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)

What's eating you? the South African fattail scorpion revisited.

Worldwide, there are more than 3250 deaths a year related to scorpion stings. With the increasing popularity of exotic and dangerous pets, American physicians are more likely to see exotic scorpion envenomations. Although adults are stung more often, children experience more severe envenomation.

Scorpion bite-induced unilateral pulmonary oedema.

A 24-year-old woman came to the emergency room of our hospital, 6 hours after a sting to the pulp of her middle finger of her left upper limb by an Indian red scorpion. On examination, she had tachycardia, tachypnoea, hypotension and low oxygen saturation at room temperature. On auscultation, there was poor air entry in all areas of the right lung along with crackles. The left lung field was normal on auscultation. Chest X-ray showed unilateral haziness of right lung field. Two-dimensional echocardiography showed clinical findings of myocarditis. Arterial blood gas showed metabolic acidosis with severe hypoxaemia, suggestive of type 1 respiratory failure. After intubation and initiating ventillatory support, the patient was given intravenous analgesics, antihistaminic and infiltrated of site of bite with 2% xylocaine. The patient was started on inotropes, alpha receptor blocker, intravenous steroids, bronchodilators and diuretics support. The patient clinically improved over the course of treatment and was subsequently discharged.

Geographic Distribution of Scorpion Exposures in the United States, 2010-2015.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the geographic distribution of scorpion envenomations in the United States by zip code, with particular attention to the neurotoxic Centruroides sculpturatus (Arizona bark scorpion), for which an antivenom is available. METHODS: We obtained scorpion exposure cases for 2010 to 2015 from the National Poison Data System. Using geographic information systems software, we mapped total exposures and incidence rates for 9 states that reported more than 100 annual calls. We also mapped cases that reported fasciculations and nystagmus (unique to C. sculpturatus among native scorpions). RESULTS: The highest exposure incidences occurred in Phoenix (up to 677 per 100 000 population) and Tucson (584), both in Arizona. Elsewhere, high incidences were found in El Paso, Texas (213); Oklahoma City (209) and Tulsa (178), Oklahoma; and Las Vegas, Nevada (170). Fasciculations and nystagmus were reported in Arizona and southeastern Nevada, with small numbers in surrounding states, including Utah. CONCLUSIONS: Scorpion exposures occurred at baseline rates throughout many of the southern states, whereas several states reported effects indicative of Arizona bark scorpion envenomation. Public Health Implications. Public and health care provider education, as well as the stocking of antivenom, should be targeted based on these findings.

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.

Role of some vasoactive mediators in scorpion envenomed children: Possible relation to envenoming outcome.

Scorpion envenomation causes an autonomic storm resulting in changes in the vasoactive mediators' levels which lead to myocardial damage, cardiovascular disturbances, peripheral circulatory failure, pulmonary edema, multi-system-organ-failure and death. The study aimed to determine the circulating levels of adrenaline, noradrenaline, angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE), Angiotensin II (Ang II), kallikrein enzyme, nitric oxide (NO), aldosterone, and electrolytes Na+, K+ and Ca+2 in scorpion envenomed children and to evaluate the potential relation between these vasoactive mediators, the severity of scorpion envenoming and the clinical outcome of envenomed children. Forty envenomed children (22 mild and 18 severe cases) along with 10 healthy control children were enrolled in the study. The circulating levels of adrenaline, noradrenaline, Ang II, ACE, kallikrein enzyme, and NO were determined by ELISA, and spectrophotometric assays on admission and 24 h later. On admission, serum aldosterone, and electrolytes; Na+, K+ and Ca+2 were determined by RIA, Flame photometer and Flame atomic absorption respectively. All envenomed children showed significant surge of adrenaline, noradrenaline, ACE, Ang II, aldosterone, NO and Na+, that concomitantly faced by significant reduction in kallikrein, K+ and Ca+2 on admission. Twenty four hours later, all envenomed children continued to show significant elevation of ACE, Ang II and NO. The severely envenomed children showed considerable reduction in circulating levels of adrenaline, noradrenaline, ACE and Ang II, while dramatic increase in kallikrein activity was reported in comparison to mildly envenomed children after 24 h of medical care. Also, NO exhibited considerable accumulation in non survivors, on admission, that was persistent for the subsequent 24 h and was accompanied by high kallikrein, low catecholamines and Ang II levels compared to survivors. Finally, the hypertensive cases showed substantial higher levels of catecholamine, ACE and Ang II, 24 h after admission. These findings indicated that, disturbances of the studied vasoactive mediators were common in scorpion envenomed children and may account for several inflammatory manifestations and clinical outcome. ACE inhibitors could be considered as possible therapeutic agent in victims with prominent increase in ACE and Ang II while kallikrein inhibitor and antioxidants may be effective in the treatment of late hypotensive ones.

