Bridges between two medical realities: Perspectives of Indigenous medical and nursing students on snakebite care in the Brazilian Amazon.

In the Brazilian Amazon, snakebite envenomations (SBEs) disproportionately affect Indigenous populations, and have a significantly higher incidence and lethality than in non-Indigenous populations. This qualitative study describes the Indigenous and biomedical healthcare domains for SBE care from the perspective of the Indigenous medical and nursing students in Manaus, Western Brazilian Amazon. In-depth interviews were conducted with five Indigenous students from the Amazonas State University, between January and December 2021. The interviews were analyzed using inductive content analysis. We organized an explanatory model with five themes: (1) participants' identities; (2) causality levels in Indigenous and biomedical systems; (3) therapeutic itineraries in Indigenous and biomedical systems; (4) ideological implications of adding biomedical devices to Indigenous healing systems; and (5) therapeutic failure in and efficacy of Indigenous and biomedical systems. From a noncolonial perspective and seeking to increase the quality and acceptability of health care for the Indigenous populations of the Brazilian Amazon, the training of Indigenous health professionals presents itself as a promising strategy. For this goal, universities should serve as empowering settings for Indigenous health students that support them in their growth and development, raise their awareness of injustice, and catalyze change toward a culturally adapted and effective service for the users.

The marks of leprosy: disabilities caused by plantar lesions in discharged patients.

Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease that has a slow evolution and is characterized by dermatoneurological involvement. The health challenges surrounding this disease are closely related to the stigma that results from the physical disabilities it causes. This is due to its high rate of late diagnosis and the peculiar deformities that occur in its advanced stage. Evaluate the clinical and epidemiological aspects of patients with plantar lesions who were treated for leprosy in a dermatology referral unit. This is a cross-sectional exploratory field study that was conducted at the Reference Center in Tropical Dermatology and Venereology Alfredo da Matta (FUHAM), in Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil. We evaluated 36 patients with disabilities as a result of leprosy and who had plantar lesions. The most common ulcer site was the medial region of the plantar surface, which presented dryness and maceration with yellowish seropurulent exudate, fibrinous tissue and grade 2 depth. The study made it possible to observe the evolution of plantar ulcers resulting from the disease process, then evaluate them and discuss recommendations regarding the treatment and prevention of this type of physical disability.

Urbanization and scorpion stings in Manaus, the largest metropolis in the Brazilian Amazon.

This study analyzed a total of 260 confirmed scorpion stings reported in the city of Manaus, in the Brazilian Amazon, from 1990 to 2020. Cases were mapped according to the GPS location of their occurrence and plotted on a satellite image of the city. The stings generally occurred close to green areas, and the hotspots of stings moved north as city grew into that direction over time. Spatial analysis shows that scorpion stings mostly occur in poor, recently urbanized areas. The rapid and unplanned urbanization of originally forested areas, without offering adequate infrastructure and services, creates favorable conditions for infestation by scorpions and increases the risk of scorpion stings.

Long-term disability after cerebral ischemic stroke following a Bothrops atrox snakebite in the Brazilian Amazon.

Bothrops atrox envenomations in the Brazilian Amazon are responsible for a number of local and systemic effects. Among these, stroke presents the worst prognosis for the patient since it may evolve into disabilities and/or premature death. This complication is caused by coagulation disorders and generates hemorrhagic and thrombotic conditions. This study presents a case report of a 54-year-old female patient who presented extensive cerebral ischemia after a B. atrox envenomation that occurred in the state of Amazonas, Brazil. The patient was hospitalized for 102 days, which included a stay in the intensive care unit. Clinical and laboratory findings indicated a thrombogenic coagulopathy. On discharge, the patient had no verbal response, partial motor response, and right hemiplegia. The assessment carried out four years after discharge evidenced incapacitation, global aphasia and bilateral lower and upper limbs showed hypotrophy with a global decrease in strength. Ischemic stroke is a possible complication of B. atrox snakebites even after antivenom treatment, with the potential to cause debilitating long-term consequences.

Does Covid-19 influence the dynamics of envenomation by animals in a country strongly affected by both conditions? Epidemiological data from Brazil.

