heteropneustes fossilis) was presented. While cleaning the aquarium the fish actively stung him in the hand. After irrigating and debriding of the wound the patient was given tetanus anatoxin and antibiotic course. The opioid analgesia and local anesthesia had to be provided to relieve the pain. The follow up after 2 weeks showed healed wound of the hand and the patient had no subjective complaints. There is an urgent need for a bill about venomous and poisonous animals which will be allowed to be kept at home. The registration of venomous and poisonous animals in the Regional Poison Control Centers should be compulsory. There is a need for initiating educational activity among people who keep dangerous animals at home as their pets.