Differential Hematotoxic Activity of Southeast Asian Pit Viper Venoms: The Cross-Neutralizing Effect of Available Antivenoms

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  Image Credit: Creative Commons (some rights reserved) CC BY-NC Photo 111998430, (c) Nicholas Hess Differential Hematotoxic Activity of Southeast Asian Pit Viper Venoms: The Cross-Neutralizing Effect of Available Antivenoms Abstract Background/Objectives : Pit vipers (subfamily Crotalinae) are responsible for a large proportion of snakebite envenoming cases in Southeast Asia. Envenomation by these snakes commonly causes hematotoxic effects, including platelet dysfunction and coagulation disturbances. Although antivenom remains the mainstay of treatment, species-specific antivenoms are not available for several regional pit viper species. This study evaluated the hematotoxic activities of selected Southeast Asian pit viper venoms and the cross-neutralizing capacity of commercially available antivenoms.  Methods : Venoms from five medically important pit viper species— Calloselasma rhodostoma ,  Trimeresurus albolabris ,  T. hageni ,  T. purpureomaculatus , ...

DNA Barcoding and Phylogenetic Relationship of Parabuthus liosoma (Ehrenberg, 1828) (Scorpiones: Buthidae) in Saudi Arabia

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DNA Barcoding and Phylogenetic Relationship of Parabuthus liosoma (Ehrenberg, 1828) (Scorpiones: Buthidae) in Saudi Arabia

Simple Summary

Accurate species identification is essential for effective conservation of biodiversity. Parabuthus liosoma is one of the largest buthid scorpion species, which is restricted to Saudi Arabia and Yemen. For the first time in Saudi Arabia, DNA barcoding is used as a tool to enhance our knowledge of the evolutionary history of this species. DNA barcoding reveals high genetic diversity in P. liosoma, aiding species identification and validating its use in scorpion taxonomy. Also, Parabuthus shows a monophyletic relationship with distinct Arabian and African lineages, highlighting biogeographic divergence.

Abstract

(1) Background. Parabuthus liosoma is one of the largest buthid scorpion species and is endemic to Saudi Arabia and Yemen. This study provides the first DNA barcoding and phylogenetic analysis of P. liosoma from Saudi Arabia, contributing to global efforts in arachnid molecular identification and biodiversity documentation. (2) Methods. The whole genome was extracted from nine adult individuals of P. liosoma, collected from Farasan Island, southwest of Saudi Arabia. A portion of the mitochondrial DNA, specifically, the cytochrome oxidase subunit I gene (COI) sequences, was amplified and sequenced and subjected to genetic and phylogenetic analyses. (3) Results. The DNA barcoding results revealed a high level of genetic variability within P. liosoma, aiding in species identification and supporting its utility as a molecular tool for scorpion taxonomy. In addition, our results reveal a monophyletic relationship among Parabuthus species, with a clear distinction between Arabian and African lineages. (4) Conclusions. This study highlights the effectiveness of DNA barcoding as a reliable tool for species identification and taxonomy and enhances our knowledge of the evolutionary history and geographic distribution of Parabuthus scorpions. However, further research is required to elucidate the complex phylogenetic relationships within this genus.

Badry A, Al-Qahtni AH, Al-Salem AM, Al Balawi MS, Mesfer F, Allahyani WS, Alqahtani AR. DNA Barcoding and Phylogenetic Relationship of Parabuthus liosoma (Ehrenberg, 1828) (Scorpiones: Buthidae) in Saudi Arabia. Biology. 2026; 15(4):321. https://doi.org/10.3390/biology15040321