The impact of Covid-19 on envenomations by venomous animals in countries heavily affected by both conditions has not been quantified yet. Brazil shows high incidence of envenomations by scorpions, spiders and snakes and was heavily affected by waves of Covid-19. To determine how the pandemic impacted the epidemiology of envenomations by those three groups of venomous animals, we used online databases from two surveillance sources on number of cases and mortality. During the years before and during the pandemic, scorpion stings typically occurred in adults of both sexes in urban zones in the Southeast and Northeast regions. Spider bites occurred mainly in the South region, in adults of both sexes in urban zone. Snakebites affected mainly rural adult men in the Amazon. Between 2007 and 2021, overall incidence of cases by scorpions, spiders and snakes decreased after the beginning of the pandemic, snakebites did not show changes after the pandemic started in Brazil, but cases by scorpions and spiders decreased. No changes in the incidence of deaths were observed. On national level, Covid-19 affected some demographic, clinical and epidemiological aspects in cases by scorpions, spiders and snakes.

Long-term hospital care needs after Bothrops atrox envenomation with hemorrhagic stroke in the Brazilian Amazon: 'From social to physical death' - A case report.

Hemorrhagic stroke is a severe complication reported in cases of Bothrops atrox snakebite envenomation. We report an unusual case of a patient who evolved with an intracranial hemorrhagic stroke and was in a coma for more than five years in a tertiary hospital located in Manaus, Amazonas. 52-year-old man, carpenter, resident in the rural area of the municipality of Tabatinga, located 1106 km from Manaus, capital of Amazonas, Brazil, victim of an accident involving Bothrops atrox evolution with cardiorespiratory arrest, acute kidney injury and hemorrhagic stroke. After 43 days of hospitalization in the ICU, he was transferred to the ward, without contact with the environment and family, sent for home treatment, however, without acceptance by family members. During a long hospital stay for a period of 6 years, totally dependent on special care, in a flexed position, using a tracheostomy and mechanical ventilation, diagnosed and treated for hospital infections throughout his hospitalization, he died due to bacterial pneumonia. Losses of autonomy can result in an individual being completely disconnected from social life - a "social death before physical death".

Urinary proteomics reveals biological processes related to acute kidney injury in Bothrops atrox envenomings.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a critical systemic complication caused by Bothrops envenoming, a neglected health problem in the Brazilian Amazon. Understanding the underlying mechanisms leading to AKI is crucial for effectively mitigating the burden of this complication. This study aimed to characterize the urinary protein profile of Bothrops atrox snakebite victims who developed AKI. We analyzed three groups of samples collected on admission: healthy subjects (controls, n = 10), snakebite victims who developed AKI (AKI, n = 10), and those who did not evolve to AKI (No-AKI, n = 10). Using liquid-chromatography tandem mass spectrometry, we identified and quantified (label-free) 1190 proteins. A panel of 65 proteins was identified exclusively in the urine of snakebite victims, with 32 exclusives to the AKI condition. Proteins more abundant or exclusive in AKI's urine were associated with acute phase response, endopeptidase inhibition, complement cascade, and inflammation. Notable proteins include serotransferrin, SERPINA-1, alpha-1B-glycoprotein, and NHL repeat-containing protein 3. Furthermore, evaluating previously reported biomarkers candidates for AKI and renal injury, we found retinol-binding protein, beta-2-microglobulin, cystatin-C, and hepcidin to be significant in cases of AKI induced by Bothrops envenoming. This work sheds light on physiological disturbances caused by Bothrops envenoming, highlighting potential biological processes contributing to AKI. Such insights may aid in better understanding and managing this life-threatening complication.

Envenomation by a common green racer (Chlorosoma viridissimum) in the Brazilian Amazon: A report of three cases.

Envenomations by the common green racer (Chlorosoma viridissimum) are seldom reported in the literature. Herein, we report three cases caused by the same specimen of C. viridissimum in three different victims in the Brazilian Amazon. In all cases, the victims were either a biologist or biology students that were handling the animal and were bitten in their upper limbs. The victims showed only local symptoms, such as edema, tooth marks, pain, erythema, ecchymoses and bleeding. One of the patients presented extensive ecchymosis. Two patients sought medical care, but were only treated for local manifestations and evolved without complications. Chlorosoma viridissimum is capable of provoking mild to moderate signs and symptoms.

Capacity of community health centers to treat snakebite envenoming in indigenous territories of the Brazilian Amazon.

