Voracity, reaction to stings, and survival of domestic hens when feeding on the yellow scorpion (Tityus serrulatus)

Scorpionism is a worldwide problem that has already made thousands of victims, and multi-disciplinary approaches for controlling their populations are to be more successful. Hens are often mentioned as tools for controlling scorpions; however, systematic/experimental behavioral studies are not available. Moreover, there is no systematic information on the effect of scorpion venoms on hens. Using the venomous yellow scorpion Tityus serrulatus, the present study aimed to clarify the following aspects: (1) voracity of hens, (2) how hens react when stung, (3) the effect of scorpion stings on hen behavior during attacks, and (4) hen survivorship after feeding on scorpions. Methods: We attracted hens with corn powder, offered them scorpions and then recorded the hen-scorpion interaction. To test the effects of the sting we manually removed the scorpion's telson. Results: We found that some hens ate up to six scorpions within minutes. By means of an ethogram and drawings, we showed that they exhibited several aversive behaviors when capturing scorpions. Removal of the scorpion telson stopped the aversive reactions, which was not observed in the control group. Finally, hens did not exhibit atypical behaviors after 1, 7 and 30 days and were all alive after 30 days. Conclusion: This is the first empirical and video recorded study providing evidence that hens are clearly affected by scorpion venom but do not die. Therefore, they may have potential to be used in biological control of these arthropods.(AU)

Implication of Tityus apiacas (Lourenco, 2002) in scorpion envenomations in the Southern Amazon border, Brazil.

Herein, four cases of scorpion stings caused by Tityus apiacas recorded from the municipality of Apuí, in the southern region of the Brazilian Amazon, are described. Patients showed systemic clinical manifestations, described as unusual, involuntary, and generalized tingling and numbness, reported by patients as an electric shock sensation, lasting up to 24 hours after the sting. All patients described local pain and sensation, along with other clinical symptoms including local edema and erythema. Systemic manifestations were not life threatening. Antivenom therapy was administered to all patients, who were discharged without complaints.

EPIDEMIOLOGY OF SCORPION ENVENOMATION IN THE STATE OF CEARÁ, NORTHEASTERN BRAZIL.

This report is a retrospective study of the epidemiology of scorpion sting cases recorded from 2007 to 2013 in the State of Ceará, Northeastern Brazil. Data were collected from the Injury Notification Information System database of the Health Department of Ceará. A total of 11,134 cases were studied and distributed across all the months of the studied period and they occurred mainly in urban areas. Victims were predominantly 20-29 years-old women. Most victims were bitten on the hand; and received medical assistance within 1-3 hours after being bitten. Cases were mostly classified as mild and progressed to cure. Scorpion envenomation in Ceará is an environmental public health problem that needs to be monitored and controlled throughout the year.

Internações hospitalares por causas externas envolvendo contato com animais em um hospital geral do interior da Bahia, 2009-2011 / Hospitalizations due to external causes involving contact with animals in a general hospital in the interior of Bahia State, Brazil, 2009-2011 / Internaciones hospitalarias por causas externas vinculado a contacto con animales en un hospital general del interior de Bahia, Brasil, 2009-2011

OBJETIVO: descrever as características das internações por causas externas envolvendo contato com animais em um hospital geral no interior da Bahia, no período de 2009 a 2011. MÉTODOS: estudo descritivo, com dados sobre internações no município de Jequié-BA. RESULTADOS: foram identificadas 246 internações por acidentes envolvendo contato com animais, sendo principalmente peçonhentos (83,3% por veneno de serpente e 6,5% por veneno de escorpião); predominaram vítimas do sexo masculino (66,7%), do grupo etário de 20 a 59 anos (50,4%) e residentes na zona rural (91,2%); a maioria das internações ocorreu no turno da noite (39,0%) e em dias úteis da semana (69,1%); a maior parte dos casos teve um tempo de internação de 1 a 3 dias (50,8%) e 97,6% deles evoluíram com alta hospitalar. CONCLUSÃO: ofidismo e escorpionismo foram os acidentes mais frequentes, acometendo predominantemente homens jovens residentes na zona rural.

