Distinct pathophysiological mechanisms of Heterometrus laoticus and Lychas mucronatus scorpion venoms on cardiovascular and renal functions

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  Distinct pathophysiological mechanisms of Heterometrus laoticus and Lychas mucronatus scorpion venoms on cardiovascular and renal functions Abstract Background:    Heterometrus laoticus and Lychas mucronatus are widely distributed in Southeast Asia, yet their pathophysiological effects of both venoms remain poorly characterized due to low human fatality rates. This study compared their venom compositions and acute cardiovascular and renal effects. Methods:   Anesthetized male New Zealand White rabbits were monitored for blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), and renal clearance following intravenous administration of crude venom (0.5 mg/kg). Venom components were identified via LC-MS/MS, and hematological/biochemical parameters were assessed. Results:    H. laoticus venom induced a rapid, transient hypotension ( p < 0.05), followed by a mild, prolonged hypotensive phase (up to 120 min). Conversely, L. mucronatus venom elicited a biphasic response: ...

Medically relevant snakebite envenomation in Brazil (2009–2023): an epidemiological profile and temporal trend analysis

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Medically relevant snakebite envenomation in Brazil (2009–2023): an epidemiological profile and temporal trend analysis

Abstract

Snakebites are a public health issue in Brazil, particularly in rural areas. This study aimed to describe the epidemiological profile and temporal trends of medically relevant snakebites in Brazil from 2009 to 2023. This is an ecological time-series study of snakebites in Brazil, 2009–2023. All reported accidents regarding the genera Bothrops, Crotalus, Lachesis, and Micrurus were included. Descriptive analyses considered sociodemographic (sex, age, education), clinical (severity, antivenom administration, evolution), and regional variables. The Joinpoint Regression Program was used for temporal trend analysis and a significance level of 5% was adopted. During the period, 368,551 cases were reported in Brazil (incidence rate of 12.1/100,000 inhabitants per year). Most cases occurred among men and economically active adults with low levels of education. The genus Bothrops accounted for 86.4% of the accidents. The national trend of snakebites was stationary (AAPC = − 0.6%; p = 0.545). Significant regional disparities were observed. States such as Amapá (AAPC =  + 3.5%; p < 0.05) and Rondônia (AAPC =  + 2.9%; p < 0.05) experienced a growing incidence. The South and Midwest regions showed a decrease, particularly in the states of Santa Catarina (AAPC = − 4.2%; p < 0.05) and Mato Grosso do Sul (AAPC = − 3.7%; p < 0.05). Accidents involving Micrurus showed an upward trend in the North and Southeast, whereas accidents involving Lachesis decreased, especially in the North region (AAPC = − 5.1%; p < 0.01). From 2009 to 2023, snakebite accidents in Brazil were more likely to affect exposed individuals, mostly involving Bothrops snakes. Brazil exhibited a stationary trend in incident rates over the study period, suggesting that the burden of disease has neither increased nor decreased. Targeted interventions, including health education and enhanced surveillance, are warranted to address this persistent trend and mitigate future cases.

Cardoso, L.C., Nunes, H.M.G., da Silva, J.M.R. et al. Medically relevant snakebite envenomation in Brazil (2009–2023): an epidemiological profile and temporal trend analysis. Discov Public Health 23, 326 (2026). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12982-026-01680-0