Structural determinants of the scorpion venom peptide Uy234 reveal a membrane-disruptive mechanism in bacterial ESKAPE pathogens

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  Image credit: https://doi.org/10.3897/evolsyst.3.37464 - https://evolsyst.pensoft.net/article/37464/list/2/ (license), CC BY 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=86225311 Structural determinants of the scorpion venom peptide Uy234 reveal a membrane-disruptive mechanism in bacterial ESKAPE pathogens Abstract The growth-inhibiting effect of the peptide Uy234, present in the venom of the scorpion Urodacus yaschenkoi, has been investigated in two bacterial pathogens: Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 and Acinetobacter baumannii AE12, the latter being a multidrug-resistant clinical isolate. In addition, its interaction with phospholipid bilayers has been studied using atomic force microscopy (AFM), permeability studies in GUVs, and molecular dynamics simulations. To this end, two inactivated variants of this peptide were analyzed: Uy234-C (non-amidated peptide) and Uy234-A (P9A mutant). Only the native peptide Uy234 exhibited bacteriostatic and bactericidal activity, wh...

Epidemiological and geodemographic patterns of scorpionism in Ecuador: A nationwide analysis (2021–2024)

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Epidemiological and geodemographic patterns of scorpionism in Ecuador: A nationwide analysis (2021–2024)

Abstract

Background

Approximately 1.2 million scorpion stings are reported globally each year, resulting in an estimated 3000 deaths. Of the 2500 known scorpion species, about 40 are considered medically significant. In Ecuador, where at least 47 scorpion species exist, information on scorpion stings remains scarce.

Methods

A nationwide cross-sectional analysis was conducted on all officially reported cases of scorpion stings documented in the epidemiological surveillance reports from the Ministry of Public Health in Ecuador between 2021 and 2024.

Results

A total of 1633 cases were identified, with women accounting for 52% of cases (n = 849). The highest incidence was observed among children aged one to four years old, with rates of 18.16 and 19.11 per 100,000 inhabitants for males and females, respectively. Geographically, the Amazon region was the most affected, with the province of Morona Santiago reporting the highest incidence at 284.14 cases per 100,000 inhabitants.

Conclusion

Scorpion stings represent a significant and underreported public health threat in Ecuador. This study highlights the considerable disease burden, particularly in specific regions of the country, and underscores the urgent need for targeted public health interventions and policy changes, including the local production of antivenoms.
Vasconez-Gonzalez, J., Izquierdo-Condoy, J. S., Miño, C., De Lourdes Noboa-Lasso, M., & Ortiz-Prado, E. (2025). Epidemiological and geodemographic patterns of scorpionism in Ecuador: A nationwide analysis (2021–2024). Toxicon: X, 26, 100218. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.toxcx.2025.100218