OBJECTIVE: to describe the characteristics of hospitalizations due to external causes involving contact with animals in a general hospital in the interior of Bahia State (BA), Brazil, from 2009 to 2011. METHODS: this was a descriptive study using data on hospital admissions in Jequié-BA. RESULTS: there were 246 admissions owing to accidents involving contact with animals, especially venomous ones (83.3% snake venom, and 6.5% scorpion venom); most involved male victims (66.7%), the 20-59 year age group (50.4%), and people resident in rural areas (91.2%); most hospitalizations occurred during the night shift (39.0%) and on weekdays (69.1%); most cases had 1 to 3 day inpatient stays (50.8%), and 97.6% were subsequently discharged. CONCLUSION: snakebites and scorpion stings were the most frequent accidents and predominantly affected young men living in the rural area.

OBJETIVO: describir las características de las internaciones por causas externas vinculadas al contacto con animales en un hospital general en el interior de Bahia, Brasil, en el período de 2009 a 2011. MÉTODOS: estudio descriptivo, con datos sobre admisiones en Jequié-BA. RESULTADOS: fueron identificadas 246 internaciones por accidentes vinculado al contacto con animales, especialmente venenosos (83,3% veneno de serpiente y 6,5% de escorpión); predominantemente victimas varones (66,7%), entre 20-59 años (50,4%) y residentes de zonas rurales (91,2%); la mayoría de las hospitalizaciones ocurrieron en el turno de noche (39,0%) y en días útiles de semana (69,1%); la mayoría de los casos tuvieron un tiempo de internación de 1 a 3 días (50,8%) y 97,6% fueron dados de alta. CONCLUSIÓN: ofidismo y escorpionismo fueron los accidentes más frecuentes, acometiendo predominantemente hombres jóvenes residentes en la zona rural.

Clinical update on scorpion envenoming.

Scorpion stings are currently the leading cause of venom-related injury to humans in Brazil and are a significant public health problem globally. Only scorpions of the Tityus genus are of medical importance in Brazil, and Tityus serrulatus is responsible for the most serious envenomations and deaths. The toxic effects of scorpion envenomation are due to a massive release of sympathetic and parasympathetic neurotransmitters; the severity is related to cardiac and hemodynamic changes, with cardiogenic shock and pulmonary edema contributing to the main causes of death. The pathophysiology of cardiac involvement has been discussed for decades and has been attributed to adrenergic discharge and a possible toxic effect of venom on the myocardium, while acute pulmonary edema may have a cardiogenic and/or non-cardiogenic origin. Currently, the clinical data point to catecholamine excess as the cause for reversible scorpion cardiomyopathy . These data include electrocardiographic changes, profiling of cardiac enzymes and troponin I, echocardiographic data with global or regional left ventricle dysfunction, and myocardial perfusion alterations compatible with spasm in the coronary microcirculation. Furthermore, recent data on cardiac magnetic resonance imaging findings, which are similar to those observed for stress-induced cardiomyopathy, have also been linked to catecholamine excess. The efficiency of antivenom serum treatment is controversial in the literature. Our experience in Brazil is that the management of patients with systemic manifestations of scorpion stings is based on three approaches, all of which are extremely important. These include symptomatic treatment, antivenom serum, and cardiorespiratory support.

Clinical update on scorpion envenoming

Abstract: Scorpion stings are currently the leading cause of venom-related injury to humans in Brazil and are a significant public health problem globally. Only scorpions of the Tityus genus are of medical importance in Brazil, and Tityus serrulatus is responsible for the most serious envenomations and deaths. The toxic effects of scorpion envenomation are due to a massive release of sympathetic and parasympathetic neurotransmitters; the severity is related to cardiac and hemodynamic changes, with cardiogenic shock and pulmonary edema contributing to the main causes of death. The pathophysiology of cardiac involvement has been discussed for decades and has been attributed to adrenergic discharge and a possible toxic effect of venom on the myocardium, while acute pulmonary edema may have a cardiogenic and/or non-cardiogenic origin. Currently, the clinical data point to catecholamine excess as the cause for reversible scorpion cardiomyopathy . These data include electrocardiographic changes, profiling of cardiac enzymes and troponin I, echocardiographic data with global or regional left ventricle dysfunction, and myocardial perfusion alterations compatible with spasm in the coronary microcirculation. Furthermore, recent data on cardiac magnetic resonance imaging findings, which are similar to those observed for stress-induced cardiomyopathy, have also been linked to catecholamine excess. The efficiency of antivenom serum treatment is controversial in the literature. Our experience in Brazil is that the management of patients with systemic manifestations of scorpion stings is based on three approaches, all of which are extremely important. These include symptomatic treatment, antivenom serum, and cardiorespiratory support.

