Socio-demographic Profile of Snakebite Deaths and its Medico-legal Aspect: An Autopsy-based Retrospective Study at Tertiary Care Hospital

Snakebite is a significant public health concern in tropical and subtropical regions. Globally, it is estimated that 4.5–5.4 million snake bites occur each year, of which 1.8–2.7 million results in clinically evident envenomation, with an estimated mortality ranging from 81,000 to 138,000 annually. India has 52 species of venomous snakes and accounts for nearly 50% of the global deaths attributed to venomous snakebite. The incidence and pattern of snakebite vary across different geographical areas and are influenced by factors such as climate, ecology, biodiversity, snake distribution, and human population density. The present study included fatal snakebite cases subjected to medico-legal autopsy at the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Patna Medical College, Patna. Information about demographic profile (age, sex, occupation, and socioeconomic status), geographical area, seasonal trends, site and pattern of bite, local tissue changes, and manner of bite was documented in a standardized proforma and analyzed accordingly. In this study, the majority of victims were males in the 21–30 year age group, predominantly engaged in agricultural work, and most bites were accidental in nature. Hands and feet were the most common sites affected. Most cases occurred during the rainy season. In the majority of victims, two fang marks were identified at the bite site, accompanied by subcutaneous hemorrhage, necrosis, swelling, and local cellulitis. Snakebite burden is highest among males aged 21–30 years, most of whom belong to economically weaker rural populations engaged in farming occupations.