Peixes peçonhentos da bacia hidrográfica do Rio Paraná: aspectos ecológicos e toxinológicos de interesse em saúde

Aquatic ecosystems have a vast diversity of fauna and flora associated with them. Notably, rivers are of great social, economic, and environmental importance. The Paraná River basin comprises a river system used for energy production, recreation, production and consumption of fish resources. In addition, there is a record of a diverse fauna of venomous fish in this region which, due to their close proximity to the population, results in accidents known as ichthyism. Although these accidents are not lethal, they have a high morbidity rate and serious occupational consequences. Their main symptoms are intense pain, edema, and slow- healing lesions that can result in tissue necrosis. Albeit frequent, these accidents are underreported, making it difficult to map and treat them. Therefore, the aim of this study is to expand the knowledge about venomous fish by characterizing the venomous species found in the Paraná River with the potential to cause accidents. The venom and mucus samples were collected by the Taxonomy of Venomous Animals Laboratory - Toxicological Information and Assistance Center of Paraná and sent to the Immunoregulation Unit of the Applied Toxinology Laboratory of the Butantan Institute for analysis. The venoms were extracted by scraping the epithelium covering the spines and stingers and scraping the mucus covering the animal's body, and the supernatant was obtained by centrifugation. Proteins were quantified using the Bradford method and the protein profile was analyzed using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. A total of 133 individuals were collected, distributed among 19 species and 6 families (Auchenipteridae, Doradidae, Loricariidae, Pimelodidae, Cichlidae, and Myliobatiformes). The Pimelodidae family presented the highest species richness, with seven species in total. In addition, seven species collected occur outside their natural distribution area, with Pterodoras granulosus being the most abundant among all the samplings. The Auchenipteridae and Pimelodidae families have similar protein profiles, notably at 68, 38, 28, and 14 kDa in the stinger samples, although they vary for mucus. The Doradidae family, despite having two species from the same family (Pterodoras granulosus and Oxydoras kneri), did not show similarities in the protein pattern. The Cichlidae, with two families, showed only two similar bands (62 and 38 kDa). The expansion of venomous fish habitats can occur due to hydrological and limnological changes, such as river damming. Although it was expected that individuals from the same family would present similar protein profiles, this was not verified in the samples analyzed, suggesting greater diversity in the composition and types of venom. This work is the first endeavor towards notification and biochemical knowledge about fish species with the potential to cause accidents in the Paraná River basin and provides a better understanding of the ecological and toxicological characteristics of these animals.