Envenomation caused by Rhopalurus amazonicus Lourenço, 1986 (Scorpiones, Buthidae) in Pará State, Brazil

Scorpions, mainly those belonging to the genus Tityus cause many deaths and injuries in Brazil, with tens of thousands of envenomations notified every year. However, injuries involving other scorpion species are scarcely registered. Among the sixteen species of the genus Rhopalurus, Thorell, 1876, described up to date, nine are found in this country, with only a confirmed case of human envenomation provoked by R. agamemnonKoch, 1839. The present case reports, for the first time, a case of scorpion sting in a human victim involving Rhopalurus amazonicus, endemic species of the west region of the Pará state, Amazon, Brazil. The symptoms of envenomation were local pain and paresthesia. This study contributes to develop the knowledge on venomous scorpions, particularly those that may cause envenomations in this region.

Envenomation caused by Rhopalurus amazonicus Lourenço, 1986 (Scorpiones, Buthidae) in Pará State, Brazil

Scorpions, mainly those belonging to the genus Tityus cause many deaths and injuries in Brazil, with tens of thousands of envenomations notified every year. However, injuries involving other scorpion species are scarcely registered. Among the sixteen species of the genus Rhopalurus, Thorell, 1876, described up to date, nine are found in this country, with only a confirmed case of human envenomation provoked by R. agamemnonKoch, 1839. The present case reports, for the first time, a case of scorpion sting in a human victim involving Rhopalurus amazonicus, endemic species of the west region of the Pará state, Amazon, Brazil. The symptoms of envenomation were local pain and paresthesia. This study contributes to develop the knowledge on venomous scorpions, particularly those that may cause envenomations in this region.(AU)

Comparison between two methods of scorpion venom milking in Morocco

Background The present study compared two methods used successfully in a large-scale program for the collection of scorpion venoms, namely the milking of adult scorpions via manual and electrical stimulation. Results Our immunobiochemical characterizations clearly demonstrate that regularly applied electrical stimulation obtains scorpion venom more easily and, most importantly, in greater quantity. Qualitatively, the electrically collected venom showed lack of hemolymph contaminants such as hemocyanin. In contrast, manual obtainment of venom subjects scorpions to maximal trauma, leading to hemocyanin secretion. Our study highlighted the importance of reducing scorpion trauma during venom milking. Conclusions In conclusion, to produce high quality antivenom with specific antibodies, it is necessary to collect venom by the gentler electrical stimulation method.(AU)

Effects of atropine and propranolol on lung inflammation in experimental envenomation: comparison of two buthidae venoms

Background: Previous works had shown that scorpion venom induced neurotransmitter elevation and an inflammatory response associated with various anatomo-pathological modifications. The most dangerous scorpions species in Algeria responsible for these effects are Androctonus australis hector (Aah) and Androctonus amoreuxi (Aam). Results: Comparison of the physiopathological effects induced by the two venoms showed differences in the kinetic of cytokine release and in lung injury. The lung edema was only observed in response to Aah venom and it was correlated with cell infiltration. In order to better understand the involved mechanism in inflammatory response, we used two antagonists, atropine (non-selective muscarinic antagonist) and propranolol (ß adrenergic antagonist), which lead to a decrease of cell infiltration but has no effect on edema forming. Conclusion: These results suggest another pathway in the development of lung injury following envenomation with Aam or Aah venom.(AU)

General biochemical and immunological characteristics of the venom from Peruvian scorpion Hadruroides lunatus.

