Epidemiological study in Brazil: Scorpion sting cases in Natal, Rio Grande do Norte.

Scorpion sting accidents are a public health problem in the state of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. The increasing and high incidence of cases in urban areas reveals the importance of studies to determine the epidemiological profile and the spatial distribution of these accidents. This is a retrospective study that describes and analyzes the cases of scorpion stings in the city of Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Northeast Brazil, from 2007 to 2018. Data from the Information System database of Notifiable Diseases (SINAN) were obtained from the Secretary of Health of Rio Grande do Norte. 31,368 accidents due to scorpion stings were reported, more frequently in urban areas of Natal, whose Human Development Index is low. The cases occurred predominantly in hot and humid regions, mainly affecting women aged between 30 and 60 years. Most individuals sought medical attention within 3 h of the incident. The severity and mortality of the injured individuals varied according to the area of occurrence, age of the patient, and the local and systemic symptoms presented. Pain, numbness, and edema were the most frequent local symptoms, and systemic symptoms were frequently described as headache, hyperthermia and sweating. Therefore, scorpionism in the city of Natal is an environmental and public health problem, with a significant growth trend (p < 0.05). Through the data collected on the spatial distribution and risks, this approach allows the creation of effective control strategies to prevent accidents.

Scorpion sting in Hafizabad, Pakistan: Facility based epidemiological study.

Scorpion envenomation is a widespread issue in tropical and subtropical countries. In the present study epidemiology of scorpion sting cases and potential treatment options in district Hafizabad, Pakistan are documented. Hafizabad city and the adjacent villages were selected for the data collection. Age, gender, time, site of scorpion sting on the body, scorpion sting symptoms, number of patients obtaining medical attention and the number of fatalities (if any) were noted. Data showed that scorpion envenomation often occurs in people between the ages of 16-47 years. There were more female victims (55%) and most of the scorpion sting incidences (55.49%) occurred between 07 PM and 02 AM Among body parts, both the hands (41.71%) and feet (48.57%) were more vulnerable to scorpion stings. In rural areas, the incidences of scorpion stings were higher (68.57%). The reported symptoms of scorpion stings include pain, hypertension, nausea and allergy. Out of all the victims, only 56.05% sought treatment from health care units as well as traditional medicine practitioners. However, others (43.94%) fully healed on their own without any treatment. People were using different types of plant-based materials and dead scorpions with mustard oil as a potent remedy against scorpion stings. Moreover, in the health care units there was no antivenom available and medical staff usually used common pain killers such as Xylocain and Lignocain for the treatment of scorpion sting.

Mapping current and future risk of scorpion sting from a species with low medical concern, Mesobuthus phillipsii (Scorpiones: Buthidae) in Iran.

Scorpion stings are one of the most important health challenges and high priority research topic in public health. In this study, we aimed to model habitat suitability of the Mesobuthus phillipsii (Pocock 1889), a species with low medical concern, under current and future climatic conditions in Iran. We also identified vulnerable populations to scorpion stings in the country. Scorpion sting risk modeling was done using an ensemble approach by considering two species distribution modeling methods: MaxEnt and Random Forest methods. Distribution modeling was performed using the sdm R package. The results showed that due to climate change in 2070, the high-risk areas will increase from 20,839 to 79,212 km2. Habitats with a moderate risk of scorpion stings will also increase from 139,347 to 222,833 km2. Consequently, the number of villages in high-risk areas of scorpion stings will increase from 2,870 to 7,017, while this number will increase from 12,759 to 20,104 in the case of medium-risk villages. The results of this study can be used for scorpion stings management in Iran. This study can be used as an example for similar studies on scorpions with high medical emergency.

