Viperidae snake envenomation from a highly complex hospital in southwestern Colombia.

Background: Snake envenomation is a medical condition with high morbidity and mortality in southwestern Colombia. Objectives: To describe the characteristics of the envenomation caused by Viperidae snakes view in a highly complex hospital in Southwestern Colombia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out. Patients treated for Viperidae snake envenomation from 2001 to 2020 in a Hospital Fundación Valle del Lili, Cali, Colombia, were studied. Results: Twenty-eight patients were included. Envenomation was caused by the genera Bothrops, Bothriechis, Porthidium, and Bothrocophias. The median age was 37.7 (±20.6), and they were predominantly male (19, 68%). Bites occurred on the upper extremities in 16 (57%) patients. Pain (23, 81%) and edema (22, 78%) were the most common clinical symptoms. Thirteen (46%) patients presented coagulopathy. Prolonged prothrombin and activated partial thromboplastin times were common: (22, 78% and 15, 53%, respectively). Twenty (71%) patients were treated with polyvalent antivenom (median dose of 6 (2-15) vials). The median time between the accident and antivenom administration was 9 h (5.5-17). Door-to-needle time was 37.5 (0-62) min. Eighteen (64%) patients were admitted to the intensive care unit. Three (11%) patients had serum sickness. Seven (25%) developed infectious complications, four (14%) had surgery, one (3%) had compartment syndrome, one (3%) underwent amputation of the affected limb, and one (3%) patient died. Conclusions: Local manifestations and coagulopathy were common clinical features. Polyvalent antivenom was an effective treatment for disease control. Significant complications were associated with delays in seeking medical care.

Envenomation by Eyelash Viper Bothriechis schlegelii (Berthold, 1846) in Southwestern Colombia.

INTRODUCTION: Bothriechis schlegelii is a Crotaline viperid species of Central America and Northern South America. The characteristics of its envenomation have not been well established. We present clinical characteristics of human cases evaluated and treated in a hospital in southwestern Colombia. METHODS: We evaluated data from patients who suffered Bothriechis schlegelii envenomation and were seen at Fundación Valle del Lili Hospital, Cali, Colombia between 2011 and 2022. RESULTS: Eight patients were included, with a median age of 24 years. Snakebites occurred in rural areas. Six (75%) patients were bitten on the upper extremities in relation to the arboreal habits of this animal. The most common symptoms were pain and edema (N = 8, 100%), ecchymoses (N = 2, 25%), and paresthesia (N = 2, 25%). The most common systemic findings were hypofibrinogenemia (N = 8, 100%) and prolonged prothrombin time in five patients (N = 5, 62.5%). All were treated with polyvalent antivenom for Colombian snakes, with a good response and outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Most bite sites from B. schlegelii were on the upper limbs. All patients had both local manifestations, including edema, pain, and systemic effects with hypofibrinogenemia, but none had systemic bleeding. Every patient received antivenom and had favorable outcomes.

The Colombian bushmasters Lachesis acrochorda (García, 1896) and Lachesis muta (Linnaeus, 1766): Snake species, venoms, envenomation, and its management.

In Colombia, there are two species of bushmaster snakes, Lachesis acrochorda, which is distributed mainly in the west of the country (in the Choco region), and Lachesis muta in the southeast (in the Amazon and Orinoquia region), whose presence has been reduced due to the destruction of their habitats. Captive maintenance is challenging, making it difficult to obtain their venom for study and antivenom manufacturing. They are the largest vipers in the world. The occurrence of human envenomation is quite rare, but when it occurs, it is associated with high mortality. Bushmaster venom is necrotizing, hemorrhagic, myotoxic, hemolytic, and cardiovascular depressant. Due to the presence of bradycardia, hypotension, emesis, and diarrhea in some patients (Lachesis syndrome), the possibility of a vagal or cholinergic effect is raised. The treatment of envenomation is hindered by the scarcity of antivenom and the need to use high doses. A review of the most relevant biological and medical aspects of bushmaster snakes is presented, mainly for those occurring in Colombia, to facilitate their recognition and raise awareness about the need for special attention to improve their conservation and advance scientific knowledge, in particular, about their venom.

Biological and medical aspects related to the yellow-bellied sea snake Hydrophis platurus (Linnaeus, 1766): A view from Colombia.