INTRODUCTION: The deaths from and morbidities associated with snakebites - amputations, loss of function in the limb, visible scarring or tissue damage - have a vast economic, social, and psychological impact on indigenous communities in the Brazilian Amazon, especially children, and represent a real and pressing health crisis in this population. Snakebite clinical and research experts have therefore proposed expanding antivenom access from only hospitals to include the community health centers (CHC) located near and within indigenous communities. However, there are no studies examining the capacity of CHCs to store, administer, and manage antivenom treatment. In response to this gap, the research team calling for antivenom decentralization developed and validated an expert-based checklist outlining the minimum requirements for a CHC to provide antivenom. METHODS: The objective of this study was thus to survey a sample of CHCs in indigenous territories and evaluate their capacity to provide antivenom treatment according to this accredited checklist. The checklist was administered to nurses and doctors from 16 CHCs, two per indigenous district in Amazonas/Roraima states. RESULTS: Our results can be conceptualized into three central findings: 1) most CHCs have the capacity to provide antivenom treatment, 2) challenges to capacity are human resources and specialized items, and 3) antivenom decentralization is feasible and appropriate in indigenous communities. CONCLUSION: Decentralization would provide culturally and contextually appropriate care accessibility to a historically marginalized and underserved population of the Brazilian Amazon. Future studies should examine optimal resource allocation in indigenous territories and develop an implementation strategy in partnership with indigenous leaders. Beyond the indigenous population, the checklist utilized could be applied to community health centers treating the general population and/or adapted to other low-resource settings.

Understanding the complexity of Tityus serrulatus venom: A focus on high molecular weight components.

Tityus serrulatus scorpion is responsible for a significant number of envenomings in Brazil, ranging from mild to severe, and in some cases, leading to fatalities. While supportive care is the primary treatment modality, moderate and severe cases require antivenom administration despite potential limitations and adverse effects. The remarkable proliferation of T. serrulatus scorpions, attributed to their biology and asexual reproduction, contributes to a high incidence of envenomation. T. serrulatus scorpion venom predominantly consists of short proteins acting as neurotoxins (α and ß), that primarily target ion channels. Nevertheless, high molecular weight compounds, including metalloproteases, serine proteases, phospholipases, and hyaluronidases, are also present in the venom. These compounds play a crucial role in envenomation, influencing the severity of symptoms and the spread of venom. This review endeavors to comprehensively understand the T. serrulatus scorpion venom by elucidating the primary high molecular weight compounds and exploring their potential contributions to envenomation. Understanding these compounds' mechanisms of action can aid in developing more effective treatments and prevention strategies, ultimately mitigating the impact of scorpion envenomation on public health in Brazil.

Venom Composition of Neglected Bothropoid Snakes from the Amazon Rainforest: Ecological and Toxinological Implications.

Snake venoms have evolved in several families of Caenophidae, and their toxins have been assumed to be biochemical weapons with a role as a trophic adaptation. However, it remains unclear how venom contributes to the success of venomous species for adaptation to different environments. Here we compared the venoms from Bothrocophias hyoprora, Bothrops taeniatus, Bothrops bilineatus smaragdinus, Bothrops brazili, and Bothrops atrox collected in the Amazon Rainforest, aiming to understand the ecological and toxinological consequences of venom composition. Transcriptomic and proteomic analyses indicated that the venoms presented the same toxin groups characteristic from bothropoids, but with distinct isoforms with variable qualitative and quantitative abundances, contributing to distinct enzymatic and toxic effects. Despite the particularities of each venom, commercial Bothrops antivenom recognized the venom components and neutralized the lethality of all species. No clear features could be observed between venoms from arboreal and terrestrial habitats, nor in the dispersion of the species throughout the Amazon habitats, supporting the notion that venom composition may not shape the ecological or toxinological characteristics of these snake species and that other factors influence their foraging or dispersal in different ecological niches.

Development and validation of a minimum requirements checklist for snakebite envenoming treatment in the Brazilian Amazonia.

