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PLoS One 2019 3;14(4):e0214075. Epub 2019 Apr 3.

Departamento de Biologia Geral, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Annually, more than 1.2 million scorpion stings and more than 3,000 deaths occur worldwide. Tityus serrulatus Lutz and Mello, 1922 (Scorpiones, Buthidae) is the most medically relevant species in Brazil where it is spreading rapidly and causing over 90,000 cases of envenomation yearly. Read More

Toxins (Basel) 2019 Mar 31;11(4). Epub 2019 Mar 31.

Immunochemistry Laboratory, Butantan Institute, São Paulo SP 05503-900, Brazil.

Although omics studies have indicated presence of proteases on the venom (TsV), little is known about the function of these molecules. The TsV contains metalloproteases that cleave a series of human neuropeptides, including the dynorphin A (1-13) and the members of neuropeptide Y family. Aiming to isolate the proteases responsible for this activity, the metalloserrulase 3 and 4 (TsMS 3 and TsMS 4) were purified after two chromatographic steps and identified by mass spectrometry analysis. Read More

Toxicon 2019 Mar 20;164:1-9. Epub 2019 Mar 20.

Laboratory of Technology and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (Tecbiofar), Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Rua General Gustavo Cordeiro de Farias, S/N, Petrópolis, Natal, 59012-570, Brazil. Electronic address:

Scorpion envenomation has been considered a public health issue around the world. Tityus serrulatus represents a specie of major medical importance in Brazil due to mortality rates of approximately 1% among children and elderly populations. The aim of this work was to evaluate the in vivo anti-inflammatory potential of aqueous extract from Hancornia speciosa fruits, its fractions and its phenolic compounds against T. Read More

Animal Model Exp Med 2018 Sep 25;1(3):228-234. Epub 2018 Sep 25.

Department of Veterinary Physiology, Pharmacology and Biochemistry College of Veterinary Medicine University of Agriculture Makurdi Benue State Nigeria.

Background: About 50 species of scorpions cause fatal scorpionism worldwide. Most of these are members of the Buthidae family, and include, among others, , , , , and . Because high doses of scorpion venom and antivenom can cause death and hypersensitive reactions, there is a need to develop a formula that can be used to calculate both lethal and effective doses for scorpion venom and antivenom, respectively, thereby obviating the need for laboratory experiments. Read More

Front Pharmacol 2019 1;10:171. Epub 2019 Mar 1.

Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Toxicológicas e Bromatológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.

Over 1 million cases of scorpion stings are estimated every year, whereas current treatment is limited to antivenom serum combined with supportive therapy. scorpion venom (TsV) is composed of diverse molecules, including toxins that induce a catecholamine storm and mediate classical symptoms of scorpion envenomation. However, the same toxins promote an intense inflammatory response coordinated by innate immune cells, such as macrophages, contributing significantly to the lung edema and mortality caused by TsV injection. Read More

Afr J Emerg Med 2019 Mar 4;9(1):21-24. Epub 2019 Feb 4.

Division of Emergency Medicine, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa.

Introduction: South Africa has a wide distribution of scorpion species, yet limited data are available regarding the incidence and severity of scorpion envenomation. The aim of this study was to analyse South African epidemiological data of scorpion stings and envenomation as reported to the Tygerberg Poisons Information Centre (TPIC).

Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted of scorpion-related telephonic consultations to the TPIC over a ten year period (1 January 2005 to 31 December 2014). Read More

SAGE Open Med Case Rep 2019 26;7:2050313X19834187. Epub 2019 Feb 26.

University Medical Unit, Teaching Hospital, Jaffna, Sri Lanka.

White scorpion () stings are an emerging health hazard in northern Sri Lanka and are increasingly recognized particularly during the last decade. The stings are usually harmless; however, fatal cardiovascular sequelae ensues following severe envenomation. It is often difficult to identify this miniature creature and its site of sting due to its nature of habitat and nonspecific local symptoms that develop after the sting. Read More

Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2019 Feb 26:1-9. Epub 2019 Feb 26.

a Venom Systems and Proteomics Lab, School of Natural Sciences , Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland Galway , Galway , Ireland.

Introduction: Snakes, insects, arachnids and myriapods have been linked to necrosis following envenomation. However, the pathways involved in arthropod venom-induced necrosis remain a highly controversial topic among toxinologists, clinicians and the public. On the one hand, clinicians report on alleged envenomations based on symptoms and the victims' information. Read More

Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2019 Feb 7:1-5. Epub 2019 Feb 7.

c Department of Pediatrics , Arizona Children's Center at Maricopa Medical Center , Phoenix, AZ , USA.

