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![Tityus fasciolatus. It is generally yellowish brown with three longitudinal bands on the dorsal side of the trunk. It can measure from 4.5 to 7 cm in length. Source: Brazilian Ministry of Health [6]. Image copyright by Denise Cândido, reproduced with permission](publication/322668357/figure/fig4/AS:586127945773056@1516755200411/Tityus-fasciolatus-It-is-generally-yellowish-brown-with-three-longitudinal-bands-on-the.png)
Tityus fasciolatus. It is generally yellowish brown with three longitudinal bands on the dorsal side of the trunk. It can measure from 4.5 to 7 cm in length. Source: Brazilian Ministry of Health [6]. Image copyright by Denise Cândido, reproduced with permission
Source publication
In Brazil, the scorpion species responsible for most severe incidents belong to the Tityus genus and, among this group, T. serrulatus, T. bahiensis, T. stigmurus and T. obscurus are the most dangerous ones. Other species such as T. metuendus, T. silvestres, T. brazilae, T. confluens, T. costatus, T. fasciolatus and T. neglectus are also found in th...
Context in source publication
Context 1
... fasciolatus scorpion (Fig. 5) is found mainly in the central region of Brazil, where it is responsible for some accidents [145]. Little information is available on the toxicity of this venom. The first pharmacological characterization of the venom was conducted in 2003, when a toxin active on the sodium channel was isolated [145]. The deleterious effect of the venom on the cardio- vascular system was more recently determined, and other active toxins on the sodium channel were identi- fied [146,147]. Immunologically and molecularly, this venom was considered to be similar to T. serrulatus venom [148]. There is no information on its effect on the central nervous system. Little information is available on another Amazon- ian scorpion, T. silvestris (Fig. 6). The first description of the systemic effects of its venom is recent [149]. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, somnolence, malaise and prostration. Muscular spasms are de- scribed after the scorpion sting, classifying the case as severe envenoming ...
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Citations
... Some of these toxins, like Ts5, may also interfere with the permeability of K + channels [46]. K + channel neurotoxins, including Ts6-9, Ts11, Ts12, Ts15, Ts16, and Ts19-25, exhibit inhibitory or blocking effects on K + channels [26,47]. Specifically, Ts11-13, which were described by Pimenta et al. [48], are 29 amino-acid peptide sequences that contain four disulfide bridges. ...
Tityus serrulatus scorpion is responsible for a significant number of envenomings in Brazil, ranging from mild to severe, and in some cases, leading to fatalities. While supportive care is the primary treatment modality, moderate and severe cases require antivenom administration despite potential limitations and adverse effects. The remarkable proliferation of T. serrulatus scorpions, attributed to their biology and asexual reproduction, contributes to a high incidence of envenomation. T. serrulatus scorpion venom predominantly consists of short proteins acting as neurotoxins (α and β), that primarily target ion channels. Nevertheless, high molecular weight compounds, including metalloproteases, serine proteases, phospholipases, and hyaluronidases, are also present in the venom. These compounds play a crucial role in envenomation, influencing the severity of symptoms and the spread of venom. This review endeavors to comprehensively understand the T. serrulatus scorpion venom by elucidating the primary high molecular weight compounds and exploring their potential contributions to envenomation. Understanding these compounds' mechanisms of action can aid in developing more effective treatments and prevention strategies, ultimately mitigating the impact of scorpion envenomation on public health in Brazil.
... The venom, or part of it, can cross the blood-brain barrier, mainly in young individuals, in whom it is not completely formed, reaching the central nervous system. Other authors state that the central effects would be caused by the peripheral stimulation of the venom (10) . ...
Objective
To characterize scorpion accidents at the Information and Toxicological Assistance Center (CIATox) in Campinas, to analyze risk factors related to the moderate and severe classification, and to determine the age group at greatest risk for this classification.
Method
Cross-sectional and retrospective study, with patients assisted in person at CIATox, who had a scorpion accident, from January 2015 to December 2019. Descriptive and inferential analysis was conducted. For the age variable, a ROC curve was constructed to determine cutoff points in relation to the severity classification. Poisson regression models were adjusted considering severity classification as the dependent variable.
Results
A total of 754 cases with a mean age of 36.05 years, mostly female and non-occupational accidents that occurred in the urban area, was analyzed. The most frequent scorpion was the Tityus serrulatus. The risk factors found for greater severity were age group up to 22 years and previous care in other health services.
Conclusion
The age range up to 22 years old should be used as a predictive factor of severity in the clinical evaluation of patients stung by scorpions to carry out adequate management of cases.
DESCRIPTORS
Scorpion Stings; Risk Factors; Nursing
... O veneno ou parte dele pode atravessar a barreira hematencefálica, principalmente em indivíduos jovens, em que ela não está completamente formada, alcançando o sistema nervoso central. Outros autores afirmam que os efeitos centrais seriam ocasionados pela estimulação periférica do veneno (10) . ...
Objective
To characterize scorpion accidents at the Information and Toxicological Assistance Center (CIATox) in Campinas, to analyze risk factors related to the moderate and severe classification, and to determine the age group at greatest risk for this classification.