In Colombia, 317 species of snakes have been recognized, of which 51 (17%) have medical importance due to the toxicity of their venom. A total of 95% of envenomations are caused by snakes of the family Viperidae and 5% of the family Elapidae. The latter form of envenomation is mainly caused by snakes of the genus Micrurus. The only sea snake described is the yellow-bellied snake (Hydrophis platurus), present in the Pacific Ocean. Although Colombia has approximately 1300 km on the Pacific coast and a significant presence of H platurus, envenomation is rare. As a result of the care of a patient with this type of envenomation and of the donation of a H platurus specimen to our laboratory, we decided to conduct this review on the most relevant biological, epidemiological and clinical aspects of this enigmatic and interesting species.

Pharmacological blockade of KV1.3 channel as a promising treatment in autoimmune diseases.

There are more than 100 autoimmune diseases (AD), which have a high prevalence that ranges between 5% and 8% of the general population. Type I diabetes mellitus, multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis remain the health problem of highest concern among people worldwide due to its high morbidity and mortality. The development of new treatment strategies has become a research hotspot. In recent years, the study of the ion channels presents in the cells of the immune system, regarding their functional role, the consequences of mutations in their genes and the different ways of blocking them are the subject of intense research. Pharmacological blockade of KV1.3 channel inhibits Ca2+ signaling, T cell proliferation, and pro-inflammatory interleukins production in human CD4+ effector memory T cells. These cells mediated most of the AD and their inhibition is a promising therapeutic target. In this review, we will highlight the biological function of KV1.3 channel in T cells, consequence of the pharmacological inhibition (through anemone and scorpion toxins, synthetic peptides, nanoparticles, or monoclonal antibodies) as well as the possible therapeutical application in AD.

Biomedical applications of snake venom: from basic science to autoimmunity and rheumatology.

Snake venoms have components with diverse biological actions that are extensively studied to identify elements that may be useful in biomedical sciences. In the field of autoimmunity and rheumatology, various findings useful for the study of diseases and potential drug development have been reported. The study of disintegrins, proteins that block the action of integrins, has been useful for the development of antiplatelet agents and principles for the development of immunosuppressants and antineoplastics. Several proteins in snake venoms act on the coagulation cascade, activating factors that have allowed the development of tests for the study of coagulation, including Russell's viper venom time, which is useful in the diagnosis of antiphospholipid syndrome. Neurotoxins with either pre- or postsynaptic effects have been used to study neurogenic synapses and neuromuscular plaques and the development of analgesics, muscle relaxants and drugs for neurodegenerative diseases. Various components act by inhibiting cells and proteins of the immune system, which will allow the development of anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive drugs. This review summarizes the usefulness of the components of snake venoms in the fields of autoimmunity and rheumatology, which can serve as a basis for diverse translational research.

Clinical syndromes associated with Viperidae family snake envenomation in southwestern Colombia.

BACKGROUND: In southwestern Colombia there is a notable variety of snakes that belong to the Viperidae family (vipers). The particular clinical manifestation related to species is poorly reported. METHODS: Based on a prospective study about envenomation caused by vipers from 2011 to 2019 at the Fundación Valle del Lili Hospital, Cali, in southwest Colombia, we selected cases of admitted patients in which the snakes responsible were fully identified. They were cataloged by clinical syndrome according to prevalent signs (edema-inducing, necrotizing, blister-inducing, procoagulant, anticoagulant or myotoxic) and were related to the species that caused the envenomation. RESULTS: From a cohort of 53 patients, 21 patients (16 males [72.7%]) with an average age of 35 (3-69) y were included. The syndromes associated with envenomation were anticoagulant and necrotizing effects of Bothrops asper (five patients [22.7%]), blister-inducing and anticoagulant effects of Bothrops rhombeatus (five [22.7%]), anticoagulant effects of Bothrops punctatus (three patients [13.6%]), edema-inducing and anticoagulant effects of Bothriechis schlegelii (five [22.7%]), edema-inducing and myotoxic effects of Bothrocophias colombianus (one [4.5%]), edema-inducing and myotoxic effects of Bothrocophias myersi (one [4.5%]) and edema-inducing effects of Porthidium nasutum (one [4.5%]). CONCLUSION: In southwestern Colombia there is notable variety in species of snakes belonging to the family Viperidae (vipers) whose envenomation causes various clinical syndromes.