Background And Objectives: The clinical course from scorpion envenomation can range from mild to life threatening, particularly in younger children. The F(ab') antivenom currently available in the United States is extremely effective for countering the neurotoxic effects but extremely expensive. This dose comparison study assesses clinical outcomes between two antivenom dosing strategies. Read More

Toxicon 2019 Mar 18;159:45-49. Epub 2019 Jan 18.

Pediatric Department, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut 71516, Egypt.

Background: Scorpion envenomation and its consequences represented a serious healthcare problem in Upper Egypt and considered to be an important cause of life-threatening emergency particularly in children.

Methods: One hundred patients presented to the emergency department of Assiut University Children Hospital with a history of scorpion sting aged less than 18 years were included in our randomized comparative trial during 2016. Two groups of patients were randomly categorized according to the route of administration of scorpion antivenom; intramuscular and intravenous with 50 patients in each group. Read More

Iran J Basic Med Sci 2018 Dec;21(12):1221-1225

Department of Pharmacology, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran.

Objectives: is one of the dangerous scorpions of Iran leading to acute kidney injury (AKI) especially in infants. The purpose of this animal study was to compare the serological, pathological and scintigraphic data to quickly predict the occurrence of this disorder.

Materials And Methods: In two groups of animals, each contained five rats, venom (1200 µg/Kg) were injected intravenously via the tail vein. Read More

Toxicon 2019 Mar 3;159:5-13. Epub 2019 Jan 3.

Instituto Nacional de Producción de Biológicos, Administración Nacional de Laboratorios e Institutos de Salud "Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán", Ministerio de Salud, Argentina.

Envenomation by scorpions of the genus Tityus is an important public health problem in Argentina, involving near 8000 stings and 2 deaths each year. Treatment for envenomation is the use of specific antivenom and intensive hospital care. Antivenom is produced by the Ministry of Health and freely distributed throughout the country. Read More

Inflammopharmacology 2019 Jan 2. Epub 2019 Jan 2.

USTHB, Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, BP 32, El-Alia, Bab Ezzouar, Algiers, Algeria.

Background: The mechanism of the inflammatory process induced by scorpion venom in the cerebrospinal tissues has not yet been completely elucidated. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the role of histamine through its H1 and H3 receptors in this process.

Methods: Histamine H1 and H3 receptor antagonists, Hydroxyzine (10 mg/kg) and Betaserc (20 mg/kg), respectively, were administered by intraperitoneal route to mice 1 h before subcutaneous envenomation with a subletal dose (0. Read More

J Med Toxicol 2019 Jan 28;15(1):30-35. Epub 2018 Nov 28.

Center for Toxicology and Pharmacology Education and Research (CTPER), UACOMP, Phoenix, AZ, USA.

Introduction: Arizona has the highest incidence of scorpion envenomation reported to US poison control centers (PCCs). Most cases reported are from a residence, but specific details are limited.

Methods: Specialists at Arizona's two PCCs prospectively completed the Factors of Envenomation in Arizona Residences Survey (FEARS) for residential scorpion exposures reported during 4-week periods in the summer and winter. Read More

Case Rep Crit Care 2018 23;2018:8304375. Epub 2018 Oct 23.

Department of Intensive Care, Habib Bourguiba University Hospital, Sfax, Tunisia.

Background: Severe scorpion envenomation can lead to severe neurological manifestations, which are an indicator of the severity of the scorpion sting. The direct action of scorpion venom on the central nervous system can explain partly these neurological disorders.

Methods And Findings: We report a case of severe scorpion envenomation in 16-month-old boy with no pathological history admitted in ICU for severe scorpion envenomation. Read More

Toxicon 2018 Dec 9;156:41-47. Epub 2018 Nov 9.

Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Butantan Institute, Av. Dr. Vital Brasil 1500, 05503-900, São Paulo, SP, Brazil. Electronic address:

Studies of scorpion venoms have used different venom drying methods: lyophilization, desiccation, lyophilization after mixing with 0.9% saline or purified water and centrifugation. The aim of this study was to see if these different approaches cause some alteration in the composition of the venom or interfere with its biological effects. Read More

Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2018 Dec 30;1862(12):2955-2965. Epub 2018 Aug 30.