Ecossistemas aquáticos possuem vasta diversidade associada, apresentando alto grau de importância social, econômica e ambiental, e os ambientes fluviais contemplam diversos animais e espécies vegetais que usufruem e dependem de suas propriedades para a sobrevivência, apresentando assim alto grau de endemismo. A bacia do Rio Paraná compreende um grande sistema fluvial utilizado para recreação, produção e consumo de recursos pesqueiros e produção de energia por uma das principais hidrelétricas do país, Itaipu Binacional. Devido às suas particularidades, a bacia do Rio Paraná possui registros de uma grande diversidade da fauna de peixes peçonhentos que, por estar em áreas próximas à população, resulta em acidentes denominados de ictismo. Essas ocorrências, apesar de apresentarem baixa letalidade, têm alta morbidade e sérias consequências ocupacionais, cujos principais sintomas são dor intensa, edema e lesões de lenta cicatrização que podem resultar em necrose tecidual da região afetada. Apesar de frequentes, tais acidentes são subnotificados, dificultando seu mapeamento e tratamento. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi expandir o conhecimento sobre peixes peçonhentos, através da caracterização das espécies peçonhentas encontradas no Rio Paraná com potencial de causarem acidentes. As amostras de peçonha e muco foram coletadas pelo Laboratório de Taxonomia de Animais Peçonhentos - Centro de Informações e Assistência Toxicológica do Paraná e encaminhadas à Unidade de Imunorregulação do Laboratório de Toxinologia Aplicada do Instituto Butantan para análise. A extração das peçonhas ocorreu por raspado do epitélio que recobre espinhos e ferrões e raspado do muco que recobre o corpo do animal, obtendo-se sobrenadante através de centrifugação. A quantificação de proteínas se deu pelo método de Bradford e o perfil eletroforético foi analisado através de eletroforese em gel de poliacrilamida. Ao todo foram coletados 133 indivíduos, distribuídos em 19 espécies e 6 famílias (Auchenipteridae, Doradidae, Loricariidae, Pimelodidae, Cichlidae e Myliobatiformes). A família Pimelodidae apresentou maior riqueza com sete espécies ao todo. Além disso, sete espécies capturadas ocorrem fora de sua área de distribuição natural, sendo Pterodoras granulosus a mais abundante entre a soma de todas as coletas. As famílias Auchenipteridae e Pimelodidae possuem semelhanças no perfil de proteínas, notadamente em 68, 38, 28 e 14 kDa, nas amostras de espinhos, embora variando para muco. A família Doradidae, apesar de possuir duas espécies de mesma família (Pterodoras granulosus e Oxydoras kneri), não apresentou semelhanças no padrão de proteínas. Os Cichlidae, com duas famílias, apresentaram apenas duas bandas semelhantes (62 e 38 kDa). A expansão de habitats dos peixes peçonhentos pode ocorrer por alterações hidrológicas e limnológicas, como o represamento do rio. Apesar de esperado que indivíduos de mesma família apresentassem perfis proteicos semelhantes, isso não foi verificado, sugerindo maior diversidade de quantidades e tipos de peçonha. Este trabalho é o primeiro passo para a notificação e conhecimento bioquímico sobre as espécies de peixes com potencial de causarem acidentes e possibilita o maior entendimento acerca das características ecológicas e toxicológicas desses animais.

Marine Transcriptomics Analysis for the Identification of New Antimicrobial Peptides.

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) participate in the immune system to avoid infection, are present in all living organisms and can be used as drugs. Fish express numerous AMP families including defensins, cathelicidins, liver-expressed antimicrobial peptides (LEAPs), histone-derived peptides, and piscidins (a fish-specific AMP family). The present study demonstrates for the first time the occurrence of several AMPs in lionfish (Pterois volitans). Using the lionfish transcriptome, we identified four transcript sequences encoding cysteine-rich AMPs and two new transcripts encoding piscidin-like peptides. These AMPs are described for the first time in a species of the Scorpaenidae family. A functional approach on new pteroicidins was carried out to determine antimicrobial sequences and potential uses, with a view to using some of these AMPs for human health or in aquaculture.

Lesser weever fish (Echiichthys vipera Cuvier, 1829) venom is cardiotoxic but not haemorrhagic.

Despite comprising over half of the biodiversity of living venomous vertebrates, fish venoms are comparatively understudied. Venom from the lesser weever fish (Echiichthys vipera syn. Trachinus vipera) has received only cursory attention despite containing one of the most potent venom toxins (trachinine). Literature records are further complicated by early studies combining the venom with that of the related greater weever (Trachinus draco). The current study used a chicken chorioallantoic membrane assay to investigate venom bioactivity following the application of measured quantities of crude venom to a major bilateral vein at 1 cm distance from the heart. The venom had a dose-dependent effect on survival rate and exhibited dose-dependent cardiotoxic properties at day six of development. Crude E. vipera triggered tachycardia at doses of 37.58 and 44.88 µg/µL and bradycardia at 77.4 µg/µL. The three highest doses (65.73, 77.4 and 151.24 µg/µL) caused significant mortality. These data also suggested intra-specific variation in E. vipera venom potency. Unlike a number of other piscine venoms, E. vipera venom was not haemorrhagic at the concentrations assayed.