Phylogeny and toxicological assessments of two Porthidium lansbergii lansbergii morphotypes from the caribbean region of Colombia.

After a snakebite accident, species identification is of vital importance. However, the existence of intraspecific differences in the body coloration patterns of venomous snakes can generate confusion and delay a convenient and effective treatment. This is the situation for Porthidium lansbergii lansbergii from Colombia, for which two distinctive color morphs occur, and the relationship of these morphs with venom toxicity is unknown. Therefore, venom samples from specimens of these two morphs were collected from the Colombian Caribbean region, and their protein profiles compared. Likewise, their venom functional activities were evaluated in vitro and in vivo in BALB/C mice. Additionally, using sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome b (Cyt-b) gene, the relationship between these Colombian P. lansbergii lansbergii morphotypes was investigated, and their phylogenetic positions were determined for the first time using Bayesian inference. Despite the noticeable coloration divergence between the individuals analyzed, similar protein profiles of their venoms were observed. Additionally, neither their lethality nor biochemical activities were notably different. In general, both venoms were highly proteolytic, lacked a coagulant effect in vitro, and extended the clotting time due to the action of venom components, such as disintegrins and proteases, that induce defibrination. These results agreed with the result of our phylogenetic analysis, suggesting that the two chromatic morphs do not represent isolated populations. The phylogenetic analyses also supported the currently recognized P. lansbergii lansbergii subspecies as a monophyletic complex. In conclusion, the results of this investigation suggest similar clinical manifestations regardless of body coloration after a P. lansbergii lansbergii envenomation, and pools can therefore be used for antivenom development, medical treatments, and further research efforts.

A morphological database for Colombian anuran species from conservation-priority ecosystems.

Species traits provide a strong link between an organism's fitness and processes at community and ecosystem levels. However, such data remain scarce for amphibians in the Neotropics. Colombia is the country with the highest number of threatened amphibians and the second greatest number of amphibian species worldwide. We present a data set containing eight morphological traits for 4,623 museum specimens of the seven largest collections in the country corresponding to 293 species of 14 families. The number of measured specimens per species ranged from 1 to 118 individuals with a median of 8 individuals per species. Overall, this database gathered morphological information for 37.6% of Colombian anuran diversity. Species measured were mainly distributed in the high Andean forest, the páramo, and wetland ecosystems, and was part of a national initiative led by the Instituto Alexander von Humboldt. The morphological traits were selected on the basis of their role in species' responses to environmental variability and their contributions to ecosystem processes. These traits were related to habitat use, (forearm length, tibia length, femur length, foot length, and foot webbing), predation and food chains (head width and mouth width), and nutrient recycling (snout-vent length). We expect this data set will be used in studies on functional diversity in amphibians and the development of conservation planning for these taxa. No copyright or proprietary restrictions are associated with the use of this data set other than citation of this Data Paper.

The global distribution of tetrapods reveals a need for targeted reptile conservation.

The distributions of amphibians, birds and mammals have underpinned global and local conservation priorities, and have been fundamental to our understanding of the determinants of global biodiversity. In contrast, the global distributions of reptiles, representing a third of terrestrial vertebrate diversity, have been unavailable. This prevented the incorporation of reptiles into conservation planning and biased our understanding of the underlying processes governing global vertebrate biodiversity. Here, we present and analyse the global distribution of 10,064 reptile species (99% of extant terrestrial species). We show that richness patterns of the other three tetrapod classes are good spatial surrogates for species richness of all reptiles combined and of snakes, but characterize diversity patterns of lizards and turtles poorly. Hotspots of total and endemic lizard richness overlap very little with those of other taxa. Moreover, existing protected areas, sites of biodiversity significance and global conservation schemes represent birds and mammals better than reptiles. We show that additional conservation actions are needed to effectively protect reptiles, particularly lizards and turtles. Adding reptile knowledge to a global complementarity conservation priority scheme identifies many locations that consequently become important. Notably, investing resources in some of the world's arid, grassland and savannah habitats might be necessary to represent all terrestrial vertebrates efficiently.

Publisher Correction: The global distribution of tetrapods reveals a need for targeted reptile conservation.