Biotechnology Research Center, Venom & Biotherapeutics Molecules Lab., Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran. Electronic address:

Background: An effective therapy against envenoming should be a priority in view of the high number scorpion stings and snakebites. Serum therapy is still widely applied to treat the envenomation victims; however this approach suffers from several shortcomings. The employment of monoclonal antibodies might be an outcome as these molecules are at the core of a variety of applications from protein structure determination to cancer treatment. Read More

Can J Neurol Sci 2018 11 5;45(6):669-674. Epub 2018 Oct 5.

1Unit V,Department of Internal Medicine,Christian Medical College,Vellore,Tamil Nadu,India.

Background: Neurological complications following snake and scorpion bite are diverse. Literature regarding patterns of cerebrovascular injury (CVI) and outcomes among these patients is scarce. This is a descriptive study of the clinical profile, brain imaging findings, mechanisms of injury, vascular territory involvement and outcomes of CVI following scorpion and snake envenomation, in a tertiary care center in South India. Read More

Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2019 Jan 27;57(1):1-9. Epub 2018 Sep 27.

a Department of Intensive Care , Cliniques St-Luc, Université catholique de Louvain , Brussels , Belgium.

Background: Dilated cardiomyopathy is a frequent disease responsible for 40-50% of cases of heart failure. Idiopathic cardiomyopathy is a primary disorder often related to familial/genetic predisposition. Before the diagnosis of idiopathic cardiomyopathy is made, clinicians must not only rule out viral and immune causes, but also toxic causes such as drugs, environmental agents, illicit substances and natural toxins. Read More

Wilderness Environ Med 2018 Dec 23;29(4):471-478. Epub 2018 Sep 23.

Department of Pediatric Emergency, School of Medicine, Çukurova University, Adana, Turkey (Drs Gökay, Kendir, Nalbant, and Prof Ylmaz).

Introduction: A clinical course ranging from mild local findings to life-threatening systemic findings may occur after scorpion stings. The purpose of this study was to identify priority markers indicating scorpion sting-related cardiac involvement.

Methods: Our study was performed between July 2014, and September 2015 in the Çukurova University medical faculty pediatric emergency department, in Adana, Turkey. Read More

Toxins (Basel) 2018 09 10;10(9). Epub 2018 Sep 10.

Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, UFMG, Belo Horizonte 31270901, Brazil.

Diagnostic tests for arachnid accidents remain unavailable for patients and clinicians. Together with snakes, these accidents are still a global medical concern, and are recognized as neglected tropical issues. Due to arachnid toxins' fast mechanism of action, quick detection and quantification of venom is required to accelerate treatment decisions, rationalize therapy, and reduce costs and patient risks. Read More

Talanta 2018 Dec 27;190:182-187. Epub 2018 Jul 27.

University of Tunis El Manar, Faculty of sciences of Tunis, Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry and Electrochemistry (LR99ES15), Sensors and Biosensors Group, Campus Universitaire de Tunis El Manar, Tunis El Manar, 2092 Tunis, Tunisia.

Rapid and sensitive detection of low levels of scorpion venom toxins in biological fluids is of tremendous importance for decision-taking in cases of envenomation by scorpions stings. In Tunisia, at least 1200 severe envenomation cases by Androctonus australis hector (Aah) scorpion stings were reported annually. In this work, we report on a novel electrochemical immuno-sandwich to detect the Aah50 toxic fraction within the Aah scorpion venom using the bispecific nanobody format specially designed to highly recognize and neutralize the two most toxic molecules in the AahG50 venom fraction (i. Read More

Toxicon 2018 Oct 5;153:72-77. Epub 2018 Sep 5.

Medical Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt.

In the present study, 45 children in Upper Egypt (less than 16 years old) were admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit for scorpion envenomation (SE). They were compared with 30 apparently healthy children of matching age and sex as controls. Out of the studied victims, 35 children (78%) showed signs of severe envenomation, while 10 victims (22%) showed signs of mild envenomation. Read More

Peptides 2018 09 21;107:75-82. Epub 2018 Jul 21.

