Insights into the distribution and ecology of the funnelweb spider Macrothele calpeiana in Portugal

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  Insights into the distribution and ecology of the funnelweb spider Macrothele calpeiana in Portugal Abstract Biodiversity surveys are critical to prevent decline and extinction of ill-/unknown species through timely conservation action. This is particularly relevant when the species are neither iconic nor flagships, therefore lessening the potential for accessing conservation means, such as in the case of the mygalomorph spider Macrothele calpeiana. The species is endemic to southern Iberia but its distribution and ecology is barely documented in Portugal. Therefore, we made a comprehensive survey throughout its estimated range in the south of the country. The species is spread unevenly and patchily throughout low mountainous terrain in south/southwest Portugal, preferably along shale/ greywacke/clay roadside banks. It seems rare in the surrounding limestone area to the south and absent from the peneplain to the north. The webs were found in groups averaging 10.0±15.2 webs/site a...

The potential effect of Leiurus quinquestriatus scorpion venom as an anti-parasitic medication for trichinello

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The potential effect of Leiurus quinquestriatus scorpion venom as an anti-parasitic medication for trichinello

Abstract

Trichinella spiralis is a parasitic nematode with a complex life cycle and is recognized as a significant public health concern. Although Albendazole (ABZ) and Mebendazole are widely used to treat trichinellosis, natural products may offer safer and more effective alternatives. This study evaluated the efficacy of Leiurus quinquestriatus venom (LQV) as an anti-parasitic agent against T. spiralis infection in mice. The median lethal dose (LD₅₀) of LQV was first determined in adult male CD1 mice, sixty mice were randomly assigned to four groups (n = 15): non-infected, non-treated controls; infected, untreated controls; infected mice treated orally with ABZ (50 mg/kg); and infected mice treated intraperitoneally with LQV (0.03 mg/kg; 1/10 LD₅₀) for 15 days. At 7- and 35-day post-infection, adult worm and muscle larval burdens were evaluated. Serum interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) levels were measured, and histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses were performed on intestinal and skeletal muscle tissues. Compared to untreated infected controls, LQV treatment led to a 55% reduction in adult worm burden and a 49% reduction in muscle larvae. Both ABZ and LQV significantly lowered IL-4 and IL-10 levels. Histological and immunohistochemical findings showed that LQV ameliorated infection-induced tissue inflammation and pathology. These results suggest that LQV exerts notable antiparasitic and immunomodulatory effects, potentially representing a promising natural alternative to conventional therapies for trichinellosis.
Salama, W., El-Naggar, S., Bakr, L. (2025). 'The potential effect of Leiurus quinquestriatus scorpion venom as an anti-parasitic medication for trichinellosis', Journal of Bioscience and Applied Research, 11(2), pp. 417-431. doi: 10.21608/jbaar.2025.434315