BACKGROUND: Currently, antivenoms are the only specific treatment available for snakebite envenoming. In Brazil, over 30% of patients cannot access antivenom within its critical care window. Researchers have therefore proposed decentralizing to community health centers to decrease time-to-care and improve morbidity and mortality. Currently, there is no evidence-based method to evaluate the capacity of health units for antivenom treatment, nor what the absolute minimum supplies and staff are necessary for safe and effective antivenom administration and clinical management. METHODS: This study utilized a modified-Delphi approach to develop and validate a checklist to evaluate the minimum requirements for health units to adequately treat snakebite envenoming in the Amazon region of Brazil. The modified-Delphi approach consisted of four rounds: 1) iterative development of preliminary checklist by expert steering committee; 2) controlled feedback on preliminary checklist via expert judge survey; 3) two-phase nominal group technique with new expert judges to resolve pending items; and 4) checklist finalization and closing criteria by expert steering committee. The measure of agreement selected for this study was percent agreement defined a priori as ≥75%. RESULTS: A valid, reliable, and feasible checklist was developed. The development process highlighted three key findings: (1) the definition of community health centers and its list of essential items by expert judges is consistent with the Brazilian Ministry of Health, WHO snakebite strategic plan, and a general snakebite capacity guideline in India (internal validity), (2) the list of essential items for antivenom administration and clinical management is feasible and aligns with the literature regarding clinical care (reliability), and (3) engagement of local experts is critical to developing and implementing an antivenom decentralization strategy (feasibility). CONCLUSION: This study joins an international set of evidence advocating for decentralization, adding value in its definition of essential care items; identification of training needs across the care continuum; and demonstration of the validity, reliability, and feasibility provided by engaging local experts. Specific to Brazil, further added value comes in the potential use of the checklist for health unit accreditation as well as its applications to logistics and resource distribution. Future research priorities should apply this checklist to health units in the Amazon region of Brazil to determine which community health centers are or could be capable of receiving antivenom and translate this expert-driven checklist and approach to snakebite care in other settings or other diseases in low-resource settings.

Scaling up antivenom for snakebite envenoming in the Brazilian Amazon: a cost-effectiveness analysis.

Background: Snakebite envenoming (SBE) affects nearly three million people yearly, causing up to 180,000 deaths and 400,000 cases of permanent disability. Brazil's state of Amazonas is a global hotspot for SBE, with one of the highest annual incidence rates per 100,000 people, worldwide. Despite this burden, snake antivenom remains inaccessible to a large proportion of SBE victims in Amazonas. This study estimates the costs, and health and economic benefits of scaling up antivenom to community health centers (CHCs) and hospitals in the state. Methods: We built a decision tree model to simulate three different antivenom scale-up scenarios: (1) scale up to 95% of hospitals, (2) scale up to 95% of CHCs, and (3) scale up to 95% of hospitals and 95% of CHCs. We consider each scenario with and without a 10% increase in demand for antivenom among SBE victims. For each scenario, we model the treatment costs averted, deaths averted, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) averted from a societal, health system, and patient perspective relative to the status quo and over a time horizon of one year. For each scenario and perspective, we also calculate the incremental cost per DALY averted and per death averted. We use a willingness to pay threshold equal to the 2022 gross domestic product (GDP) per capita of Brazil. Findings: Scaling up antivenom to 95% of hospitals averts up to 2022 DALYs, costs up to USD $460 per DALY averted from a health system perspective, but results in net economic benefits up to USD $4.42 million from a societal perspective. Scaling up antivenom to 95% of CHCs averts up to 3179 DALYs, costs up to USD $308 per DALY averted from a health system perspective, but results in net economic benefits up to USD $7.35 million from a societal perspective. Scaling up antivenom to 95% of hospitals and CHCs averts up to 3922 DALYs, costs up to USD $328 per DALY averted from a health system perspective, but results in net economic benefits up to USD $8.98 million from a societal perspective. Interpretation: All three antivenom scale up scenarios - scale up to 95% of hospitals, scale up to 95% of CHCs, and scale up to 95% of hospitals and 95% of CHCs - avert a substantial proportion of the SBE burden in Amazonas and are cost-saving from a societal perspective and cost-effective from a health system perspective. Funding: W.M. and J.S. were funded by Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq productivity scholarships). W.M. was funded by Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Amazonas (PRÓ-ESTADO, call n. 011/2021-PCGP/FAPEAM, call n. 010/2021-CT&I ÁREAS PRIORITÁRIAS, call n. 003/2022-PRODOC/FAPEAM, POSGRAD/FAPEAM) and by the Ministry of Health, Brazil (Proposal No. 733781/19-035). Research reported in this publication was supported by the Fogarty International Center of the National Institutes of Health under Award Number R21TW011944. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.