Proteomic profile of the venom of three dark-colored Tityus (Scorpiones: Buthidae) from the tropical rainforests of Costa Rica.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to elucidate the potential differences in the venom peptide sequences of three Tityus species from Costa Rican rainforests: T. jaimei, T. championi and T. dedoslargos, compared to T. cf. asthenes from Colombia, which could explain the low level of scorpionism in Costa Rica, evidenced by the lack of epidemiological data. METHODOLOGY: We applied venom proteomics of peptides purified by RP-HPLC and compared the obtained sequences from venoms of these Tityus species to the sequences previously identified from Tityus inhabiting other Central and South American regions. RESULTS: Venom proteome analysis evidences that most of the putative peptide toxins identified in Costa Rican dark-colored Tityus are very similar to those present in other T. (Atreus) from the region. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that, in the case of potential envenomation by Tityus in Costa Rica, the same level of toxicity should be observed, compared to other cases caused by members of the subgenus from other geographical localities. On the other hand, compared to countries with more accelerated urban expansion, Costa Rican Tityus still inhabit secondary rainforests and do not commonly share the same spaces with humans, so the lack of epidemiological evidence of medical emergencies caused by envenoming by this scorpion group could be more related to ecological and demographic factors and less attributed to the characteristics of the venom.

Protein and peptide profiles of rats' organs in scorpion envenomation.

Problem of scorpion envenomation becomes more alarming each year. Main effects of scorpion venom are commonly believed to be related to its neurotoxic properties, yet severe symptoms may also be developed due to the uncontrolled enzymatic activity and formation of various bioactive molecules, including middle-mass molecules (MMMs). MMMs are considered as endogenous intoxication markers, their presence may indicate multiple organ failure. Scorpions, belong to the Leiurus macroctenus species, are very dangerous, nevertheless, effects of their venom on protein and peptide composition within the tissues remains unclear. In this work we have focused the attention on changes in protein and MMM levels and peptide composition in various organs during Leiurus macroctenus envenomation. The results revealed a decrease in protein level during envenomation as well as a significant increment of MMM210 and MMM254 levels in all assessed organs. Quantitative and qualitative compositions of various protein and peptide factions were continually changing. All of this may suggest that Leiurus macroctenus sting causes considerable destruction of cell microenvironment across all essential organs, providing systemic envenomation. In addition, MMM level increment may indicate endogenous intoxication development. Peptides, formed during envenomation, may possess various bioactive properties, analysis of which constitutes an area of further studies.

Spatial Analysis in Areas with High Occurrence of Accidents Caused by Tityus serrulatus and Tityus bahiensis (Scorpiones: Buthidae) in Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: In Brazil, scorpion stings are recorded in high numbers with an increasing epidemiological situation in most municipalities. In the present study, data between 1998 and 2018 in Americana, São Paulo, were analyzed. METHODS: In total, 4122 records on scorpion stings were georeferenced using a Garmin eTREX 30X global positioning system device, with WGS84 datum projection and Universal Transverse Mercator zone 23S. Multiple Poisson regression was used to explore the relationship between the incidence rates of stings and urban planning areas (UPAs). Eight quantitative variables were used to establish the environmental and anthropic characterization of UPAs associated or not associated with scorpionism. A spatial analysis was performed for geoprocessing maps of Americana using spatial statistics tools (optimized hotspot analysis and kernel density function) from cartographic clusters in the ArcMap software, version 10.5. RESULTS: The optimized hotspot analysis tool identified spatial clusters with high values of the incidence of scorpion stings in the surroundings of all UPAs in the municipality. The estimation of the kernel function of event intensity showed a wide distribution of stings across the area of the entire municipal territory, with UPA-02 and UPA-06 exhibiting the highest occurrence of scorpion stings. Six significant hotspots were established as highest-event-density areas (with occurrences of 160-270) and were contiguous to 4 environmental protection areas, located in more peripheral regions, and to 2 municipal cemeteries, which were located in urban central areas. CONCLUSIONS: This analysis showed that the risk of scorpion stings in different Americana's UPAs has increased occurrence and incidence intensity.