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida Atlantic University, 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton, FL 33431-0991, USA; Marine Biochemical Sciences, Chemical Sciences Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Hollings Marine Laboratory, 331 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, SC 29412, USA. Electronic address:

The F14 conotoxins define a four-cysteine, three-loop conotoxin scaffold that produce tightly folded structures held together by two disulfide bonds with a CCCC arrangement (conotoxin framework 14). Here we describe the precursors of the F14 conotoxins from the venom of Conus anabathrum and Conus villepinii. Using transcriptomic and cDNA cloning analysis, the full-length of the precursors of flf14a and flf14b from the transcriptome of C. Read More

Ulus Travma Acil Cerrahi Derg 2018 Jul;24(4):343-350

Department of Emergency Medicine, Karadeniz Technical University Faculty of Medicine,Trabzon-Turkey.

Background: To evaluate the distribution of bite and sting cases presenting to a district public hospital and the use of antivenom in scorpion sting and snake bite cases.

Methods: The demographic characteristics of patients with bites/stings reporting to a public hospital in 2014, the agent involved, the season of reporting, severity of clinical findings during presentation, and use of antivenom in scorpion sting and snake bite cases were evaluated retrospectively. χ2 test was used for statistical analysis. Read More

Toxicon 2018 Sep 17;151:137-155. Epub 2018 Jul 17.

Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA.

Scorpions are an ancient and diverse venomous lineage, with over 2200 currently recognized species. Only a small fraction of scorpion species are considered harmful to humans, but the often life-threatening symptoms caused by a single sting are significant enough to recognize scorpionism as a global health problem. The continued discovery and classification of new species has led to a steady increase in the number of both harmful and harmless scorpion species. Read More

Toxicon 2018 Sep 6;152:30-36. Epub 2018 Jul 6.

Venom and Biotherapeutics Molecules Lab, Medical Biotechnology Department, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran. Electronic address:

Hemiscorpius lepturus (H. lepturus) is one of the most dangerous scorpions and the most medically important scorpion in Iran. The clinical signs of H. Read More

Ther Adv Endocrinol Metab 2018 Jul 3;9(7):199-208. Epub 2018 May 3.

Service de Réanimation médicale, Hôpital Habib Bourguiba, Sfax, Tunisie.

Hyperglycaemia is often observed in severe scorpion-envenomed patients. It is due to a severe autonomic storm with a massive release of catecholamines, increased glucagon levels, cortisol levels, and either decreased insulin levels or insulin resistance. The presence of hyperglycaemia is an indicator of severity in this specific condition. Read More

Rev Inst Med Trop Sao Paulo 2018 28;60:e30. Epub 2018 Jun 28.

Programas de Pós-Graduação em Saúde Coletiva e Ciências Médicas,, Curso de Medicina, Universidade de Fortaleza, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil.

Despite the high number of accidents due to scorpion stings in Brazil, severe cases in adults are seldomly reported. In the Northeast region of Brazil, Tityus stigmurus is the most prevalent species. A 69 year-old woman who was stung by a scorpion attended the emergency room 5 hours after envenomation. Read More

Acta Trop 2018 Sep 21;185:307-313. Epub 2018 Jun 21.

USTHB, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, BP 32 El-Alia, Bab Ezzouar, Algiers, Algeria. Electronic address:

We previously reported that Androctonus australis hector (Aah) venom induces inflammation in several tissues, however limited information is available on its role in gastrointestinal tract. Here we evaluate the involvement of TNF-α in lipid metabolism in the small intestine after Aah envenomation. To address these issues, NMRI mice (3-month-old) were pre-treated with a TNF-α antagonist, 30 min prior to Aah venom injection. Read More

Int Immunopharmacol 2018 Aug 11;61:256-265. Epub 2018 Jun 11.

USTHB, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, BP 32 El-Alia, Bab Ezzouar, Algiers, Algeria. Electronic address:

Antivenom treatment has been largely used against scorpion stings. Despite their efficacy, the use of mammalian antivenoms may cause adverse effects due to the immune system activation. IgYs from hyperimmunized laying hens against venoms could be a promising alternative to equine IgGs due to the various benefits that these antibodies can provide. Read More

Toxicon 2018 Aug 9;150:289-296. Epub 2018 Jun 9.

Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Toxicológicas e Bromatológicas. Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo (FCFRP-USP), Avenida do Café, s/n, 14040-903, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil. Electronic address:

Envenomation by Bothrops snakes promotes the release of inflammatory mediators, whose effects during this context are not well understood. These mediators include chemokines, cytokines and eicosanoids. Indeed, Bothrops snake envenomation results in local and systemic perturbations, including leukocyte recruitment, edema, pain and extensive tissue damage. Read More

Intensive Care Med 2019 Jan 30;45(1):72-74. Epub 2018 May 30.

