Transcriptomic Insights Into the Evolution of Snake Venom: Mechanisms, Diversity, and Adaptation

Posted by
  Transcriptomic Insights Into the Evolution of Snake Venom: Mechanisms, Diversity, and Adaptation Abstract Snake venoms are evolutionarily refined biochemical arsenals composed of diverse toxins with complex functional roles in predation, defense, and competition. Over the past 2 decades, transcriptomic approaches have transformed venom research by enabling high-resolution insights into gene expression dynamics, molecular diversity, and the evolutionary mechanisms driving venom variation across lineages. In this review, we present a comprehensive synthesis of snake venom transcriptomics literature and propose a conceptual framework structured around three major axes: (1) gene family expansion through duplication and neofunctionalization; (2) regulatory complexity encompassing transcriptional, posttranscriptional, and epigenetic modulation; and (3) ecological selection pressures shaping venom profiles in response to diet, habitat, and interspecific interactions. We integrate findin...

Venomous bites and stings in rural Tanzania: a retrospective cohort study

Posted by

 


Venomous bites and stings in rural Tanzania: a retrospective cohort study

ABSTRACT

Background

In 2018, the World Health Organization (WHO) called on member states to assess the burden of animal-related injuries. Tanzania is among the countries with no adequate data. This study sought to assess the burden of venomous bites and stings in a rural setting in Tanzania.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted in February, 2024 to gather information from 29 selected primary healthcare (PHC) facilities in one rural setting. We used a checklist to retrieve data on venomous bites and stings from 2019 through 2023 from the patient records.

Results

Of the 476,928 patient records screened, 212 (0.04%) were identified as cases of venomous bites and stings. The majority of cases (n = 72, 34%) occurred among individuals aged 25–44 years, and 111 (52%) were male. Snakebites accounted for the largest proportion of cases (n = 63, 30%), followed by bee stings (n = 27, 13%), wasp stings (n = 15, 7%), and scorpion stings (n = 14, 7%). Number of recorded venomous bites and stings ranged from 30 in 2019 to 61 in 2023.

Conclusion

Despite their low overall incidence, the rising trend of venomous bites and stings highlights the need for strengthened surveillance and targeted prevention efforts.


Kilonzi, M., Makoye, P. M., Aiko, B., Hyuha, G., Kiwango, G., Nyamle, N., … Sirili, N. (2025). Venomous bites and stings in rural Tanzania: a retrospective cohort study. Toxicology Communications, 9(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/24734306.2025.2574795