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.

Injuries caused by freshwater stingrays in the Tapajós River Basin: a clinical and sociodemographic study

Abstract INTRODUCTION Freshwater stingray envenomations are an important cause of morbidity in riverine populations living in various regions of Brazil. The sequelae include temporary or permanent disability. This study aimed to identify sociodemographic, clinical, and therapeutic aspects related to stingray injuries in such populations. METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Extractive Reserve of Tapajos-Arapiuns, located in the municipalities of Santarém and Aveiro (Pará State). A convenience sample comprising 300 local adults was used to obtain data by means of a questionnaire/ interview. RESULTS Overall, 19 (6.3%) participants reported having sustained a stingray injury in the 12 months prior to the study. All 19 were injured either while fishing (n=13 [68.4%]) or engaging in other riverine activities. Most injuries [n=14 (73.7%)] occurred from September through November, and most injured respondents [n=15 (78.9%)] reported seeing stingrays at beaches. Severe pain and the appearance of ulcers in the later stages of envenomation were described by 18 (94.7%) and 12 (63.2%) participants, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Freshwater stingray injuries, which should be considered occupational injuries, are common in the study area, especially in places like beaches or in the lakes that form during the dry season, when stingrays are routinely observed. A significant proportion of respondents was unaware of the correct first aid measures and had insufficient resources to treat the complications of these injuries in the locality where they reside. Interactive activities involving local residents - such as lectures and the distribution of simple pamphlets providing information about stingray injuries - are needed.

Tratamento cirúrgico da úlcera loxoscélica: solução prática para um problema de difícil resolução / Surgical treatment of ulcer loxoscélica: practical solution to a difficult problem to solve

Contexto: O manuscrito descreve a reparação cirúrgica de uma úlcera crônica resultante da picada de uma aranhamarrom,um problema de difícil resolução, o qual habitualmente demora meses até a cicatrização.Descrição do caso: A vítima foi picada na coxa direita e desenvolveu fases de envenenamento típicas da picada deLoxosceles, incluindo a placa mármore, a escara e a úlcera profunda e de bordos emoldurados, características doacidente. Devido ao processo cicatricial lento, cuidados intensivos com curativos, dificuldade na deambulação, além dofator estético, optou-se por cirurgia excisional da lesão e sutura direta das bordas. O tratamento cirúrgico proporcionoucicatrização total da lesão dentro de 15 dias.Conclusões: A úlcera loxoscélica apresenta difícil cicatrização, evoluindo para a cronicidade. A cirurgia com excisãocompleta e síntese primária constitui técnica adequada para a cura da doença.

Trauma and envenoming caused by stingrays and other fish in a fishing community in Pontal do Paranapanema, state of São Paulo, Brazil: epidemiology, clinical aspects, and therapeutic and preventive measures / Traumas e envenenamentos por arraias e outros peixes em uma colônia de pescadores no pontal do Paranapanema, estado de São Paulo, Brasil: epidemiologia, aspectos clínicos e propostas terapêuticas e preventivas

INTRODUCTION: Accidents caused by fish are common in inland fishing communities in Brazil, being work-related injuries in the majority of cases. These populations have no information on the mechanisms of trauma or envenoming. METHODS: Through a questionnaire administered to fishermen, we obtained clinical and epidemiological data on accidents in Rosana, Pontal do Paranapanema, State of São Paulo, Brazil. These data were analyzed and converted into an easily understood prevention and treatment program for the colony. RESULTS: Thirty-nine fishermen replied to the survey. All of the patients had been hurt by fish. Of those mentioned, the yellow catfish (Pimelodus maculatus) was the main fish species associated with injuries, but others also caused trauma to the fishermen. Six fishermen had been envenomed by stingrays. Pain and ulcers were the main symptoms and were described as intolerable. Approximately half of those injured were treated using traditional folk remedies. CONCLUSIONS: The fishermen suffered multiple accidents with catfish, which are venomous and cause intense pain, as well as trauma due to other fish, such as surubins, traíras, freshwater croakers, and piranhas. Approximately 16% of those interviewed presented with envenomation from stingrays. Our data and previous experience in the area led to the creation of a pamphlet with clear language that can effectively help fishermen in the region, an area in need of health services and disease prevention. This initiative also applies to the whole La Plata River basin, which has similar fauna.