O escorpionismo no Estado de Goiás (2003-2019) / Scorpionism in the State of Goiás (2003-2019)

Objetivo: realizar uma avaliação dos acidentes com escorpiões no Estado de Goiás no período de 2003 a 2019. Métodos: trata-se de um estudo epidemiológico descritivo, onde a coleta de dados se baseou nas Fichas de Notificações Compulsórias, mantidas no Centro de Informações e Assistência Toxicológica de Goiás. Foram utilizados formulários simplificados para a coleta de 23 variáveis que foram analisadas e tabuladas. Resultados: foram notificados 18.720 casos, sendo o município de Goiânia com o maior número de ocorrências do estado, com um predomínio dos acidentes na zona urbana, sendo a população economicamente ativa a mais vulnerável. A sazonalidade dos acidentes possui características pouco evidentes em relação à precipitação e à temperatura anual do Estado de Goiás, com uma discreta menor prevalência nos meses de junho e julho. O tempo de atendimento está associado a um prognóstico mais favorável e à classificação do caso. O aumento do número de acidentes é crescente a partir de 2012, ano em que a notificação compulsória passou a ser obrigatória. A distribuição geográfica dos acidentes é influenciada pelo processo de urbanização desorganizado. Os óbitos estão associados, principalmente, à faixa etária pediátrica. Conclusões: a sazonalidade dos acidentes escorpiônicos no Estado de Goiás tem um padrão pouco evidente em relação às condições ambientais. A faixa etária produtiva é a mais acometida. Existe uma necessidade de melhora na capacitação dos profissionais de saúde quanto ao diagnóstico, à quantidade de soro a ser utilizada e ao preenchimento e encaminhamento das fichas de notificação

Objective: to carry out an evaluation of accidents with scorpions in the State of Goiás from 2003 to 2019. Methods: this is a descriptive epidemiological study, where data collection was based on the Compulsory Notification Forms, kept at the Information and Toxicological Assistance in Goiás. A simplified form was used to collect 23 variables that were analyzed and tabulated. Results: 18,720 cases were notified, with the municipality of Goiânia having the highest number of occurrences in the state, with a predominance of accidents in the urban area, with the economically active population being the most vulnera-ble. The seasonality of the accidents has little evident characteristics in relation to annual precipitation and temperature in the State of Goiás, with a slight lower prevalence in the months of June and July. The length of service is associated with a better prognosis and case classification. The increase in the number of accidents has been increasing since 2012, when compulsory notification became mandatory. The geographic distribution of accidents is influenced by the disorganized urbanization process. Deaths are mainly associated with the pediatric age group. Conclusions: the seasonality of scorpion accidents in the State of Goiás has an unclear pattern with respect to environmental conditions. The productive age group is the most affected. There is a need to improve the training of health professionals regarding the diagnosis, the amount of serum to be used and the completion and forwarding of notification forms

Epidemiology of scorpion stings in the West Bank, occupied Palestinian territory.

Background: Scorpionism (scorpion sting envenoming) is an endemic public health concern in many Arab Middle Eastern countries. However, our knowledge of the epidemiology of scorpion stings in the West Bank is limited. Aim: To investigate the epidemiology of scorpion stings in 4 districts of the West Bank over a specified period. Methods: We obtained scorpion sting records from the main hospitals in 4 districts of the West Bank for 2012 and 2014-2020. A total of 2175 cases were analyzed retrospectively using SPSS version 17. Results: The average age and standard deviation (±SD) for both sexes was 24.7±17.5 years (22.7±16.5 and 27.1±18.4 years for males and females, respectively). The median age was 20 years and 47.2% were children under 18 years. Most cases were reported during the summer months, between June and October, with a peak in July-August. By anatomic site, the right hand was the most commonly stung in both sexes, followed by the right foot. The chest, buttocks and scrotum were the least affected body parts. Clinical data were available for 405 cases, in which pain, vomiting and sweating were the most common symptoms. The overall incidence of stings was 26.32 per 100 000 inhabitants per year over the study period of 8 years (59.21-171.67, 95% CI). Conclusion: Scorpion stings are commonly encountered by adults and children in the West Bank. There is a need for awareness among the West Bank populations on how to avoid being stung, to train medical staff to better manage sting cases, and to evaluate the antivenom currently being used by physicians for scorpion stings.