Hand perforation caused by a Gafftopsail catfish (bagre marinus) in a fisherman from Northeastern Brazil / Perfuração da mão por bagre branco (bagre marinus) em pescador do nordeste do Brasil

A 39-year-old male fisherman from Ceará State in Northeastern Brazil presented to the emergency room complaining of intense pain, edema, and bleeding in his left hand (Figure 1A-1B), He had a recent history of traumatism with hand perforation caused by the stinger of a gafftopsail catfish (Bagre marinus) (Figure 2A-2C). The injury occurred 4 hours prior when pulling his fishnet in the ocean. Right after the injury, the patient presented local pain and classified as eight in a visual analogue scale of pain. He denied systemic symptoms such as fever. On physical examination, he presented with two perforations separated by about 2 cm with slight bleeding (Figure 1A), local edema, and pain in his left hand (Figure 1B). Local cleansing of the lesion was performed. He was advised to apply warm compresses and used analgesics/anti-inflammatory drugs with the improvement of the inflammation. Systemic antibiotics were not necessary.

Um pescador de 39 anos, natural do Ceará, na região Nordeste do Brasil, deu entrada na emergência com queixa de dor intensa, edema e sangramento no dorso da mão esquerda (figura 1A-1B). Ele apresentava história recente de trauma na mão por ferrão de bagre branco (bagre marinus). A lesão ocorreu durante o ato de puxar a rede do oceano, quatro horas antes do atendimento. Logo após a lesão, apresentou dor intensa, nota 8 na escala visual analógica de dor. Ele negou sintomas sistêmicos, como febre. No exame físico, apresentava duas perfurações separadas por cerca de 2 cm com leve sangramento (figura 1A), edema e dor na mão esquerda (figura 1B). Foi realizada limpeza da lesão. Alem disso, foi orientado a aplicar compressas mornas e fazer uso de analgésicos /anti-inflamatórios para a melhora da inflamação. Antibióticos sistêmicos não foram necessários.

Danger of the sea-complications After Scorpion Fish Attack.

Hundreds of people come back from exotic countries with bacterial or parasitic infection every year. Venomous animal attack is less common. One such animal is scorpion fish (Scorpaena scrofa). We present case report of a 57-year-old patient treated at the Clinic of Burns and Plastic Surgery with extensive necrotic skin defekt on the right lower leg (1,5 % total body surface area). Defect was caused by puncture injury by scorpion fish in the Red sea. The injury was complicated with comorbid diseases of the patient, especially diabetes mellitus type 2.

Injuries caused by fish to fishermen in the Vale do Alto Juruá, Western Brazilian Amazon

Abstract INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to document injuries caused by fish among professional fishermen in the Western Brazilian Amazon. METHODS: We undertook a descriptive, retrospective study, involving 51 professional fishermen, to determine clinical, epidemiological, and therapeutic aspects of their injuries. RESULTS: Among 51 fishermen interviewed, most injuries were due to mandi (Pimelodus spp.), and the hands were the most injured region, resulting in pain and bleeding in all cases. CONCLUSIONS: Our study findings confirm the morbidity of fish-related injuries, and reaffirm the need for relevant information regarding prevention and injury management.

Accident and vascular injury with stingray in the Alto Juruá, Acre, Brazil: a case report / Acidente e lesão vascular com arraia no Alto Juruá, Acre, Brasil: um relato de caso

INTRODUCTION: Injuries caused by fish are common and considered a neglected health problem with high morbidity and low lethality. Noteworthy are the envenomings by freshwater stingrays, which are considered very serious and one of the most important injuries caused by aquatic animals in South America. CASE PRESENTATION: To describe an accident and vascular injury with venomous stingray animals in the Alto do Juruá, Acre, Brazil. Male patient admitted due to stingray in the left lower extremity 20 days ago. CONCLUSION: The freshwater stingray, due to its sharp characteristics, injured the great saphenous vein, requiring surgical intervention. The situation presented negative evolution due to the lack of necessary procedures in the first attendance, such as the proper cleaning of the wound and the removal of the sting.