Intensive Care Unit and Research Laboratory LR12SP15, CHU Fatouma Bourguiba. University of Monastir, 5000, Monastir, Tunisia.

Med Sante Trop 2018 May;28(2):150-153

Académie des sciences d'Outre-Mer, France.

Scorpion envenomation is common in northern Chad and associated with a high lethality rate. We report the management of 16 cases of scorpion envenomation in 2014 at our Faya-Largeau medical post. Our clinical experience revealed dissociated muscarinic symptoms in patients treated early in contrast to those treated later, who presented cardiogenic shock. Read More

Front Immunol 2018 27;9:890. Epub 2018 Apr 27.

Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Toxicológicas e Bromatológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.

Interleukin (IL)-1β is a potential target for treatment of several inflammatory diseases, including envenomation by the scorpion . In this context, bioactive lipids such as prostaglandin (PG)E and leukotriene (LT)B modulate the production of IL-1β by innate immune cells. Pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) that perceive venom (TsV), and orchestrate LTB, PGE, and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) production to regulate IL-1β release are unknown. Read More

Indian J Pediatr 2018 07 27;85(7):576. Epub 2018 Apr 27.

Department of Pediatrics, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.

Pediatr Emerg Care 2018 Apr 24. Epub 2018 Apr 24.

Department of Pediatric Intensive Care, School of Medicine, Çukurova University, Adana, Turkey.

Objective: Scorpion stings are an important health problem in many parts of the world. The aim of this study was to retrospectively examine cases of scorpion stings to evaluate their epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory features and to determine strategies that can reduce morbidity and mortality in these cases.

Methods: Scorpion stings experienced by children between 2007 and 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. Read More

Vet World 2018 Mar 6;11(3):286-292. Epub 2018 Mar 6.

Department of Biology, Laboratory of Ecology and Environment, Faculty of Sciences Semlalia, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakesh 40000, PO Box 2390, Morocco.

Aim: The objective of this study was to establish environmental factors related to scorpion species occurrence and their current potential geographic distributions in Morocco, to produce a current envenomation risk map and also to assess the human population at risk of envenomation.

Materials And Methods: In this study, 71 georeferenced points for all scorpion species and nine environmental indicators were used to generate species distribution models in Maxent (maximum entropy modeling of species geographic distributions) version 3.3. Read More

J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2018 2;24. Epub 2018 Mar 2.

1Social Determinants of Health (SDH) Research Center and Department of Environment Health, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran.

Scorpions are distributed throughout Iran and the genus is particularly important in this region. is the most significant species within the genus in the country. Since scorpionism provoked by comprises a medical emergency, the present study is focused on this important issue. Read More

Inflammation 2018 Jun;41(3):773-783

Faculty of Biological Sciences, Laboratory Cellular and Molecular Biology, Department Cellular and Molecular Biology, USTHB, BP32, ELAlia, Bab Ezzouar, 16111, Algiers, Algeria.

Androctonus australis hector (Aah) scorpion venom is well known to induce a systemic inflammatory response associated with cell infiltration in lung and edema formation. The present study investigate (i) in vivo the evolution of lung and systemic inflammation triggered by Aah venom and (ii) analyze in vitro the signaling cascade, upstream of inflammatory cytokine expression after Aah venom-stimulated mouse alveolar macrophage (MH-S), the main resident immune cells in the lung. The inflammation induced by Aah venom was assessed in mice through inflammatory cell count, nitric oxide metabolite, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity in blood, concordantly with neutrophil sequestration in tissue and lung histology. Read More

Vaccine 2018 03 23;36(13):1720-1727. Epub 2018 Feb 23.

USTHB, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Bab-Ezzouar, Algiers, Algeria. Electronic address:

Envenoming by scorpion is a major health problem in Maghreb regions as well as in several regions of the world. Immunotherapy is the only effective treatment for scorpion stings. The immune sera are obtained from hyper-immunized animals with a formulation of venom associated to Freund's Complete Adjuvant (FCA). Read More

Med J Islam Repub Iran 2017;31:27. Epub 2017 May 17.

Social Determinants of Health Research Center and, Department of Environmental Health, College of Health, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran.

