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 , ...

Field study on scorpions and scorpionism in the southeast of El Jadida, Morocco

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Field study on scorpions and scorpionism in the southeast of El Jadida, Morocco

Abstract

Morocco has a rich and diverse fauna of scorpions. However, certain regions such as Boulaouane remain underdocumented despite their importance for public health. Against this backdrop, our research aims to describe the local fauna of scorpions and evaluate the potential risks of envenomation. Systematic surveys were conducted in four distinct habitats, combining nocturnal UV detection with diurnal manual collection. The collected specimens were taxonomically identified, and their distribution analyzed in relation to environmental factors.

A total of 56 specimens belonging to the families Scorpionidae and Buthidae were collected. Scorpio maurus (36%) was the most commonly reported species in the region, with limited medical significance, while Buthus occitanus (16%) and Androctonus mauritanicus (12%) were unevenly distributed but were known to be responsible for the most serious cases of envenomation, particularly in children. These results provide essential reference data for assessing localized risks, developing antivenom production strategies, and guiding public health management in Morocco.


Field study on scorpions and scorpionism in the southeast of El Jadida, Morocco

Khawla Ammouch, Nihal Mesmoudi, Noureddine Hammani, Samir Ibenmoussa, Abdellah Moustaghfir and Naoual Oukkache, BIO Web Conf., 215 (2026) 01007, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1051/bioconf/202621501007