COPS have launched a manslaughter probe after a mum-of-two died over a month after doctors allegedly missed the warning signs of a deadly spider bite.
Sabrina Gigliotti, 39, tragically passed away in hospital 40 days after suffering a suspected poisoned bite to her right thigh – with her devastated family insisting her life could have been saved.
The mum, from the Rome coastal suburb of Ostia, first sought help after noticing itching, pain and swelling around a mark on her leg.
She visited Grassi Hospital on September 26, where medics diagnosed her with an insect bite and prescribed the antibiotic Augmentin.
When the wound failed to heal, she began attending Celio Hospital for regular dressings, reportedly seeing a surgeon roughly every 48 hours.
But her family claim no further blood tests or deep scans were ordered – despite her appearing to steadily deteriorate.
Her brother wrote in a complaint: “Despite the dressings, my sister seemed to be getting worse, beginning to suffer from lower back pain, pain in her legs and a burning sensation in her stomach and back.”
By October 18, Sabrina was so weak she could only walk with crutches when she returned to Grassi Hospital.
Doctors reportedly put her agony down to lower back pain and recommended an MRI — but the scan was never carried out as her body continued to shut down.
Just two days later, on October 20, the mum was struggling to form words and racked by a violent cough.
The next morning, her worried cousin dialled emergency services as Sabrina slumped into a critical state.
Paramedics rushed her back to Grassi Hospital, where doctors reportedly finally recognised the severity of her condition after discovering a catastrophic bloodstream infection, forcing them to urgently intubate her.
Sabrina was then transferred to San Camillo Hospital, where doctors reportedly told her heartbroken family that a toxin released by an infection had affected her vital organs and that nothing more could be done to save her.
She died on October 25 – four days after her condition began to dramatically deteriorate.
The tragedy has triggered a probe, with Sabrina’s grieving brothers urging prosecutors to establish whether mistakes were made during her treatment at Grassi and Celio hospitals.
An autopsy has been ordered to clarify the exact cause of death, with investigators set to examine whether the spider bite was connected to the lethal infection.
The brothers’ lawyer, Pablo de Luca, said: “As the lawyer representing Sabrina’s family, I can only ask the authorities to clarify every aspect of this absurd story which, based on what we currently know, makes us think that Sabrina did not deserve to die.
“The autopsy ordered by the prosecutor and the medical records should already provide us with some initial answers. We are asking for the absolute truth and justice.”
Tributes have been paid to Sabrina by a host of local organisations in Ostia.
Amateur club A.S.D. Pescatori Ostia 1975 said: “We stand with the Gigliotti family at this time of great sadness following the loss of dear Sabrina. We send our thoughts and prayers to all her relatives.”
Morandi football club also expressed its condolences, adding: “The entire club joins the Gigliotti family in mourning the loss of their dear Sabrina. Our deepest condolences.”
Sabrina leaves behind two children, aged eight and 12.