INTRODUÇÃO: Acidentes com peixes, denominados de ictismo, são comuns e são considerados um problema de saúde negligenciado, de alta morbidade e baixa letalidade. Destacam-se os envenenamentos por arraias de água doce, pois são considerados muito graves e uma das mais importantes lesões causadas por animais aquáticos na América do Sul. APRESENTAÇÃO DO CASO: Descrever um acidente e lesão vascular com animais peçonhentos do tipo arraia no alto do Juruá, Acre, Brasil. Paciente do sexo masculino, admitido devido a ferroada de arraia no membro inferior esquerda há 20 dias. CONCLUSÃO: O ferrão da arraia de água doce por possuir características pontiagudas lesionou a veia safena magna, necessitando de uma intervenção cirúrgica. O quadro apresentou evolução negativa devido a não realização de procedimentos necessários no primeiro atendimento, como a limpeza adequada do ferimento e a retirada do ferrão.

South African Marine Envenomations and Poisonings as Managed Telephonically by the Tygerberg Poisons Information Centre: A 20-Year Retrospective Review.

INTRODUCTION: South Africa has an abundance of marine life, and the potential for hazardous exposure to marine life is high. To our knowledge, this is the first epidemiological review regarding marine toxicity that has ever been conducted in sub-Saharan Africa. The aim of this review was to investigate marine toxicology data as managed telephonically by the Tygerberg Poisons Information Centre. METHODS: Marine toxicology cases were retrospectively analyzed for a 20-y period (January 1, 1995 to December 31, 2014). Data were extracted from archived consultation forms. Descriptive statistics are presented, and post hoc analyses compared age, sex, province, and caller's background with severity and type of toxicology. RESULTS: A total of 311 calls involved 392 cases. Most calls involved adults (n=317, 81%) and males (n=214, 55%) and presented with no or minor symptoms (n=242, 62%). Poisoning from ingestion (n=239; 61%) was more commonly encountered than was marine envenomation (n=153; 39%), with paralytic shellfish poisoning (n=118; 30%), scombroid poisoning (n=93; 24%), and envenomation from stingrays (n=36; 9%) and bluebottles (n=33; 8%) occurring often. Healthcare professionals were more likely to consult for severe cases (odds ratio 3.3; 95% CI 1.9-5.9) and poisoning-related cases (odds ratio 1.8; 95% CI 1.1-2.9). CONCLUSION: The proportion of marine-related toxicology cases was low. Telephonic consultations by healthcare professionals relating to poisoning were generally of a serious nature. The data can be used to drive public health awareness campaigns.

Injuries caused by fish in a community of Pantanal fishermen: detection, treatment, and prevention of envenomations and trauma

Abstract INTRODUCTION Injuries caused by fish are common in the Pantanal, a flooded area in Midwestern Brazil. METHODS A survey was conducted to identify venomous and trauma-inducing fish and the incidence of such injuries in a local fishing community. RESULTS The injuries were caused by catfish, freshwater stingrays, and piranhas. All fishermen had suffered injuries, and nearly 30% had recent injuries. CONCLUSIONS A leaflet and discussions decreased the injuries (only two were recorded in the next year). The campaign educated fishermen about prevention of and first aid for injuries. Similar campaigns will be performed in other communities of the Pantanal.

Report of 15 injuries caused by lionfish (pterois volitans) in aquarists in Brazil: a critical assessment of the severity of envenomations.

Lionfish are venomous fish that belong to the Scorpaenidae family. Individuals of this family and those of the Synanceiidae family comprise most of the existing venomous fish in the world. Lionfish are originally found in the Indo-Pacific, but they have received special attention in the last years for their dissemination in the Atlantic Ocean, with the emergence of large populations in the USA, Caribbean and South America. Because of its beauty, this fish has always been present in private and commercial aquariums around the world. Herein, we describe 15 envenomations in aquarists registered in a period of eighteen years (1997-2014). The stings caused excruciating pain and marked inflammation, with local erythema, edema, heat, paleness and cyanosis. In one case, it was possible to observe vesicles and blisters. There were no skin necroses or marked systemic manifestations. We discuss the possible coming of the fish to South America and the circumstances and clinical impact of the envenomations.