Evolution of the occurrence of Tityus serrulatus (LUTZ & MELLO, 1992) in the state of Santa Catarina

ABSTRACT Background: Scorpions are a leading cause of envenomation in Brazil. The species Tityus serrulatus is associated with the most severe cases, especially in children. Despite not being endemic to the state of Santa Catarina, such occurrences have increased more than 500% in the state recently. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the occurrence of envenomation by T. serrulatus, attended by the Center for Toxicological Information and Assistance of Santa Catarina. Methods: This was a retrospective and descriptive study of the occurrence of T. serrulatus, identified by the agency, from 2014 to 2021 in Santa Catarina, using data obtained by the BI-DATATOX system. Results: A total of 112 occurrences were classified as envenomation. Of these cases, 48.2% were recorded in the Itajaí Valley region and 33% in Greater Florianópolis. Men were involved in 59.8% of these, and the most common age group was 20-39 years (39.3%). Most envenomation occurred in urban areas (89.3%) under non-occupational circumstances (83%). Stings were more frequent on the hands (50.9%). Care was sought within 1 h after the event in 75.9% of the cases, and 94.6% were classified as mild. Conclusions: Occurrence of envenomation involving T. serrulatus in Santa Catarina increased significantly during the study period. Most cases occurred in urbanized areas, which suggests that they might have been transported from other states, and it must be considered that, in the urban environment, scorpions find a large supply of food and shelter and a reduced number of specific predators, allied to parthenogenesis.

Acidentes com animais peçonhentos no Brasil: uma revisão integrativa / Accidents with venomous animals in Brazil: an integrative review

Considerados como doenças negligenciadas pela Organização Mundial de Saúde, os acidentes com animais peçonhentos são de grande relevância média por apresentarem altos índices de mortalidade e morbidade. Objetivo - O objetivo desta revisão é apresentar os aspectos epidemiológicos e clínicos dos acidentes com animais peçonhentos no Brasil nos últimos dez anos. Métodos - Foram utilizadas publicações que compreendessem os aspectos clínicos e epidemiológicos de estados, regiões ou municípios brasileiros. Para a revisão foram os artigos foram selecionados em maio de 2020, compreendendo os anos de 2010 a 2020. Resultados e Discussão - Os principais acidentes foram relacionados às serpentes peçonhentas e escorpiões. Nas regiões Sudeste, Norte, Centro-Oeste os acidentes ofídicos foram os mais recorrentes, enquanto que, na região Nordeste, os acidentes com escorpiões e um estudo da região Sul um estudo destacou o araneísmo como principal acidente. Os sinais e sintomas do ofidismo variaram de acordo com o gênero das serpentes, sendo os acidentes com o gênero Bothrops predominante. Os sintomas recorrentes foram: dor, edema, equimose, hemorragia local e sistêmica e alterações na coagulação. O escorpionismo foi causado principalmente pelo gênero Tityus, sendo os casos graves relacionados ao comprometimento pulmonar. Conclusão - Os tipos de acidentes, bem como os sinais e sintomas do envenenamento apresentam muitas variáveis, como região geográfica, gênero e espécie dos animais. A melhoria da qualidade dos dados epidemiológicos e ampliação da assistência em saúde são fatores essenciais para a redução no número de casos de mortalidade e morbidades decorrentes do envenenamento por animais peçonhentos.

Considered as neglected by the World Health Organization, accidents with venomous animals are of great relevance because they have high mortality and morbidity rates. Purpose - This review has the purpose to present the epidemiological and clinical aspects of accidents with venomous animals in Brazil in the past ten years. Methods - Publications were used that understood the clinical and epidemiological aspects of Brazilian states, regions or municipalities. For the review, articles were selected in May 2020, covering the years 2010 to 2020. Results and Discussion - The main accidents were related to venomous snakes and scorpions. In the Southeast, North, and Center-West regions, snakebite accidents were the most recurrent, while in the Northeast region, accidents involving scorpions and a study in the Southern region highlighted accidents with arachnids as the most frequent type of incident. Signs and symptoms of snakebite varied according to the gender of the snakes, with predominance for accidents with the Bothrops genus. Recurring symptoms included pain, edema, ecchymosis, local and systemic hemorrhage, and changes in coagulation. Scorpionism was mainly caused by the Tityus genus, with severe cases presenting pulmonary involvement. Conclusion - The types of accidents, as well as the signs and symptoms of envenomation, present many variables which included geographic region, gender and species of animals. Improving the quality of epidemiological data and expanding health care are essential factors for reducing the number of mortality and morbidity cases resulting from envenomation by venomous animals.