In this Article originally published, owing to a technical error, the author 'Laurent Chirio' was mistakenly designated as a corresponding author in the HTML version, the PDF was correct. This error has now been corrected in the HTML version. Further, in Supplementary Table 3, the authors misspelt the surname of 'Danny Meirte'; this file has now been replaced.

Envenomation by the red-tailed coral snake (Micrurus mipartitus) in Colombia.

BACKGROUND: Although the red-tailed coral snake (Micrurus mipartitus) is widely distributed in Colombia and its venom is highly neurotoxic and life threatening, envenomation by this species is rare. Therefore, this report may shed some light on the clinical presentation of M. mipartitus bites. CASE PRESENTATIONS: Herein, we describe two cases of patients bitten by red-tailed coral snakes, illustrating the clinical presentation of the victims, the outcomes and treatment provided. CONCLUSION: Envenomation caused by M. mipartitus provokes predicable neurotoxicity, and its treatment should be based on respiratory support and use of specific antivenom.

Envenomation by the red-tailed coral snake (Micrurus mipartitus) in Colombia

Background Although the red-tailed coral snake (Micrurus mipartitus) is widely distributed in Colombia and its venom is highly neurotoxic and life threatening, envenomation by this species is rare. Therefore, this report may shed some light on the clinical presentation of M. mipartitus bites. Case presentations Herein, we describe two cases of patients bitten by red-tailed coral snakes, illustrating the clinical presentation of the victims, the outcomes and treatment provided. Conclusion Envenomation caused by M. mipartitus provokes predicable neurotoxicity, and its treatment should be based on respiratory support and use of specific antivenom.(AU)

Envenomation by the red-tailed coral snake (Micrurus mipartitus) in Colombia

Abstract Background Although the red-tailed coral snake (Micrurus mipartitus) is widely distributed in Colombia and its venom is highly neurotoxic and life threatening, envenomation by this species is rare. Therefore, this report may shed some light on the clinical presentation of M. mipartitus bites. Case presentations Herein, we describe two cases of patients bitten by red-tailed coral snakes, illustrating the clinical presentation of the victims, the outcomes and treatment provided. Conclusion Envenomation caused by M. mipartitus provokes predicable neurotoxicity, and its treatment should be based on respiratory support and use of specific antivenom.

Divergent functional profiles of acidic and basic phospholipases A2 in the venom of the snake Porthidium lansbergii lansbergii.

The Lansberg's hognose pitviper, Porthidium lansbergii lansbergii, inhabits northern Colombia. A recent proteomic characterization of its venom (J. Proteomics [2015] 114, 287-299) revealed the presence of phospholipases A2 (PLA2) accounting for 16.2% of its proteins. The two most abundant PLA2s were biochemically and functionally characterized. Pllans-I is a basic, dimeric enzyme with a monomer mass of 14,136 Da, while Pllans-II is an acidic, monomeric enzyme of 13,901 Da. Both have Asp49 in their partial amino acid sequences and, accordingly, are catalytically active upon natural or synthetic substrates. Nevertheless, these two enzymes differ markedly in their bioactivities. Pllans-I induces myonecrosis, edema, and is lethal by intracerebro-ventricular injection in mice, as well as cytolytic and anticoagulant in vitro. In contrast, Pllans-II is devoid of these effects, except for the induction of a moderate edema. In spite of lacking myotoxicity, Pllans-II enhances the muscle damaging action of Pllans-I in vivo. Altogether, results further illustrate the divergent functional profiles of basic and acidic PLA2s in viperid venoms, and suggest that Pllans-I plays a myotoxic role in envenomings by P. l. lansbergii, whereas Pllans-II, apparently devoid of toxicity, enhances muscle damage caused by Pllans-I.

Proteomic and functional analyses of the venom of Porthidium lansbergii lansbergii (Lansberg's hognose viper) from the Atlantic Department of Colombia.