Understanding the complexity of Tityus serrulatus venom: A focus on high molecular weight components

Tityus serrulatus scorpion is responsible for a significant number of envenomings in Brazil, ranging from mild to severe, and in some cases, leading to fatalities. While supportive care is the primary treatment modality, moderate and severe cases require antivenom administration despite potential limitations and adverse effects. The remarkable proliferation of T. serrulatus scorpions, attributed to their biology and asexual reproduction, contributes to a high incidence of envenomation. T. serrulatus scorpion venom predominantly consists of short proteins acting as neurotoxins (α and ß), that primarily target ion channels. Nevertheless, high molecular weight compounds, including metalloproteases, serine proteases, phospholipases, and hyaluronidases, are also present in the venom. These compounds play a crucial role in envenomation, influencing the severity of symptoms and the spread of venom. This review endeavors to comprehensively understand the T. serrulatus scorpion venom by elucidating the primary high molecular weight compounds and exploring their potential contributions to envenomation. Understanding these compounds' mechanisms of action can aid in developing more effective treatments and prevention strategies, ultimately mitigating the impact of scorpion envenomation on public health in Brazil.

River dataset as a potential fluvial transportation network for healthcare access in the amazon region

Remote areas, such as the Amazon Forest, face unique geographical challenges of transportation-based access to health services. As transportation to healthcare in most of the Amazon Forest is only possible by rivers routes, any travel time and travel distance estimation is limited by the lack of data sources containing rivers as potential transportation routes. Therefore, we developed an approach to convert the geographical representation of roads and rivers in the Amazon into a combined, interoperable, and reusable dataset. To build the dataset, we processed and combined data from three data sources: OpenStreetMap, HydroSHEDS, and GloRiC. The resulting dataset can consider distance metrics using the combination of streets and rivers as a transportation route network for the Amazon Forest. The created dataset followed the guidelines and attributes defined by OpenStreetMap to leverage its reusability and interoperability possibilities. This new data source can be used by policymakers, health authorities, and researchers to perform time-to-care analysis in the International Amazon region.

When to think about a Lachesis muta envenomation in the Western Brazilian Amazon: Lessons from a case report

ABSTRACT In the Brazilian Amazon, envenomations by lancehead pit vipers prevail across the region, while bushmaster (Lachesis muta) envenomations are rarely confirmed. Here, we described a moderate snakebite, diagnosed as a lancehead pit viper envenomation upon admission and treated with four vials of Bothrops antivenom. Blood remained unclottable for 4 days of hospitalization. On day 4, after admission, the patient presented pictures of the perpetrating snake to the hospital staff, which was identified as a Lachesis muta specimen. After administering 10 vials of Lachesis antivenom, blood became clottable 12 hours after treatment. The patient was discharged without complaints.

Pregnancy outcomes after snakebite envenomations: a retrospective cohort in the Brazilian Amazonia

Snakebite envenomations (SBEs) in pregnant women can result in adverse maternal or neonatal effects, such as abortion, placental abruption, preterm labor, fetal malformations, and maternal, fetal or neonatal deaths. Despite the high incidence of SBEs in the Brazilian Amazon, there is no literature on the impact of SBEs on pregnancy outcomes. The objective of this study was to describe clinical epidemiology and outcomes associated with SBEs in women of childbearing age and pregnant women in the state of Amazonas, Western Brazilian Amazon, from 2007 to 2021. Information on the population was obtained from the Reporting Information System (SINAN), Mortality Information System (SIM) and Live Birth Information System (SINASC) for the period from 2007 to 2021. A total of 36,786 SBEs were reported, of which 3,297 (9%) involved women of childbearing age, and 274 (8.3%) involved pregnant women. Severity (7.9% in pregnant versus 8.7% in non-pregnant women) (P = 0.87) and case-fatality (0.4% in pregnant versus 0.3% in non-pregnant women) rates were similar between groups (P = 0.76). Pregnant women who suffered snakebites were at higher risk for fetal death (OR: 2.17, 95%CI: 1.74–2.67) and neonatal death (OR = 2.79, 95%CI: 2.26–3.40). This study had major limitations related to the completeness of the information on the pregnancy outcomes. Although SBE incidence in pregnant women is low in the Brazilian Amazon, SBEs increased the risk of fetal and neonatal deaths.

