Snakebite knowledge among healthcare workers in Gabon: A health facility-based cross-sectional survey

Posted by
  Snakebite knowledge among healthcare workers in Gabon: A health facility-based cross-sectional survey Abstract Background Snakebite envenoming remains a neglected health issue in many countries, including Gabon, where the limited availability of snakebite-specific training, clinical guidelines, and essential resources at health facilities may lead to gaps in healthcare workers’ knowledge and confidence and the use of non-recommended treatment practices. This study aimed to assess healthcare workers’ knowledge of snakebite management in the Ogooué et des Lacs department of Moyen-Ogooué province in Gabon. Methods From June to August 2023, we conducted a cross-sectional survey targeting all healthcare workers in Ogooué et des Lacs who may be involved in snakebite management. We collected information on prior training, self-perceived knowledge of snakebite management, symptom recognition, clinical management practices, and snake identification. Knowledge was assessed using 10 true/fa...

Bacteria in spiders? Presence of Wolbachia (Rickettsiales, Ehrlichiaceae) in Synspermiata spiders, including the first record for the family Sicariidae (Araneae)

Posted by

 


Bacteria in spiders? Presence of Wolbachia (Rickettsiales, Ehrlichiaceae) in Synspermiata spiders, including the first record for the family Sicariidae (Araneae)


Abstract

Infection by the endosymbiotic bacteria Wolbachia (Ehrlichiaceae) has been recorded in a wide variety of arthropods, including spiders. Within the order Araneae, there are previous reports of Wolbachia infection in Synspermiata spiders. Herein, we assess the presence of Wolbachia in the genera Physocyclus (Pholcidae) and Loxosceles (Sicariidae) through molecular studies using the mitochondrial marker Cytochrome c oxidase 1 (CO1). We detected the presence of this bacteria in one Physocyclus species and seven Loxosceles species from Mexico. Our findings represent the fifth record for the family Pholcidae and the first records for the family Sicariidae, being all first records of Wolbachia in spiders from Mexico. Combining these results with previous works, Wolbachia infection in spiders has been recorded in 19 families, 70 genera, and 122 species. The Linyphiidae family has the highest number of species reported with Wolbachia infections, with 43 species across 27 genera. Within Synspermiata spiders, Wolbachia has now been documented within: Dysderidae, Pholcidae, Telemidae, and Sicariidae families, being the last having the most records with seven species.

Navarro Rodríguez, Claudia Isabel, Alejandro Valdez Mondragón, Alma Rosa Juárez Sánchez, y Samuel Nolasco Garduño. 2025. «Bacteria in Spiders? Presence of Wolbachia (Rickettsiales, Ehrlichiaceae) in Synspermiata Spiders, Including the First Record for the Family Sicariidae (Araneae)». ACTA ZOOLÓGICA MEXICANA (N.S.) 41 (1):1-14. https://doi.org/10.21829/azm.2025.4112720.