Report of 15 injuries caused by lionfish (pterois volitans) in aquarists in Brazil: a critical assessment of the severity of envenomations

Lionfish are venomous fish that belong to the Scorpaenidae family. Individuals of this family and those of the Synanceiidae family comprise most of the existing venomous fish in the world. Lionfish are originally found in the Indo-Pacific, but they have received special attention in the last years for their dissemination in the Atlantic Ocean, with the emergence of large populations in the USA, Caribbean and South America. Because of its beauty, this fish has always been present in private and commercial aquariums around the world. Herein, we describe 15 envenomations in aquarists registered in a period of eighteen years (1997-2014). The stings caused excruciating pain and marked inflammation, with local erythema, edema, heat, paleness and cyanosis. In one case, it was possible to observe vesicles and blisters. There were no skin necroses or marked systemic manifestations. We discuss the possible coming of the fish to South America and the circumstances and clinical impact of the envenomations.(AU)

Report of 15 injuries caused by lionfish (pterois volitans) in aquarists in Brazil: a critical assessment of the severity of envenomations

Lionfish are venomous fish that belong to the Scorpaenidae family. Individuals of this family and those of the Synanceiidae family comprise most of the existing venomous fish in the world. Lionfish are originally found in the Indo-Pacific, but they have received special attention in the last years for their dissemination in the Atlantic Ocean, with the emergence of large populations in the USA, Caribbean and South America. Because of its beauty, this fish has always been present in private and commercial aquariums around the world. Herein, we describe 15 envenomations in aquarists registered in a period of eighteen years (19972014). The stings caused excruciating pain and marked inflammation, with local erythema, edema, heat, paleness and cyanosis. In one case, it was possible to observe vesicles and blisters. There were no skin necroses or marked systemic manifestations. We discuss the possible coming of the fish to South America and the circumstances and clinical impact of the envenomations.

Thalassophryne nattereri fish venom: from the envenoming to the understanding of the immune system.

Thalassophryne nattereri (niquim) is a venomous fish found off North and Northeast coast of Brazil, where it is known by the severity of the accidents involving humans. This review article is divided into four topics. The first one provides a brief description of the animal biology and its distribution off Brazilian coastal waters, the venom apparatus, signs and symptoms observed in envenomated humans and also describes envenomation in mice. The second topic describes the use of modern genetic approach and mass spectrometry for identification of highly expressed genes in its venom glands and the sequence of major toxins. The third chapter offers a detailed study of tissue injury induced by the venom and reveals the role of toxins that impair inflammation reduction. Finally, the fourth section expands the understanding of many extrinsic and intrinsic essential factors in maintaining survival of memory B cell compartment. Our results demonstrate the wide possibilities for research in the area of toxinology, also the necessity of interconnection among biochemistry, pharmacology and immunology areas for the expansion of knowledge and for generation of innovation.

Thalassophryne nattereri fish venom: from the envenoming to the understanding of the immune system

Thalassophryne nattereri (niquim) is a venomous fish found off North and Northeast coast of Brazil, where it is known by the severity of the accidents involving humans. This review article is divided into four topics. The first one provides a brief description of the animal biology and its distribution off Brazilian coastal waters, the venom apparatus, signs and symptoms observed in envenomated humans and also describes envenomation in mice. The second topic describes the use of modern genetic approach and mass spectrometry for identification of highly expressed genes in its venom glands and the sequence of major toxins. The third chapter offers a detailed study of tissue injury induced by the venom and reveals the role of toxins that impair inflammation reduction. Finally, the fourth section expands the understanding of many extrinsic and intrinsic essential factors in maintaining survival of memory B cell compartment. Our results demonstrate the wide possibilities for research in the area of toxinology, also the necessity of interconnection among biochemistry, pharmacology and immunology areas for the expansion of knowledge and for generation of innovation.