Scorpionism is a public health problem in some provinces in Iran. The present study aimed to assess the clinical manifestations of scorpion envenomation in Shiraz and determine a clinical severity grading for Iranian scorpion envenomation in order to suggest a treatment guideline for emergency physicians. In this analytic retrospective study, all medical charts of patients with scorpion sting admitted in the adult medical toxicology center in Shiraz during July 2012 to July 2016 were assessed. Read More

Indian Pediatr 2018 Apr 9;55(4):315-318. Epub 2018 Feb 9.

Division of Pediatric Critical Care, Department of Pediatrics, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry, India.

Objective: To study the effect of the second dose of scorpion antivenom in children with non-resolving or worsening scorpion sting envenomation.

Methods: 72 children aged ≤12 years with scorpion sting envenomation grade 2 and above were enrolled. 61 received the first dose of three vials of antivenom at admission (group A). Read More

J Pharm Pharmacol (Los Angel) 2017 Apr 20;5(1). Epub 2017 Apr 20.

Arizona Poison & Drug Information Center, College of Pharmacy, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA.

Context: Methamphetamine (MA) toxicity is a major health concern causing agitation, hyperkinesia, hyperthermia, and even death, affecting 24.7 million people worldwide. It has been observed that MA generates movement disorders in children similar to that of scorpion envenomation. Read More

Wilderness Environ Med 2018 03 12;29(1):29-35. Epub 2018 Jan 12.

Emergency Department, Habib Bourguiba University Hospital, Sfax, Tunisia (Drs Chakroun-Walha, Karray, Jerbi, Nasri, Issaoui, Rebeh, Ksibi, and Rekik).

Introduction: Scorpion envenomation is still a frequent occurance in tropical and subtropical regions. In Tunisia, multiple studies on scorpion envenoming have contributed to an improved understanding of cardiac dysfunction and factors predictive of poor prognosis. These previous studies have contributed to the current standardized management of envenomed patients. Read More

Hong Kong Med J 2018 02 5;24(1):48-55. Epub 2018 Jan 5.

Accident and Emergency Department, Tuen Mun Hospital, Tuen Mun, Hong Kong.

Introduction: Exotic pets are increasingly popular in Hong Kong and include fish, amphibians, reptiles, and arthropods. Some of these exotic animals are venomous and may cause injuries to and envenomation of their owners. The clinical experience of emergency physicians in the management of injuries and envenomation by these exotic animals is limited. Read More

Toxicon 2018 Jan 21;141:25-33. Epub 2017 Nov 21.

Departamento de Ciências Patológicas, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brazil. Electronic address:

Scorpionism is a relevant public health problem in several countries in tropical and subtropical regions. In Brazil, Tityus serrulatus sting can induce acute lung injury in part as a consequence of inflammation. Despite the occurrence of other scorpions of Tityus genus in Brazilian scorpiofauna, the knowledge regarding pulmonary alterations is related to T. Read More

Toxins (Basel) 2017 11 23;9(12). Epub 2017 Nov 23.

Immunochemistry Laboratory, Butantan Institute, CEP 05503-900 São Paulo, Brazil.

Scorpion stings are the main cause of human envenomation in Brazil and, for the treatment of victims, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the use of antivenoms. The first step to achieve effective antivenom is to use a good quality venom pool and to evaluate it, with LD determination as the most accepted procedure. It is, however, time-consuming and requires advanced technical training. Read More

Int J Mol Sci 2017 Nov 11;18(11). Epub 2017 Nov 11.

Laboratory of Technology and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (Tecbiofar), Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Rua General Gustavo Cordeiro de Farias, S/N, Petrópolis 59012-570, Natal, Brazil.

Scorpions of the genus are responsible for the majority of envenomation in Brazil, the species being the most common and dangerous in South America. In this approach, we have investigated the ability of the aqueous extract from the leaves of in reducing carrageenan-induced inflammation and the inflammation induced by envenomation in mice. We also evaluated the cytotoxic effects of this extract, using the 3-(4,5-dimethythiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium (MTT) assay and the results revealed that the extract is safe. Read More

Pediatr Emerg Care 2017 Nov;33(11):e124-e125

From the Department of Pediatrics, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ.

The sting from Centuroides sculpturatus, commonly known as the bark scorpion, is a serious medical problem and can be potentially fatal to young children. Centuroides sculpturatus envenomation can cause a wide spectrum of symptoms, often including autonomic dysfunction, cranial nerve abnormalities, and somatic motor abnormalities. We discuss a 6-month-old male infant who presented with signs and symptoms consistent with bark scorpion envenomation, later found to be secondary to methamphetamine toxicity. Read More