DNA barcoding of scorpions from Kosovo, with the first record of Alpiscorpius dinaricus (Di Caporiacco) (Scorpiones: Euscorpiidae)

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  DNA barcoding of scorpions from Kosovo, with the first record of Alpiscorpius dinaricus (Di Caporiacco) (Scorpiones: Euscorpiidae) ABSTRACT This study presents DNA barcoding data for Alpiscorpius dinaricus (Di Caporiacco) and Euscorpius hadzii Caporiacco. Barcode sequences were compared with publicly available reference data to support species identification, together with the evaluation of diagnostic morphological characters. Alpiscorpius dinaricus is recorded from Kosovo for the first time, representing a new national record and contributing to the knowledge of euscorpiid diversity in the region. Diagnostic illustrations of A. dinaricus are provided to facilitate reliable identification and to support future faunistic, taxonomic, and biogeographic studies. Euscorpius hadzii , previously known only from Prizren district, is now reported also from Bjeshkët e Nemuna Mountains (Western Kosovo). Geci, D., Ibrahimi, H., Bilalli, A., Musliu, M., Strohmeier, T., Koblmüller, S., … S...

Determinants of severity and spatial inequalities in snakebite envenomation in a vulnerable Brazilian mesoregion: a retrospective ecological study

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Determinants of severity and spatial inequalities in snakebite envenomation in a vulnerable Brazilian mesoregion: a retrospective ecological study

Abstract

Introduction

Snakebite envenomation is a neglected tropical disease with a significant impact on public health, especially in socially vulnerable regions. Our objective was to describe the clinical and epidemiological profile of cases and identify factors associated with severity in a Brazilian mesoregion.

Methods

A retrospective ecological study was conducted using secondary data from the Notifiable Diseases Information System, including all reported cases of snakebite envenomation between 2014 and 2024. Sociodemographic, clinical, and healthcare-related variables were analyzed. Severity was classified as mild, moderate, or severe according to national guidelines. Multinomial logistic regression was performed to assess factors associated with severity. Missing data were handled using multiple imputation by chained equations.

Results

1,272 cases were recorded, corresponding to an incidence of 346.87 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. Most cases occurred in males (69.5%), individuals aged 20–59 years (60.1%), and were caused by Bothrops species (75.9%). Mild cases predominated (49.8%), followed by moderate (41.6%) and severe cases (7.0%), with an overall case lethality rate of 8.8%. Time to treatment between 3 and 6 h was associated with a higher relative risk of moderate severity (RRR = 1.48; p = 0.029). Significant territorial differences were observed, with some municipalities showing substantially higher relative risks of severe classification.

Conclusions

Snakebite envenomation in this mesoregion represents a relevant public health issue, marked by regional inequalities in severity and outcomes. Factors related to healthcare access, geographic location, and clinical characteristics were associated with severity. These findings highlight the need to strengthen health systems, improve access to timely treatment, and implement targeted prevention strategies in vulnerable areas.

Tolentino Júnior, D.S., da Silva, L.A., Brunelli, L.F. et al. Determinants of severity and spatial inequalities in snakebite envenomation in a vulnerable Brazilian mesoregion: a retrospective ecological study. Discov Public Health 23, 661 (2026). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12982-026-01979-y