Evidence of venom variability associated with venom extraction interval in the monocled cobra (Naja kaouthia)

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  Evidence of venom variability associated with venom extraction interval in the monocled cobra (Naja kaouthia) Abstract Snake venom variability is a critical factor in antivenom production. Although several influencing factors have been studied, the impact of extraction interval on venom properties remains poorly understood. This study evaluated the effects of various extraction intervals on venom yield, the percentage of dry weight (%Dw), and composition in the monocled cobra ( Naja kaouthia ). Twenty-five captive snakes were randomly allocated to five groups, each undergoing a control extraction followed by a repeated extraction at 1, 4, 7, 10, or 14 days. Venom profiles were characterized using reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) and Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Results indicated that while fresh venom yield remained stable across all intervals, %Dw significantly decreased in extractions performed between 1 and 10 days, ...

Scorpion Stings in Minas Gerais (Brazil): A Monocentric Retrospective Study Evaluating All Envenoming Cases of Local Scorpionism

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Scorpion Stings in Minas Gerais (Brazil): A Monocentric Retrospective Study Evaluating All Envenoming Cases of Local Scorpionism


Results

There were 3032 accidents, and the male-to-female ratio was 1.17:1 (male, 54%; females, 46%). Accidents occurred every month, but there was an increase in June, July, and October to January. In most cases, the time between the scorpion sting and medical care was between 1 and 3 h (n=1304; 43%). The most frequent clinical and systemic manifestations were pain at the bite site (94%) and vagal symptoms (7%). Cases were mild (n=2750, 91%), moderate (n=221, 7%), and severe (n=56, 2%). Children younger than 10 y constituted the most cases, 522 (17%). There was a significant difference between clinical severity and age (P<0.01). Ten patients developed acute pulmonary edema. Two 4-y-old children died. All severely envenomated patients as well as 74% and 2% of mild and moderately envenomated patients, respectively, received specific scorpion antivenoms.

Rachel C. Ornelas, Letícia D. Silva, Leandro R. de Macedo, Ione M. de Matos, Scorpion Stings in Minas Gerais (Brazil): A Monocentric Retrospective Study Evaluating All Envenoming Cases of Local Scorpionism, Wilderness & Environmental Medicine, 2023,  ISSN 1080-6032,

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wem.2023.06.005.

(https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1080603223001114)