Venom composition of the Iberian adder (Vipera seoanei) from northern Portugal reveals limited sex and size variation

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  Venom composition of the Iberian adder (Vipera seoanei) from northern Portugal reveals limited sex and size variation Abstract Snake venom is a complex and dynamic ecological trait, with high potential for intraspecific variation. In this study, the venom composition of the Iberian adder ( Vipera seoanei ) from the Peneda Mountains of northern Portugal was investigated to explore whether venom varies with body size and sex. Venom proteomes from six individuals representing juvenile, subadult, and adult males and females were characterised using LC–MS/MS, while individual variation was assessed from SDS–PAGE profiles of 18 snakes. LC–MS/MS identified 144 proteins, dominated by phospholipases A 2 (PLA 2 ), snake venom serine proteases (svSP), and C-type lectin-related proteins (CTL). Descriptive comparisons revealed contrasting individual profiles, particularly between the juvenile male, characterised by high svSP and svMP abundance, and the juvenile female, characterised by high ...

Hypersensitivity vs. uncommonly severe local envenoming by the red-back spider, Latrodectus hasselti Thorell, 1870 (Araneae: Theridiidae)

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Hypersensitivity vs. uncommonly severe local envenoming by the red-back spider, Latrodectus hasselti Thorell, 1870 (Araneae: Theridiidae)

Highlights

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    Widow spider envenoming commonly causes a recognizable syndrome, latrodectism

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    Common features include pain, diaphoresis, myalgia, autonomic effects

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    34-yr-old woman envenomed by red-back spider (Latrodectus hasselti) developed severe local edema

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    Patient had a history of previous L. hasselti envenoming treated with antivenom

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    Patient was effectively treated with antivenom

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    Full resolution required one week

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    Mixed atopy and venom-induced effects should be considered in some envenomed patients

Weinstein, S. A. (2024). Hypersensitivity vs. Uncommonly severe local envenoming by the red-back spider, Latrodectus hasselti Thorell, 1870 (Araneae: Theridiidae). Toxicon, 108077. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.toxicon.2024.108077