Thalassophryne nattereri fish venom: from the envenoming to the understanding of the immune system

Thalassophryne nattereri (niquim) is a venomous fish found off North and Northeast coast of Brazil, where it is known by the severity of the accidents involving humans. This review article is divided into four topics. The first one provides a brief description of the animal biology and its distribution off Brazilian coastal waters, the venom apparatus, signs and symptoms observed in envenomated humans and also describes envenomation in mice. The second topic describes the use of modern genetic approach and mass spectrometry for identification of highly expressed genes in its venom glands and the sequence of major toxins. The third chapter offers a detailed study of tissue injury induced by the venom and reveals the role of toxins that impair inflammation reduction. Finally, the fourth section expands the understanding of many extrinsic and intrinsic essential factors in maintaining survival of memory B cell compartment. Our results demonstrate the wide possibilities for research in the area of toxinology, also the necessity of interconnection among biochemistry, pharmacology and immunology areas for the expansion of knowledge and for generation of innovation.

Injuries by marine and freshwater stingrays: history, clinical aspects of the envenomations and current status of a neglected problem in Brazil

Stingrays are a group of rays - cartilaginous fish related to sharks - that have whiplike tails with barbed, usually venomous spines and are found around the world, especially the marine species. Despite recent reports of accidents involving these fish, they are not aggressive, reacting only when stepped on or improperly handled. Injuries by stingrays are seldom mentioned by historians, although they have always been present in riverine communities of inland waters and in South American coasts. Indeed, envenomations by stingrays are quite common in freshwater and marine fishing communities. Although having high morbidity, such injuries are neglected because they have low lethality and usually occur in remote areas, which favor the use of folk remedies. In the present review article, historical aspects of injuries caused by stingrays in Brazil and their distribution on the coast of São Paulo state and riverine communities of the North, Midwest and Southeast regions were studied. In addition, other aspects were analyzed such as clinical features, therapeutic methods, preventive measures and trends in occurrence of these accidents in the country, particularly in areas in which freshwater stingrays had not been previously registered, being introduced after breaching of natural barriers.(AU)

Injuries by marine and freshwater stingrays: history, clinical aspects of the envenomations and current status of a neglected problem in Brazil

Stingrays are a group of rays – cartilaginous fish related to sharks – that have whiplike tails with barbed, usually venomous spines and are found around the world, especially the marine species. Despite recent reports of accidents involving these fish, they are not aggressive, reacting only when stepped on or improperly handled. Injuries by stingrays are seldom mentioned by historians, although they have always been present in riverine communities of inland waters and in South American coasts. Indeed, envenomations by stingrays are quite common in freshwater and marine fishing communities. Although having high morbidity, such injuries are neglected because they have low lethality and usually occur in remote areas, which favor the use of folk remedies. In the present review article, historical aspects of injuries caused by stingrays in Brazil and their distribution on the coast of São Paulo state and riverine communities of the North, Midwest and Southeast regions were studied. In addition, other aspects were analyzed such as clinical features, therapeutic methods, preventive measures and trends in occurrence of these accidents in the country, particularly in areas in which freshwater stingrays had not been previously registered, being introduced after breaching of natural barriers.

Injuries by marine and freshwater stingrays: history, clinical aspects of the envenomations and current status of a neglected problem in Brazil

Stingrays are a group of rays – cartilaginous fish related to sharks – that have whiplike tails with barbed, usually venomous spines and are found around the world, especially the marine species. Despite recent reports of accidents involving these fish, they are not aggressive, reacting only when stepped on or improperly handled. Injuries by stingrays are seldom mentioned by historians, although they have always been present in riverine communities of inland waters and in South American coasts. Indeed, envenomations by stingrays are quite common in freshwater and marine fishing communities. Although having high morbidity, such injuries are neglected because they have low lethality and usually occur in remote areas, which favor the use of folk remedies. In the present review article, historical aspects of injuries caused by stingrays in Brazil and their distribution on the coast of São Paulo state and riverine communities of the North, Midwest and Southeast regions were studied. In addition, other aspects were analyzed such as clinical features, therapeutic methods, preventive measures and trends in occurrence of these accidents in the country, particularly in areas in which freshwater stingrays had not been previously registered, being introduced after breaching of natural barriers.