Epidemiological Characterizations, New Localities, and a Checklist of the Known Scorpions in the Kurdistan Region, Northern Iraq.

Background: Annually, thousands of scorpion stings and rare mortalities are recorded in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. In the present study, we prepared a checklist for the geographical distribution of scorpion fauna composition, new localities data, and scorpion sting profile for the years 2019-2020 in the region. Methods: Random field surveys for scorpion collection were carried out in 22 localities in the Kurdistan Region from June 2020 to October 2021. Clinical data related to scorpion stings in 2019 and 2020 were obtained from the medical records of public health offices in the region. Results: In this survey, 166 specimens were collected. They were composed of seven scorpion species belonging to three families including: Buthidae, Hemiscorpiidae, and Scorpionidae. The collected species were Androctonus crassicauda, Compsobuthus matthiesseni, Hottentotta saulcyi, Mesobuthus mesopotamicus, Orthochirus fomichevi, Hemiscorpius lepturus, and Scorpio kruglovi. Moreover, three scorpion species comprising Buthacus tadmorensis, Hottentotta mesopotamicus, and Calchas anlasi were recorded in the previous study conducted in the Kurdistan region. In 2019-2020, 3726 scorpion stings were reported, with a peak in the summer season. Most of the patients were 15-49 years old. In the current study, medically significant scorpion species have been identified. Conclusion: The outcome of the present work will increase the awareness of the Kurdish community regarding the distribution of dangerous scorpion species and consequently reduce their stings.

Amazonian scorpions and scorpionism: integrating toxinological, clinical, and phylogenetic data to combat a human health crisis in the world's most diverse rainfores.

Venom from Amazonian scorpions of the genus Tityus contains components capable of eliciting a distinct clinical, mostly neurological, syndrome. This contrasts with the mainly autonomic manifestations produced after envenomation by congeneric southern and northern South American species. Herein, we summarize Pan-Amazonian scorpionism by synthesizing available toxinological, clinical, and molecular data gathered from all affected areas in Amazonia, including Brazil, Ecuador, Colombia, Peru, Venezuela, and French Guiana. We searched multiple databases, as well as our own records, for reports of scorpion envenomations in Amazonia by confirmed Tityus spp., and compared the clinical manifestations. To help uncover clinical and venom relationships among problematic species, we explored phylogenetic relationships with a rate-calibrated analysis of mitochondrial COI data from available species. The possible existence of diversity gradients for venom toxic and immunogenic components despite the predicted strong phylogenetic association among species is underscored by discussed clinical and toxinological findings. A multicentric effort, involving all nations affected by this neglected disease, is urgently needed to offer alternatives for treating and understanding this pathology, including the preparation of neutralizing antibodies with a broad range of efficacy.

Comparison of the Scorpionism Caused by Centruroidesmargaritatus, Tityuspachyurus and Tityus n. sp. aff. metuendus Scorpion Venoms in Colombia.

