Venom composition of the Iberian adder (Vipera seoanei) from northern Portugal reveals limited sex and size variation

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  Venom composition of the Iberian adder (Vipera seoanei) from northern Portugal reveals limited sex and size variation Abstract Snake venom is a complex and dynamic ecological trait, with high potential for intraspecific variation. In this study, the venom composition of the Iberian adder ( Vipera seoanei ) from the Peneda Mountains of northern Portugal was investigated to explore whether venom varies with body size and sex. Venom proteomes from six individuals representing juvenile, subadult, and adult males and females were characterised using LC–MS/MS, while individual variation was assessed from SDS–PAGE profiles of 18 snakes. LC–MS/MS identified 144 proteins, dominated by phospholipases A 2 (PLA 2 ), snake venom serine proteases (svSP), and C-type lectin-related proteins (CTL). Descriptive comparisons revealed contrasting individual profiles, particularly between the juvenile male, characterised by high svSP and svMP abundance, and the juvenile female, characterised by high ...

Snakebite epidemiology in the State of Mexico, Mexico 2003-2024

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Snakebite epidemiology in the State of Mexico, Mexico 2003-2024

Abstract

In the State of Mexico, several venomous snakes have low median lethal doses, which therefore pose serious health risks. We analyzed the epidemiology of snakebites from 2003 to 2024 and examined their relationship with demographic, socioeconomic, and biological factors. Incidence rates and demographic characteristics were calculated, and Getis-Ord Gi* statistics were used to identify snakebite hotspots. We also applied Non-Metric Multi-Dimensional Scaling (NMDS) to explore associations between hotspot categories and socioeconomic conditions. The potential distribution of 14 venomous snake species was modelled to estimate venomous snake diversity across municipalities. A total of 3,972 cases were reported, with an increasing trend over time. Most bites occurred in summer, affecting mainly males aged 25-44. Hotspot analysis identified 27 municipalities as hotspots, 50 as not significant and 48 as coldspots. Southern municipalities showed higher snakebite incidence. Coldspot areas had higher educational attainment and greater employment in services and tertiary sectors, despite similar snake diversity to hotspots. These findings can guide public health strategies, particularly regarding the allocation of antivenoms in regional hospitals.

Snakebite epidemiology in the State of Mexico, Mexico 2003-2024. (2026). Geospatial Health, 21(1). https://doi.org/10.4081/gh.2026.1468