Experience report of the contributions of telehealth in riverside communities of Amazonas in the pandemic / Relato de experiencia de las contribuciones de la telesalud en comunidades ribereñas de Amazonas en la pandemia / Relato de experiência das contribuições da telessaúde em comunidades ribeirinhas do Amazonas na pandemia

ABSTRACT Objective: to report on the creation and implementation of telehealth activities developed by the Forest Health Program in communities in conservation areas, in the state of Amazonas, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: this is an experience report on the creation and implementation of the program. Results: the project began in June 2021 with medical and nursing services and currently has 63 points of connectivity installed. Dermatology was the most requested specialty (30.1%), with dermatitis being the main grievance diagnosed. For nursing, the most requested specialty was obstetrics, followed by pediatrics. Rio Madeira and the Catuá-Ipixema Extractive Reserve requested more than half of all consultations. Conclusion: this project showed a differentiated performance of telehealth in riverside communities in Amazonas, especially in the pandemic context, expanding health care in remote areas, such as these.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Relatar la creación e implementación de actividades de telesalud desarrolladas por Programa Salud en la Floresta en comunidades de áreas de conservación, en el estado de Amazonas, durante la pandemia de COVID-19. Métodos: Relato de experiencia sobre la creación e implementación del programa. Resultados: El proyecto tubo inicio en junio de 2021 con atenciones en el área de medicina y enfermería y actualmente cuenta con 63 puntos de conectividad instalados. La dermatología fue la especialidad más requerida (30,1%), con las dermatitis siendo el principal agravio diagnosticado. En enfermería, la especialidad más solicitada fue en el área de obstetricia, seguida por pediatría. Río Madeira y la Reserva Extractivista Catuá-Ipixema solicitaron más de la mitad de todas las atenciones. Conclusión: Este proyecto mostró una actuación diferenciada de telesalud en comunidades ribereñas de Amazonas, especialmente en el contexto pandémico, ampliando el cuidado a salud en áreas remotas, como estas en cuestión.

RESUMO Objetivo: Relatar a criação e implementação das atividades de telessaúde desenvolvidas pelo Programa Saúde na Floresta em comunidades de áreas de conservação, no estado do Amazonas, durante a pandemia de COVID-19. Métodos: Trata-se de um relato de experiência sobre a criação e implementação do programa. Resultados: O projeto teve início em junho de 2021 com atendimentos na área de medicina e enfermagem e atualmente conta com 63 pontos de conectividade instalados. A dermatologia foi a especialidade mais requerida (30,1%), com as dermatites sendo o principal agravo diagnosticado. Para a enfermagem, a especialidade mais solicitada foi na área de obstetrícia, seguida pela pediatria. Rio Madeira e a Reserva extrativista Catuá-Ipixema solicitaram mais da metade de todos os atendimentos. Conclusão: Este projeto mostrou uma atuação diferenciada da telessaúde em comunidades ribeirinhas do Amazonas, especialmente no contexto pandêmico, ampliando o cuidado à saúde em áreas remotas, como estas em questão.

Secondary infection profile after snakebite treated at a tertiary referral center in the Brazilian Amazon

ABSTRACT Background: Bothrops envenomations can often lead to complications, such as secondary infections. Methods: This cross-sectional study analyzed the medical records of all patients diagnosed with snakebite. Results: A total of 127 patients were included. Clindamycin was the most commonly prescribed antibiotic, with 105 patients (82.7%) receiving it as the primary antibiotic regimen. In 31 (24.4%) individuals, the first-choice antibiotic did not cease the infection. Conclusions: Secondary infection is an important complication resulting from snakebites, and evidence-based management of this complication can contribute to better clinical outcomes.

Bothrops bilineatus: an arboreal pitviper in the Amazon and Atlantic forest / Bothrops bilineatus: uma víbora arbórea na Amazônia e na Mata Atlântica

The two-striped forest-pitviper (Bothrops bilineatus) is an arboreal snake that is currently represented by two subspecies (B. b. bilineatus and B. b. smaragdinus) that comprise a species complex, and its distribution is in the Amazon and the Atlantic Forest. The rarity of encounters with this snake is reflected in the low occurrence of cases of snakebites throughout its geographic distribution and the resulting low number of published clinical reports. However, in some areas, B. bilineatus proves to be more frequent and causes envenomations in a greater proportion. Herein, we review the main aspects of the species complex B. bilineatus, including its biology, ecology, taxonomy, morphology, genetic and molecular studies, geographic distribution, conservation status, venom, pathophysiology and clinical aspects, and epidemiology. In addition, the different antivenoms available for the treatment of envenomations caused by B. bilineatus are presented along with suggestions for future studies that are needed for a better understanding of the snakebites caused by this snake.