Among other scorpion species, Colombia has two genera of the Buthidae family Centruroides and Tityus, considered to be dangerous to humans. This research shares scientific knowledge aiming to a better understanding about the pathophysiological effects of such venoms. The venom of the three species: Centruroides margaritarus, Tityus pachyurus, and T. n. sp. aff. metuendus with biomedical interest were studied. An initial pre-glycemic sample was taken from ICR mice. They were later intraperitoneally inoculated with doses of 35% and 70% of LD50 of total venom. Poisoning signs were observed during a 6-h period to determine the level of scorpionism. After observation, a second glycemic sample was taken, and a histopathological evaluation of different organs was performed. This work revealed that all three venoms showed considerably notorious histopathological alterations in main organs such as heart and lungs; and inducing multiple organ failure, in relation to the glycemia values, only C. margaritatus and T. n. sp. aff. metuendus showed significant changes through manifestation of hyperglycemia. According to the Colombian scorpionism level; signs were mild to severe affecting the autonomous nervous system.

Distribución del género Tityus Koch, 1836 (Scorpiones: Buthidae) en la ciudad de La Plata (Argentina) / Distribution of the genus Tityus Koch, 1836 (Scorpiones: Buthidae) in the city of La Plata (Argentina)

Resumen En la ciudad de La Plata se encuentra el género Tityus con registros desde 1943. Se estudió la distribución territorial del género Tityus en esta ciudad y su expansión en los últimos 15 años a partir de las consultas recibidas en el Laboratorio de Aracnología del CEPAVE, provenientes de particulares e instituciones públicas y privadas. Se recibieron 189 consultas desde el año 2005 al 2020. Se utilizó el programa QGIS para geolocalizar cada escorpión con capas de trazado urbano y desagües pluviales. Para el análisis espacial de distribución se consideró un home range de una hectárea por individuo para el cálculo de área y en los casos de áreas de influencias solapadas durante el mismo año se consideró el área como la unión de las mismas. El género Tityus en la ciudad de La Plata está representado por las especies T. carrilloi y T. confluens ambas de interés sanitario y de hábitos sinantrópicos, que ocupan dos zonas diferentes bien definidas. El análisis de la dispersión independiente en las dos zonas indicaría que podrían usar los desagües para dispersarse, y al ser inconexos estos no habría flujo de escorpiones entre ambas zonas. La colonización de estas especies en la zona en estudio se vio afianzada para T. confluens a partir del año 2005 y para T. carrilloi a partir del 2011. Los mayores registros son en los meses cálidos, desde enero a abril, siendo este último el de mayor valor. Septiembre es el único mes sin denuncia. La tasa de expansión calculada fue de 4.42 ha/año.

Abstract In the city of La Plata occurs the genus Tityus with records dating back to 1943. The territorial distribution of the genus Tityus in this city and its expansion was studied based on inquiries received at the CEPAVE Arachnology Laboratory from individuals and public and private institutions. 189 inquiries were received from 2005 to 2020. The QGIS program was used to geolocate each scorpion with urban layout layers and storm drains. For the spatial analysis of distribution, a home range of one hectare per individual was considered to calculate the area and in the cases of areas of overlapping influences during the same year, the area was considered as their union. The genus Tityus in the city of La Plata is represented by the species T. carrilloi and T. confluens, both of health interest and of synanthropic habits, which occupy two different well-defined areas. The analysis of the independent dispersion in the two zones would indicate that they could use the drains to disperse, and since they are unconnected there would be no flow of scorpions between both zones. The colonization of these species in the study area was strengthened for T. confluens as of 2005 and for T. carrilloi as of 2011. The highest records are in the warm months, from January to April, the latter being of higher value. September is the only month without complaints. The expansion rate calculated was 4.42 ha/year.

Effects of climate variables on the incidence of scorpion stings in Iran for five years.

