Efficacy of neem oil (Azadirachta indica) as an antiparasitic treatment for scorpions (Androctonus bicolor) and its impact on venom production

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  By Guy Haimovitch - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=630184 Efficacy of neem oil (Azadirachta indica) as an antiparasitic treatment for scorpions (Androctonus bicolor) and its impact on venom production Abstract Mite infestations are a recurrent welfare issue that significantly affect the health, venom production, and survival of scorpions, particularly under human care. Chemical acaricides such as permethrins and fipronil, widely used in veterinary medicine for mite and tick control, are contraindicated in scorpions. Since mites and scorpions both belong to the class Arachnida, even minimal exposure can result in severe toxicity or death. Neem oil ( Azadirachta indica ) has been widely recognized for its acaricidal, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. Its main compound, azadirachtin, interferes with mite development and reproduction, leading to reduced infestations and egg viability. This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of a 1...

Clinical Case Reports on Black Krait (Bungarus niger/lividus) Neurotoxic Snakebites in Assam, Northeast India

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By Sp.herp -  CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=22342896

Clinical Case Reports on Black Krait (Bungarus niger/lividus) Neurotoxic Snakebites in Assam, Northeast India

The greater black krait (Bungarus niger) and the lesser black krait (Bungarus lividus), venomous snakes of the Elapidae family, pose a significant health risk in Assam, Northeast India. However, their clinical effects remain underreported. A retrospective analysis was performed on 10 cases of envenomation attributed to B. niger/B. lividus. The patients were admitted to a rural health center and two adjacent hospitals in Assam. The victims exhibited severe neurotoxic symptoms, including ptosis, quadriplegia, respiratory muscle weakness, dysphonia, dysphagia, myalgia, and a gradual generalized neuromuscular weakening culminating in respiratory paralysis. The subjects were administered standard commercial polyvalent antivenom (PAV) targeting the “big four” snakes of India along with calcium gluconate (20 mg/kg). Standard antivenom was ineffective in reversing the established neuromuscular blockade; however, early administration of PAV before venom-induced damage to the presynaptic granules was linked to accelerated recovery in certain patients. Supportive care, including elective endotracheal intubation and assisted ventilation, was critical for recovery.

Giri S, Kakati H, Taye SJ, et al. Clinical Case Reports on Black Krait (Bungarus niger/lividus) Neurotoxic Snakebites in Assam, Northeast India. The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. e tpmd250472 Published online December 18, 2025. doi:10.4269/ajtmh.25-0472