The chromosome-level genome of Mesobuthus martensii provides insights into its evolution and the diversity of venom peptides

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  The chromosome-level genome of Mesobuthus martensii provides insights into its evolution and the diversity of venom peptides Abstract Mesobuthus martensii , the source species of the traditional Chinese medicine “Quanxie”, has long been utilized for its therapeutic properties. Venom peptides are recognized as the major active molecular basis of these pharmacological activities. Despite this, their development as therapeutic agents remains poorly explored. In this study, we performed an integrated multi-omics investigation to systematically explore the venom peptides of Mesobuthus martensii . We generated a chromosome-level genome assembly of Mesobuthus martensii using third-generation sequencing technologies, yielding a genome size of 1.08 Gb with a contig N50 of 46.46 Mb. Integrated genomic and transcriptomic analyses led to the identification of 51 putative novel venom peptide candidates. From the broader venom peptide set, five lysine- and arginine-rich candidates were select...

Chronic health manifestations following hump-nosed pit viper (Hypnale spp.) bites: an authenticated case series

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By Buddhika.jm (Buddhika Mawella) - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=56418341

Chronic health manifestations following hump-nosed pit viper (Hypnale spp.) bites: an authenticated case series

Background

Hump-nosed pit vipers (genus Hypnale) are the most common cause of venomous snakebites in Sri Lanka, accounting for more than one-third of all snakebites, as they are widely distributed throughout the country. It is a highly medically important snake in Sri Lanka. Even though several life-threatening complications, including venom-induced consumption coagulopathy, acute kidney injury, venom-induced thrombotic microangiopathy and cardiac effects, are reported following their bites, no antivenom is currently available for Hypnale - envenomed patients either in Sri Lanka or India. Apart from the acute manifestations of snakebites, chronic health effects have rarely been described in the literature.

Methods

A case series of 11 patients who developed long-term health effects following hump-nosed pit viper bites was prospectively studied at the Teaching Hospital, Ratnapura, Sri Lanka, from June 2015 to May 2021. Data on clinical presentation, examination findings, investigations, management and two-year follow-up were collected.

Results

This case series describes some of the chronic health manifestations following hump-nosed pit viper bites in 11 patients, including chronic kidney disease, fasciotomy-related injuries, musculoskeletal disabilities and pulmonary effects.

Conclusion

Hump-nosed pit viper bites can cause severe long-term sequelae that require follow-up. Physicians should be aware of these manifestations when managing patients and this case series highlights the need for an effective antivenom for Hypnale bites.

Rathnayaka, R. M., Ranathunga, P. E., & Kularatne, S. A. Chronic health manifestations following hump-nosed pit viper (Hypnale spp.) bites: An authenticated case series. Transactions of The Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. https://doi.org/10.1093/trstmh/traf148