BACKGROUND: Although scorpionism is recorded worldwide, some regions such as Iran present a higher incidence. Due to the great prevalence of scorpion stings in Khuzestan province, southwestern Iran, the present study examined the relationship between different climate parameters and the scorpion sting rate in this area from April 2010 to March 2015. METHODS: In this cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study, we considered all scorpion sting cases recorded in the Department of Infectious Diseases, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences. Data were analyzed using statistics, frequency distribution and Pearson's correlation coefficient. RESULTS: A total of 104,197 cases of scorpion stings was recorded from 2010 to 2015. The cumulative incidence of scorpion sting was 2.23%. The spatial distribution of scorpion stings showed that most cases occurred in the Dehdez district (4,504 scorpion stings/100,000 inhabitants) and the Masjed Soleyman county (4,069 scorpion stings/100,000 inhabitants). A significant association was found between climate factors (temperature, evaporation rate, sunshine duration, humidity, and precipitation) and the scorpion sting rate. An increase in rainfall and humidity coincided with a reduction in scorpion stings whereas an increase in temperature, evaporation, and sunshine duration was accompanied by a growth of scorpion stings. No significant correlation was found between wind velocity/direction and the incidence rate of stings. Moreover, the seasonal peak incidence of scorpion stings was recorded in summer (an average of 8,838 cases) and the lowest incidence was recorded during winter (an average of 1,286 cases). The annual trend of scorpion sting cases decreased during the period from 2010 to 2015. CONCLUSION: Climate variables can be a good index for predicting the incidence of scorpion stings in endemic regions. Since they occur mostly in the hot season, designing preventive measures in the counties and districts with a high incidence of scorpion stings such as Dehdez and Masjed Soleyman can minimize mortality and other burdens.

The Role of ProBNP on Prognosis in Scorpion Stings.

INTRODUCTION: Scorpion stings are a major health problem with potentially fatal consequences. Children under the age of 10 y especially face a great risk. Predicting the prognosis is important in reducing mortality and morbidity because it enables the use of early treatment options. In this study, we examine the relationship between proBNP and prognosis in scorpion stings. METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis of patients aged ≤18 y who were admitted to the child emergency service with a scorpion sting. We examined the demographical data, clinical findings, laboratory records, treatments, and results of the patients. We classified stage 1 and stage 2 scorpion envenomation as group 1 (mild-moderate) and stage 3 and 4 as group 2 (severe). A t test was used for normally distributed data, and the Mann-Whitney U test was used for nonnormally distributed data. The correlation analysis was done using the Spearman test. RESULTS: There were 32 (74%) patients in the mild-moderate group and 11 (26%) in the severe group. ProBNP 1 was significantly higher in the severe group at admission (P=0.016). There was no difference between the troponin I values (P=0.051). ProBNP 2 (12th hour) and proBNP 3 (24th hour) were higher in the severe group (P=0.001 and P=0.032, respectively). There was a negative correlation between proBNP and echocardiographic findings involving ejection fraction and shortening fraction (r=-0.703, P=0.002). CONCLUSIONS: In our study, the first proBNP values were significantly higher in the severe group. This suggests that proBNP may be beneficial in predicting prognosis.

Scorpionicidal activity of secondary metabolites from Paecilomyces sp. CMAA1686 against Tityus serrulatus.

INTRODUCTION: Urban pests pose enormous risks to human health. Control initiatives are carried out in regions of high infestation and incidence of accidents caused by scorpions OBJECTIVE: In this study, we aimed to analyze the anti-scorpionic activity of fungal isolates obtained from a cemetery in Brazil. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of thirteen fungi were subjected to a bioassay test against Tityus serrulatus, and the two isolates with the highest scorpionicidal activity were selected for molecular identification through sequencing of the ITS DNA hypervariable region and large-scale cultivation on liquid medium for secondary metabolite extraction. The crude extracts were partitioned by solid-phase extraction, and the resulting purified extracts were tested for anti-scorpionic activity. The extracts from one of the isolates presented better results and were submitted to UPLC-MS/MS. The metabolomics data were submitted to GNPS website for Molecular Networking and MASST searches. We also performed a MolNetEnhancer analysis to identify the chemical classes of the molecules found in the samples. RESULTS: The most promising fungal isolate was identified as Paecilomyces sp. CMAA1686 which has 98% of similarity to Paecilomyces formosus. The sub-fractions C and D had the best activity against the scorpions (54 and 32% mortality, respectively). Molecular Networking and MolNetEnhancer revealed a range of molecular classes in our extracts that are known to include bioactive metabolites from Paecilomyces species. CONCLUSIONS: The scorpionicidal activity of Paecilomyces sp. CMAA1686 and its secondary metabolites may provide new alternative compounds for biological and chemical control of scorpions from the species T. serrulatus. Paecilomyces sp. CMAA1686 is an isolate that has great potential for isolation of secondary metabolites.