The venom of the Lansberg's hognose pitviper, Porthidium lansbergii lansbergii, a species found in the northern region of Colombia, is poorly known. Aiming to increase knowledge on Porthidium species venoms, its proteomic analysis and functional evaluation of in vitro and in vivo activities relevant to its toxicity were undertaken. Out of 51 protein components resolved by a combination of RP-HPLC and SDS-PAGE, 47 were assigned to 12 known protein families. In similarity with two previously characterized venoms from species within this genus, Porthidium nasutum and Porthidium ophryomegas, that of P. lansbergii lansbergii was dominated by metalloproteinases, although in lower proportion. A common feature of the three Porthidium venoms appears to be a high content of disintegrins. Proteins not previously observed in Porthidium venoms belong to the vascular endothelium growth factor, phosphodiesterase, and phospholipase B families. P. lansbergii lansbergii venom showed relatively weak lethal activity to mice, and induced a moderate local myotoxicity, but considerable hemorrhage. Its isolated VEGF component showed potent edema-inducing activity in the mouse footpad assay. Significant thrombocytopenia, but no other major hematological changes, were observed in envenomed mice. In vitro, this venom lacked coagulant effect on human plasma, and induced a potent inhibition of platelet aggregation which was reproduced by its purified disintegrin components. Phospholipase A2 and proteolytic activities were also demonstrated. Overall, the compositional and functional data herein described for the venom of P. lansbergii lansbergii may contribute to a better understanding of envenomings by this pitviper species, for which specific clinical information is lacking. BIOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Porthidium lansbergii lansbergii is estimated to be responsible for nearly 20% of snakebite envenoming cases at the Atlantic Department of Colombia, but the identity and functional properties of its venom components are largely unknown. This study provides the first combined proteomic and functional analyses of the venom of this pitviper, which may contribute to a better understanding of the features of envenomings by this species.

Bioacumulación ee mercurio en larvas de anuros n la zona afectada por la minerría de oro en el río dagua, buenaventura, valle del cauca, Colombia / Mercury Bioaccumulation on Tadpoles of a Gold Mining Zone in Dagua River, Buenaventura, Valle del Cauca, Colombia

Los anfibios, particularmente en sus estados larvales, tienen una gran sensibilidad a la concentración de contaminantes; por lo que se han convertido en una herramienta indicadora para evaluar cómo las diferentes actividades humanas afectan los ecosistemas acuáticos. Debido a esto se utilizaron larvas de anuros como bioindicadores en la zona del medio Dagua, en el corregimiento de Zaragoza, donde la actividad minera ha liberado contaminantes al río Dagua (metales pesados principalmente). Utilizando la técnica de espectrofotometría por absorción atómica de vapor frío se midieron las concentraciones de mercurio total en renacuajos de cinco especies, junto con una muestra de sedimentos para cada muestra animal, como un referente ambiental. La evaluación se realizó en dos zonas con diferente grado de intervención y se reportan rangos de concentración de mercurio que van desde 0,07 hasta 0,24 µg/g y desde 0,07 hasta 0,17 µg/g para la zona de alto impacto y de impacto desconocido respectivamente. Pese a que las concentraciones encontradas no superan límites establecidos por las autoridades ambientales, es evidente que en la zona se desarrollan procesos de bioacumulación, porque las concentraciones en los organismos siempre fueron mayores a las del ambiente, de hecho, significativamente diferentes (M-W Utest, p = 0,001), por lo que se propone la implementación de programas de biomonitoreo y bioremediación en la zona, teniendo en cuenta que los renacuajos son principalmente consumidores de primer orden y al incorporarse en la cadena trófica las cargas contaminantes entrarían en procesos de biomagnificación.

Amphibians, particularly larval stages, are strongly sensitive to pollutants, so they have become useful indicators to assess how different human activities affect ecosystems. In this way, tadpoles were used as bioindicators in the Medio Dagua zone, in Zaragoza town, where mining has released pollutants into the Dagua River (mostly heavy metals). Using spectrophotometry by cold vapor atomic absorption, we measured total mercury concentrations in tadpoles of five species, with a sediment sample for each animal sample as an environment reference. The study was realized in two areas with different intervention levels, we report mercury concentration ranges from 0.07 to 0.24 µg/g for high impact zone and from 0.07 to 0.17µg/g for unknown impact zone, these levels do not exceed set limits used by local environmental authorities, however, is evident that bioaccumulation processes are developing in the area because organisms concentrations were always higher than those of the environment, in fact, significantly different (MW Utest, p = 0.001) therefore we propose the implementation of biomonitoring and bioremediation programs in the area, taking in consideration that tadpoles species used here, were mainly first order consumers, and when their mercury concentrations are incorporated into the food chain, these contaminant loads will produce biomagnification processes.