This communication describes the general biochemical properties and some immunological characteristics of the venom from the Peruvian scorpion Hadruroides lunatus, which is the most medically relevant species in Peru. The soluble venom of this scorpion is toxic to mice, the LD50 determined was 0.1 mg/kg and 21.55 mg/kg when the venom was injected intracranial or intraperitoneally, respectively. The soluble venom displayed proteolytic, hyaluronidasic, phospholipasic and cardiotoxic activities. High performance liquid chromatography of the soluble venom resulted in the separation of 20 fractions. Two peptides with phospholipasic activity were isolated to homogeneity and their molecular masses determined by mass spectrometry (MALDI TOF). Anti-H. lunatus venom sera were produced in rabbits. Western blotting analysis showed that most of the protein content of this venom is immunogenic. H. lunatus anti-venom displayed consistent cross-reactivity with venom antigens from the new World-scorpions Tityus serrulatus and Centruroides sculpturatus venoms; however, a weaker reactivity was observed against the venom antigens from the old World-scorpion Androctonus australis Hector.

Cardiovascular dysfunction and pulmonary edema secondary to severe envenoming by Tityus pachyurus sting. Case report.

The scorpion envenomation is considered the second event by poisonous animals in importance around the world according to the World Health Organization. In Colombia there are 35 species of clinical significance, among them, the genus Tityus, which contains the most deadly scorpions in South America and is represented by 29 species of wide distribution in Colombia, which include Tityus pachyurus causing life-threatening events, especially in children. The present work shows the case of a 12 years old boy, from Tolemaida to 2 h of Bogotá D.C., who was stung by a scorpion on his right thigh, with the onset of intense signs and symptoms of local effect rapidly progressing to severe systemic involvement causing myocardial dysfunction, cardiovascular collapse and heart arrest, and his favorable response to adequate basic and advanced life support and use of scorpion-specific F(ab')2 antivenom.

Proteínas do soro sanguíneo de cães inoculados com veneno de Tityus serrulatus / Serum proteins in dogs inoculated with Tityus serrulatus venom

Protein profile of twelve healthy adult dogs averaging 14.2±5.4kg was evaluated after the inoculation of yellow scorpion venom (Tityus serrulatus). The animals were randomly divided in two experimental groups (G) (n= 6): GI control, which received 0.5mL of phosphate buffered saline (PBS) subcutaneously in the medial side of the left thigh (MSLT), and GII which received T. serrulatus venom (250μg/kg), diluted in 0.5mL of PBS subcutaneously in the MSLT. Blood samples were collected before the venom inoculation (time zero) and after 2, 6, 12, 24, 48 and 72h to obtain serum for measurement of total proteins. The fractionated protein profile was done by electrophoresis on agarose films using Tris and Amido Black staining and quantification of albumin and globulin fractions by software. The results showed no changes in the levels of total proteins, albumin and α, β and γ globulin or reversal of the albumin:globulin ratio between the groups, concluding that the dose of 250μg/kg of Tityus serrulatus venom did not induce acute phase proteins in dogs.(AU)

Envenamiento escorpiónico en El Palmar: estado Bolívar, Venezuela / Scorpion envenomation in El Palmar: state of Bolívar, Venezuela

Se determinó la prevalencia del envenenamiento escorpiónico en el Palmar-Edo. Bolívar durante el período comprendido entre enero 2005 y enero 2007. Hubo un total de 9 casos de escorpionismo (0,75 casos/1000 habitantes), afectando principalmente los miembros superiores de varones menores de 30 años, estudiantes, procedentes de zonas rurales. Los casos registrados ocurrieron durante el período lluvioso, entre los meses de abril y agosto. No se registraron casos mortales. Los hallazgos indican una casuística no despreciable de envenenamiento escorpiónico leve, sugiriendo la posible existencia de escorpiones poco tóxicos en la localidad estudiada

The prevalence of scorpion envenomation in El Palmar, State of Bolivar, was determined from January 2005 to January 2007. There were 9 cases of scorpion envenomation (0.75 cases/1000 inhabitants), affecting mainly the superior members of male students less than 30 years old that came from rural regions. Registered cases occurred in the rainy season between April and August. No fatalities were registered. Findings indicate a non-negligible prevalence of trivial scorpion envenomation, suggesting the possible existence of low toxicity scorpions in the locality under study

In vivo pharmacological study on the effectiveness of available polyclonal antivenom against Hemiscorpius lepturus venom