Envenenamiento por picadura de alacrán. Presentación de un caso clínico / Scorpion envenoming. A clinic case presentation

Introducción y objetivo: La intoxicación por veneno de alacrán en niños produce un síndrome neuromotor agresivo e insuficiencia respiratoria mediados por neurotoxinas que precisa una identificación inmediata para iniciar el tratamiento con un antídoto específico y evitar la muerte. El objetivo de este trabajo es comentar las manifestaciones clínicas de un caso de envenenamiento grave tras la picadura de un alacrán. Caso clínico: El niño presentó una dificultad respiratoria súbita acompañada de sialorrea, nistagmo, fasciculaciones linguales, debilidad muscular e imposibilidad para la marcha. Fue tratado con faboterapia antialacrán y simultáneamente con medidas de reanimación avanzada. Fue dado de alta asintomático 72 horas más tarde. Conclusiones: La intoxicación por veneno de alacrán es una urgencia médica. La forma grave se caracteriza por la aparición súbita de hiper/hipotensión arterial, miosis o midriasis, fotofobia, nistagmo, convulsiones, taquicardia o bradicardia, arritmias, insuficiencia cardiaca y respiratoria, e incluso puede producir la muerte del paciente. Es conveniente iniciar la faboterapia tan pronto se reconozcan los primeros signos y síntomas (AU)

Introduction and objective: Intoxication by scorpion venom produces an aggressive neuromotor syndrome and respiratory failure mediated by neurotoxins potentially lethal. This is why it requires immediate identification and intervention with a specific antidote and pediatric advanced life support. The aim or this work is discuss the clinical manifestations of a case of sever poisoning after bite of a scorpion. Clinical case: Previously healthy boy suddenly presented respiratory distress accompanied by drooling, nistagmus, lingual twitches, muscular weakness and impossibility to walk. The immediate treatment consisted of anti-scorpion fabotherapy and pediatric advanced life support. He was discharged asyntomatic 72 hours later. Conclusions: Intoxication caused by scorpion venom is a medical emergency. Severe form is characterized by sudden onset of arterial hyper o hypotension, miosis or mydriasis, nistagmus, seizures, tachycardia or bradycardia or arrhythmias, heart failure and respiratory distress; can even cause death. It is appropriate to start specific fabotherapy as soon the first symptoms and signs are recognized (AU)

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.

Predictive Factors for Determining the Clinical Severity of Pediatric Scorpion Envenomation Cases in Southeastern Turkey.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to define the epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory manifestations of scorpion envenomation and to identify factors that are predictive of severe cases. METHODS: The medical files of 41 scorpion envenomation cases were reviewed retrospectively. The cases were classified as mild-moderate or severe. The epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory findings of patients were recorded. RESULTS: There were 27 patients (65.9%) in the mild-moderate group and 14 patients (34.1%) in the severe group. The median age of all patients was 48 months. The most common systemic finding was cold extremities (41.5%). In all patients, the most commonly observed dysrhythmia was sinus tachycardia (34.1%). Two patients (4.9%) had pulseless ventricular tachycardia and died. Pulmonary edema and myocarditis were observed in 9 patients (22%). Median values of leukocyte and glucose levels were markedly increased in the severe group. Additionally, the mean thrombocyte level (540,857 ± 115,261 cells/mm(3)) in the severe group was significantly increased compared with the mild-moderate group (391,365 ± 150,017 cells/mm(3)). Thrombocyte levels exhibited a positive correlation with leukocyte and glucose values and a negative correlation with patient left ventricular ejection fraction. Multivariate analysis of laboratory parameters indicated that the most predictive factor for clinical severity is thrombocytosis (odds ratio 23.9; 95% CI: 1.6-353.5, P = .021). CONCLUSIONS: Although our results share some similarities with those of other reports, thrombocytosis was markedly increased in the severe group and served as the most predictive laboratory factor of clinical severity.

Predictors of Myocardial Dysfunction in Children with Indian Red Scorpion (Mesobuthus tamulus) Sting Envenomation.

OBJECTIVE: To identify predictive risk factors for myocardial dysfunction in children with scorpion sting envenomation and to evaluate the effects of Scorpion antivenom and prazosin combination therapy on occurrence of myocardial dysfunction. DESIGN: Observational. SETTING: Tertiary care hospital in Southern India. PARTICIPANTS: 85 children aged <13 years with scorpion sting envenomation. OUTCOME MEASURES: Frequency of myocardial dysfunction; predictors of myocardial dysfunction. RESULTS: 24 children (28.2%) developed myocardial dysfunction. Hypotension at admission (P=0.003) and increased time (>4h) between sting and administration of appropriate therapy (P=0.001) were independent predictors of myocardial dysfunction on logistic regression. Scorpion antivenom plus prazosin combination therapy led to an increase in cumulative proportion of children without myocardial dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS: Early (<4 hours) administration of Scorpion antivenom along with prazosin increases the cumulative percentage of children not developing myocardial dysfunction.

Doxazosin in the treatment of scorpion envenomation.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate effectiveness and applicability of Doxazosin in the treatment of scorpion stings in patients who had systemic symptoms. METHODS: The medical records of patients were retrospectively reviewed, and the following data were collected: age, sex, clinical symptoms (localized and systemic), vital signs, information on the date and place of the sting occurrence, the anatomical sting site, time between sting and arrival to the hospital, scorpion identification, severity of the symptoms and treatment. RESULTS: Of the victims, 48.5 % (n = 16) were males, and 51.5 % (n = 17) were females, with a mean age of 6.8 ± 4.2 y. The most common sting site was lower extremity 72.7 % (n = 24). Systemic toxicity (class II) was seen in 93.9 %, and two patients (6.1 %) manifested evidence of severe envenomation (class III). Both local and systemic effects were seen in the patients. Cold extremities persisted for 4.5 ± 1.5 h after administration of Doxazosin. Mean hospitalization time was 2.5 ± 1.5 d (range: 1.5 to 6 d). Thirty-two patients recovered without any sequel, whereas one patient died due to cardio-pulmonary insufficiency. CONCLUSIONS: Doxazosin, especially if Prazosin is not available, can be recommended as an effective drug in the treatment of serious scorpion envenomations with significant sympathetic symptoms.

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.