Comparative analysis of venom composition, enzymatic activity, and antivenom immunorecognition in neonates of four Bothrops species

Posted by
  Comparative analysis of venom composition, enzymatic activity, and antivenom immunorecognition in neonates of four Bothrops species Abstract This study compared venom composition, enzymatic activities, and antivenom immunorecognition in neonates from three Bothrops clades. Results suggest potential clade-specific markers in electrophoretic profiles and phospholipase-A 2 and L-amino acid oxidase enzymatic activities. These findings suggest that neonate venom traits may serve as auxiliary parameters for taxonomic differentiation, though further research is needed to account for individual and sexual variability. De Souza, D. C., De Lima, E. O. V., Da Silveira, G. P. M., & Tanaka-Azevedo, A. M. (2026). Comparative analysis of venom composition, enzymatic activity, and antivenom immunorecognition in neonates of four Bothrops species. Toxicon , 109251. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.toxicon.2026.109251

Scorpion envenoming by Parabuthus is a public health concern in Namibia

Posted by

 


Scorpion envenoming by Parabuthus is a public health concern in Namibia

Abstract

Scorpion stings by members of the genus Parabuthus (Buthidae) can lead to life-threatening envenoming. Namibia harbours a rich diversity of scorpions, including seventeen species of the highly venomous genus Parabuthus, although the biology and medical relevance of most species are poorly documented. Severe envenoming is caused by at least P. granulatus, P. villosus, P. kraepelini and P. schlechteri, which are considered to be of particular importance. Data on epidemiology, venom composition and variation, and clinical effects remain scarce. A lack of effective antivenom and long distances to hospitals in rural areas complicate clinical management and compromise patient outcomes.