The available Razi Institute antivenom is still, empirically, used by intramuscular (IM) administration for the treatment of scorpion stings in humans by six medically dangerous species including Hemiscorpius lepturus (H. lepturus). The aim of this study was to assess the neutralizing ability and effectiveness of the antivenom in inhibiting hemoglobinuria, biochemical changes, increased microalbuminuria and urinary lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) following H. lepturus sting. Simultaneous intramuscular administration of 10 μL and 100 μL of antivenom, after 24 hours, had no significant preventive effect on the extent and degree of hemoglobinuria or proteinuria produced in venom-treated rats. After IM administration of antivenom, no significant changes in decreased red blood cell (RBC) count and hemoglobin were observed. Immediate intramuscular administration of 10 μL of antivenom had no significant effects on both LDH and microalbuminuria. The present findings did not present correlation with clinical signs. Therefore, to fully assess the efficacy of the available antivenom and make appropriate recommendations, more in vivo or in vitro investigations including antigen-antibody interaction, enzymatic analysis and route-dependent administration are required.(AU)

[Tityus asthenes scorpion stings: epidemiological, clinical and toxicological aspects]. / Picaduras por escorpión Tityus asthenes en Mutatá, Colombia: aspectos epidemiológicos, clínicos y toxinológicos.

INTRODUCTION: Scorpion stings are a public health problem in many countries. However, in Colombia, very few epidemiological, clinical or toxicological studies have been undertaken. OBJECTIVE: Ecological and epidemiological aspects were related to the prevalence of scorpion stings by Tityus asthenes. The clinical features of envenomization were described in patients and in an experimental animal model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted in four localities of Mutatá and Urabá Counties in the province of Antioquia, Colombia. The sample consisted of 1,593 (929 urban, 664 rural) of the 5,305 exposed people, inhabitating 324 households (188 urban (58%); 136 rural (42%) of 1,448 houses total in the study area. An interview survey was performed in every selected family for a more realistic estimate of sting prevalence. Additionally, a prospective study was directed toward patients presenting scorpion stings at care at the local hospital over an 18-month period. RESULTS: The probability was 12.9 times greater of finding T. asthenes inside or around houses in places near to forest and high agrarian plantations (odds ratio = 13). Eighty scorpion stings were reported in the retrospective study (4.1% prevalence [95% CI 3.3-4.8%] ), but only 14 of the patients (17.5%) sought care in the local hospital (an 82.5% underreportage). Seventy percent of the stings occurred in rural places; 50% occurred in the locality of Caucheras, with an attack rate of 10.6%. The overall household infestation rate was 269% (95% CI 22.9-30.8%) and an area dispersion ratio of 100%. Signs of systemic envenomization occurred mainly in children (67%). The 50% lethal dose of T. asthenes venom was 121.6 µg for 18-20 g Swiss Webster rats (95% CI 103.7-139.6). Immunodetection of T. asthenes and Centruroides gracilis/C.margantatus venoms in the experimental animals was possible when were tested by Western blot against Alacramyn (Instituto Bioclón, México) and Soro antiaracnídico (Instituto Butantan, Brasil) antivenoms. Scorpion interspecific differences were noted. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of stings by T. asthenes were common and their presence was associated with tropical rainforests. Envenomization at low density can be neutralized efficiently by anti-scorpion antivenoms produced in México and Brazil but with differing specificities for the venom of each scorpion species.

Scorpion stings in Turkey: epidemiological and clinical aspects between the years 1995 and 2004 / Picadas de escorpião na Turquia: aspectos epidemiológicos e clínicos entre os anos de 1995 e 2004

The most important health-threatening scorpions found in Turkey are; Androctonus crassicauda, Leiurus quinquestriatus, Mesobuthus gibbosus and M. eupeus species, all of which belong to the Buthidae family. The epidemiological and clinical findings of scorpion stings in Turkey were evaluated between the years 1995 and 2004 based on data recorded in the National Poison Information Center (NPIC). A total of 930 cases were recorded. The cases mostly occurred in the month of July. The gender distribution was 50.22 percent female and 45.48 percent male. It was shown that the 20-29 age group presented more scorpion stings. Most of the stings occurred in Central Anatolia and Marmara regions of Turkey. Patients at the hospital showed signs of localized (pain, hyperemia, edema and numbness) and systemic effects (hyperthermia, nausea and vomiting, tachycardia, shivering and lethargy) but no lethality was notified. According to records, 33 percent of the poisoned patients were treated with antivenin in healthcare facilities.

