DNA barcoding of scorpions from Kosovo, with the first record of Alpiscorpius dinaricus (Di Caporiacco) (Scorpiones: Euscorpiidae)

Posted by
  DNA barcoding of scorpions from Kosovo, with the first record of Alpiscorpius dinaricus (Di Caporiacco) (Scorpiones: Euscorpiidae) ABSTRACT This study presents DNA barcoding data for Alpiscorpius dinaricus (Di Caporiacco) and Euscorpius hadzii Caporiacco. Barcode sequences were compared with publicly available reference data to support species identification, together with the evaluation of diagnostic morphological characters. Alpiscorpius dinaricus is recorded from Kosovo for the first time, representing a new national record and contributing to the knowledge of euscorpiid diversity in the region. Diagnostic illustrations of A. dinaricus are provided to facilitate reliable identification and to support future faunistic, taxonomic, and biogeographic studies. Euscorpius hadzii , previously known only from Prizren district, is now reported also from Bjeshkët e Nemuna Mountains (Western Kosovo). Geci, D., Ibrahimi, H., Bilalli, A., Musliu, M., Strohmeier, T., Koblmüller, S., … S...

Antivenoms, recombinant antibodies, inhibitors, and the future of snakebite envenoming therapy

Posted by

 

Antivenoms, recombinant antibodies, inhibitors, and the future of snakebite envenoming therapy

Abstract

Encouraging developments are taking place in the field of the therapy of snakebite envenoming (SBE), including innovations in animal-derived antivenoms and novel possibilities in the discovery of recombinant antivenom antibodies and new inhibitors of venom toxins. This narrative review presents an overview of these developments and highlights the challenges faced to improve current antivenom therapies and to move the new therapeutics from the development stage to preclinical and clinical testing, manufacture and distribution. The future of the management of SBE is likely to involve a combination of these three types of therapeutics depending on the different contexts. Likewise, innovative mechanisms should be implemented to guarantee that they will be available and accessible to countries of high incidence of SBE. The fulfillment of these tasks demands the integration of a diverse set of stakeholders, within a frame of cooperation, including researchers, developers, manufacturers, regulatory agencies, clinicians, funding organizations, non-governmental initiatives, public health authorities, and organized communities.
Gutiérrez, J. M. (2026). Antivenoms, recombinant antibodies, inhibitors, and the future of snakebite envenoming therapy. Toxicon, 271, 108964. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.toxicon.2025.108964