INTRODUÇÃO: Os acidentes causados por peixes são comuns em comunidades de pescadores fluviais no Brasil, sendo acidentes ocupacionais na maioria das vezes. Estas populações não têm informações dos mecanismos de trauma e envenenamento. MÉTODOS: Através de um questionário aplicado aos pescadores, foram obtidos dados clínicos e epidemiológicos sobre acidentes em Rosana, Pontal do Paranapanema, Estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Estes dados foram analisados e convertidos em um programa de prevenção e tratamento de acidentes através de um folheto de fácil assimilação RESULTADOS: Trinta e nove pescadores responderam o questionário. Todos os pacientes apresentaram ferimentos causados por algum peixe. Dos peixes mencionados, mandijubas (Pimelodus maculatus) foram os mais associados aos ferimentos, mas outros também causaram traumas. Em relação às arraias, seis pescadores tinham sido envenenados. Dor intensa e úlceras foram os principais sintomas. Aproximadamente metade dos acidentados usou apenas medidas de tratamentos populares. CONCLUSÕES: Os pescadores apresentaram acidentes múltiplos por mandis, que são peçonhentos e causam dor intensa, assim como traumas por outros peixes, como surubins, traíras, corvinas de água doce e piranhas. Cerca de 16% dos entrevistados apresentaram envenenamento por arraias. Nossos dados e experiência prévia permitiram a criação de um folheto de fácil assimilação pelas populações locais que pode ajudar os pescadores de forma efetiva, em uma área extremamente carente de serviços de saúde e prevenção de doenças. Esta iniciativa é aplicável a toda a bacia do Rio da Prata, área extensa e de fauna similar.

Injuries and envenoming by aquatic animals in fishermen of Coxim and Corumbá municipalities, state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil: identification of the causative agents, clinical aspects and first aid measures / Traumas e envenenamentos por animais aquáticos em pescadores de Coxim e Corumbá, estado de Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil: identificação de agentes causadores, aspectos clínicos e medidas de primeiros socorros

INTRODUCTION: The fishes of continental Brazil have socioeconomic importance due to their potential for sport fishing and commercial and subsistence uses, as seen in the Upper Paraguay River Basin, particularly in the municipalities of the Pantanal region, where it is the second largest economic activity. Injuries caused in professional fishermen are common and poorly studied, as in other regions of the country. METHODS: Data were obtained from questionnaires and interviews with 100 professional fishermen, 50 in each municipality, between December 2008 and October 2009. RESULTS: All the fishermen reported some kind of injury caused by fish stings (78 percent of injuries) and fish, alligator and snake bites (22 percent) on the hands (46 percent of cases) and feet (35 percent of cases). Most of the patients had mild symptoms. The most severe cases were associated with secondary bacterial infections and required specific treatment and prolonged recovery associated with social and economic losses. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicate that the stressful work conditions, inattention to basic preventive measures and carelessness were factors that contributed to accidents and that the toxicity and ability to inflict mechanical trauma of some aquatic species, plus the ineffective use of first aid and hospital treatment, contributed to the high morbidity and complications in many cases. Data from this study are relevant to the fishing communities of the Pantanal region, since they reveal high rates of accidents, lack of knowledge concerning first aid, initial treatment, injury prevention and lack of medical follow-up of the population.