Os mais importantes escorpiões que comprometem a saúde na Turquia são: Androctonus crassicauda, Leiurus quinquestriatus, Mesobuthus gibbosus e M. eupeus, todos eles pertencentes à família Buthidae. Os achados clínicos e epidemiológicos da picada de escorpiões na Turquia foram avaliados no período entre os anos de 1995 a 2004 baseados em dados do Centro Nacional de Informações de Envenenamentos (NPIC). Foram registrados 930 casos que ocorreram principalmente no mês de julho. A distribuição por sexo foi 50,22 por cento femininos e 45,48 por cento masculinos. Demonstrou-se que o grupo etário de 20 a 29 anos apresentou maior número de picadas de escorpião. A maior parte das picadas ocorreu na Anatólia Central e na região de Marmara, na Turquia. Os pacientes hospitalizados mostraram sinais localizados (dor, hiperemia, edema e confusão mental) e sistêmicos (hipertermia, náusea e vômitos, taquicardia, arrepios de frio e letargia), mas não houve notificação de letalidade. De acordo com os prontuários 33 por cento dos pacientes foram tratados com antiveneno nas unidades de saúde.

[Antiadrenergic rescue therapy with amiodarone in children with severe left ventricular dysfunction secondary to scorpion envenomation]. / Terapia de resgate com amiodarona em crianças com grave disfunção ventricular esquerda causada por veneno de escorpião.

BACKGROUND: Children with scorpion envenomation have massive sympathetic activation and variable degrees of left ventricular systolic dysfunction. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a rescue protocol for children with severe left ventricular dysfunction secondary to scorpion envenomation. METHODS: Four children, after scorpion envenomation, were subjected to a rescue protocol for acute left ventricular dysfunction: Endotracheal intubation and respiratory assistance, electrocardiograms, chest x-Ray, echocardiograms and blood samples for norepinephrine and troponin I serum levels. Samples and echocardiograms were repeated at 12, 24 and 48 hours. Intravenous medications: Dobutamine: 4-6 microg/kg/min. Amiodarone: 3 mg/kg during a 2 hour period. Maintenance: 5 mg/kg/day. Furosemide: 0.5 mg/kg/dose. Diuretics were given when the systemic blood pressure was above percentile fifty. Amiodarone, Dobutamine and Furosemide were administered during the first 48 hours. Beta-adrenergic blockers and angiotensin converting enzyme were given, at 48 hours after admission, once the left ventricular Ejection fraction > 0.35 and the clinical status had improved. RESULTS: On admission, norepinephrine was 1,727.50 +/-794.96 pg/ml, troponin I 24.53 +/- 14.09 ng/ml and left ventricular ejection fraction 0.20 +/- 0.056. At twelve hours, norepinephrine and troponin I serum levels were down to half of the initial values and the ejection fraction increased to 0.32 +/- 0.059. During the next 24 and 48 hours, the ejection fraction rose to 0.46 +/- 0.045, (p<0.01) and norepinephrine and troponin diminished to 526.75 +/- 273.73 (p < 0.02) and 2.20 +/- 2.36 (p<0.02) respectively. CONCLUSION: Amiodarone, by acting as a neuromodulator, is very likely responsible for the early and progressive decrease of serum norepinephrine.

Tityus fasciolatus envenomation induced cardio-respiratory alterations in rats.

The present study characterized envenomation in young rats by Tityus fasciolatus, an endemic scorpion to Central Brazilian and state of Minas Gerais. Electrocardiographic examinations were performed prior to treatment and every 5 min during the first 30 min after envenomation. The cardiac blood profile [creatine kinase, CK isoenzyme MB, lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase and troponina] together with macroscopic and microscopic alterations in the lungs and heart were evaluated. Envenomated animals showed ECG changes suggesting electrolytic imbalance, myocarditis and venom interference on the conduction tissue. Biochemical analyses indicated myocardial damage with high levels of CK, CK-MB and LDH. Macroscopic and microscopic findings included detection of pulmonary haemorrhages. In conclusion, T. fasciolatus venom leads to acute cardio-respiratory changes in young rats.