Amazonian scorpions and scorpionism: integrating toxinological, clinical, and phylogenetic data to combat a human health crisis in the world's most diverse rainfores

Venom from Amazonian scorpions of the genus Tityus contains components capable of eliciting a distinct clinical, mostly neurological, syndrome. This contrasts with the mainly autonomic manifestations produced after envenomation by congeneric southern and northern South American species. Herein, we summarize Pan-Amazonian scorpionism by synthesizing available toxinological, clinical, and molecular data gathered from all affected areas in Amazonia, including Brazil, Ecuador, Colombia, Peru, Venezuela, and French Guiana. We searched multiple databases, as well as our own records, for reports of scorpion envenomations in Amazonia by confirmed Tityus spp., and compared the clinical manifestations. To help uncover clinical and venom relationships among problematic species, we explored phylogenetic relationships with a rate-calibrated analysis of mitochondrial COI data from available species. The possible existence of diversity gradients for venom toxic and immunogenic components despite the predicted strong phylogenetic association among species is underscored by discussed clinical and toxinological findings. A multicentric effort, involving all nations affected by this neglected disease, is urgently needed to offer alternatives for treating and understanding this pathology, including the preparation of neutralizing antibodies with a broad range of efficacy.(AU)

Amazonian scorpions and scorpionism: integrating toxinological, clinical, and phylogenetic data to combat a human health crisis in the worlds most diverse rainfores

Abstract Venom from Amazonian scorpions of the genus Tityus contains components capable of eliciting a distinct clinical, mostly neurological, syndrome. This contrasts with the mainly autonomic manifestations produced after envenomation by congeneric southern and northern South American species. Herein, we summarize Pan-Amazonian scorpionism by synthesizing available toxinological, clinical, and molecular data gathered from all affected areas in Amazonia, including Brazil, Ecuador, Colombia, Peru, Venezuela, and French Guiana. We searched multiple databases, as well as our own records, for reports of scorpion envenomations in Amazonia by confirmed Tityus spp., and compared the clinical manifestations. To help uncover clinical and venom relationships among problematic species, we explored phylogenetic relationships with a rate-calibrated analysis of mitochondrial COI data from available species. The possible existence of diversity gradients for venom toxic and immunogenic components despite the predicted strong phylogenetic association among species is underscored by discussed clinical and toxinological findings. A multicentric effort, involving all nations affected by this neglected disease, is urgently needed to offer alternatives for treating and understanding this pathology, including the preparation of neutralizing antibodies with a broad range of efficacy.

Amazonian scorpions and scorpionism: integrating toxinological, clinical, and phylogenetic data to combat a human health crisis in the world’s most diverse rainfores

Venom from Amazonian scorpions of the genus Tityus contains components capable of eliciting a distinct clinical, mostly neurological, syndrome. This contrasts with the mainly autonomic manifestations produced after envenomation by congeneric southern and northern South American species. Herein, we summarize Pan-Amazonian scorpionism by synthesizing available toxinological, clinical, and molecular data gathered from all affected areas in Amazonia, including Brazil, Ecuador, Colombia, Peru, Venezuela, and French Guiana. We searched multiple databases, as well as our own records, for reports of scorpion envenomations in Amazonia by confirmed Tityus spp., and compared the clinical manifestations. To help uncover clinical and venom relationships among problematic species, we explored phylogenetic relationships with a rate-calibrated analysis of mitochondrial COI data from available species. The possible existence of diversity gradients for venom toxic and immunogenic components despite the predicted strong phylogenetic association among species is underscored by discussed clinical and toxinological findings. A multicentric effort, involving all nations affected by this neglected disease, is urgently needed to offer alternatives for treating and understanding this pathology, including the preparation of neutralizing antibodies with a broad range of efficacy.