INTRODUÇÃO: Os peixes continentais do Brasil têm grande importância socioeconômica, tanto pelo potencial para a pesca esportiva, quanto para a pesca comercial e de subsistência, como é notado na bacia do Alto Rio Paraguai, particularmente, nos municípios da região do Pantanal. Ferimentos e envenenamentos em pescadores profissionais são comuns e pouco estudados. MÉTODOS: Foram entrevistados 100 pescadores profissionais, 50 em cada município, entre dezembro/2008 e outubro/2009. RESULTADOS: Todos relataram ter sofrido algum tipo de acidente, sendo estes causados por ferrões de peixes (78 por cento dos acidentados) e mordidas de peixes, jacarés ou serpentes (22 por cento), estes ocorridos em maioria nas mãos (46 por cento dos casos) e pés (35 por cento dos casos). A maioria dos pacientes apresentou sintomas leves. Os casos mais graves apresentavam infecções bacterianas e necessitaram de tratamento específico e tempo prolongado de recuperação, o que condicionou às vítimas prejuízos socioeconômicos. CONCLUSÕES: Os resultados deste estudo indicam que, no plano social, as condições estressantes do trabalho, a desatenção com medidas preventivas básicas e o descuido foram os fatores que mais contribuíram para os acidentes. Por outro lado, a capacidade de algumas espécies de envenenar ou de produzir traumas mecânicos e o emprego de primeiros socorros e tratamentos hospitalares ineficazes contribuíram para a grande morbidade e complicações em muitos casos. Os dados deste estudo são relevantes para as comunidades pesqueiras do Pantanal, uma vez que revelam altos índices de acidentes de trabalho, inexistência de noções de primeiros socorros ou prevenção dos acidentes e ausência de atendimento médico continuado junto a estas populações.

Sea urchin granuloma / Granulomas por ouriços-do-mar

Injuries caused by venomous and poisonous aquatic animals may provoke important morbidity in humans. The phylum Echinoderma include more than 6000 species of starfish, sea urchins, sand dollars, and sea cucumbers some of which have been found responsible for injuries to humans. Initial injuries by sea urchins are associated with trauma and envenomation, but later effects can be observed. Sea urchin granuloma is a chronic granulomatous skin disease caused by frequent and successive penetration of sea urchin spines which have not been removed from wounds. The authors report a typical case of sea urchin granuloma in a fisherman and its therapeutic implications.

Os acidentes por animais aquáticos traumatizantes e venenosos podem provocar morbidez importante em humanos. Equinodermos marinhos incluem mais de 6000 espécies de estrelas-do-mar, ouriços-do-mar, "bolachas-de-praia" e pepinos-do-mar. Vários equinodermos têm sido responsabilizados por acidentes em humanos. Granulomas por ouriço-do-mar são lesões de caráter granulomatoso, crônicas, causada por acidentes com espículas de ouriço-do-mar. Os autores relatam um caso típico de granulomas por ouriço-do-mar ocorrido em um pescador e enfatizam as implicações terapêuticas aplicadas.

The venomous toadfish Thalassophryne nattereri (niquim or miquim): report of 43 injuries provoked in fishermen of Salinópolis (Pará State) and Aracaju (Sergipe State), Brazil

Fishes of family Batrachoididae are responsible for great number of injuries in fishermen in North and Northeast regions of Brazil. The genus Thalassophryne presents various venomous species of fishes found in the Brazilian coast, T. nattereri being the most common of them. The venom is ejected through two hollow spines on the dorsal fin and two on pre-opercular regions, which present a venomous gland in the base and can be erected or depressed by the fish. The manifestations of the envenoming were intense local pain, edema and erythema in 43 patients observed in Salinópolis (Pará State) and Aracaju (Sergipe State). There were no systemic manifestations, but necrosis was detected in eight and bacterial infection in ten injured fishermen. The circumstances of the contacts and therapeutic aspects are discussed. Envenoming by the genus Thalassophryne is important and frequent and should be considered of moderate severity grade, since there are not the excruciating pain or the massive local necrosis provoked by scorpionfishes (Scorpaena) or stingrays injuries nor the systemic manifestations that are the most important marker of severe envenoming