Method
Cross-sectional and retrospective study, with patients assisted in person at CIATox, who had a scorpion accident, from January 2015 to December 2019. Descriptive and inferential analysis was conducted. For the age variable, a ROC curve was constructed to determine cutoff points in relation to the severity classification. Poisson regression models were adjusted considering severity classification as the dependent variable.
Results
A total of 754 cases with a mean age of 36.05 years, mostly female and non-occupational accidents that occurred in the urban area, was analyzed. The most frequent scorpion was the Tityus serrulatus. The risk factors found for greater severity were age group up to 22 years and previous care in other health services.
Conclusion
The age range up to 22 years old should be used as a predictive factor of severity in the clinical evaluation of patients stung by scorpions to carry out adequate management of cases.
DESCRIPTORS
Scorpion Stings; Risk Factors; Nursing
... Phylogenetically, close species produce more similar symptoms in patients. The differences between the amino acid sequences of each venom cause differences in action and immunology; any changes in the amino acid sequence causes a change in the action and immunology of the venom (59,60). Scorpion venom is composed of neurotoxins, cardiotoxins, nephrotoxins, hematotoxins, and phosphodiesterase, phospholipases, hyaluronidases, and histamine, serotonin, tryptophan and cytokine release agent. ...
... The most common symptoms of a scorpion sting are nausea, vomiting, nystagmus, mydriasis, hypersalivation, dysphagia and restlessness. Death usually occurs due to causes such as: cardiovascular failure, respiratory failure, anaphylactic shock, bronchoconstriction, bronchorrhea, pharyngeal secretions, diaphragmatic paralysis and multiorgan failure (47,60,71,72). The clinical manifestations have been observed in children with the same adult symptoms but more severely and over a longer period. ...
Background: Considering the importance of scorpions and recognizing the mechanisms of toxicity caused by their medically important species in Iran and adopting the best therapeutic approach based on these mechanisms, this study was performed by reviewing the clinical manifestations of scorpion stings.
Methods: The research was conducted by searching for articles and researches in related websites (PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science and CINAHL) and using domestic and international authoritative journals using the keywords of scorpion, clinical manifestations, in a review method. Finally, 104 qualified sources were selected and after reviewing and criticizing these studies, the author's point of view was presented.
Results: Clinical manifestations of Scorpion sting toxicity vary due to the existence of two toxic classes of neurotoxins and cytotoxins or hemotoxins in these arthropods in Iran. The number and distribution of species with neurotoxic venom are higher than the scorpions with cytotoxic venom and are reported throughout Iran. Scorpions with cytotoxic venom are mostly widespread in south and southwest of Iran.
Conclusion: Treatment and prevention of scorpion stings in Iran and neighboring countries in the Middle East should be planned based on the mechanism of toxicity and the presence of toxic classes with neurotoxic or cytotoxic venoms.
... The first observations of interactions between scorpion venom and electrical signals triggered by nerve tissue were reported toward the end of the 1960s [61,62]. Since then, laboratories around the world have conducted exhaustive scientific research to understand their mechanisms of action [63][64][65][66][67]. These findings demonstrate that venom is composed of polypeptides as active components (toxins) that target voltage-gated ion channels such as sodium (NaV), potassium (KV), calcium (CaV), and chloride (CLC) channels [68][69][70]. ...
Scorpions are incredible venomous animals found on almost every continent. According to fossil data, these animals have been able to adapt to the different environments from the Cambrian period until today with minimal anatomical changes. Scorpions are mostly nocturnal animals, and their ability to detect and tolerate light stimuli seems to be an essential tool for their subsistence, homing and mating. Centruroides suffuses is the most predominant specie of scorpions in Durango City, Mexico. Interestingly, and despite their life-threatening venom, these predatory arthropod animals have been adopted by locals as part of the landscape and daily life, by including them as part of their folklore and their economic resources, and learning how to take advantage of their abundance. In addition, the venom of scorpions possesses potential for therapeutic uses, while the scorpions themselves represent a nutritional food resource rich in protein, which has been poorly explored so far. Therefore, they are an excellent model for exploring the interplay between light sensibilities, survival and therapeutic–medicinal uses. Here, we review some of the potential benefits of scorpions and share the ways people in Durango City, Mexico, use UV light devices to detect and avoid or catch them for business and research purposes.
... Phylogenetically, close species produce more similar symptoms in patients. The differences between the amino acid sequences of each venom cause differences in action and immunology; any changes in the amino acid sequence causes a change in the action and immunology of the venom (59,60). Scorpion venom is composed of neurotoxins, cardiotoxins, nephrotoxins, hematotoxins, and phosphodiesterase, phospholipases, hyaluronidases, and histamine, serotonin, tryptophan and cytokine release agent. ...
... The most common symptoms of a scorpion sting are nausea, vomiting, nystagmus, mydriasis, hypersalivation, dysphagia and restlessness. Death usually occurs due to causes such as: cardiovascular failure, respiratory failure, anaphylactic shock, bronchoconstriction, bronchorrhea, pharyngeal secretions, diaphragmatic paralysis and multiorgan failure (47,60,71,72). The clinical manifestations have been observed in children with the same adult symptoms but more severely and over a longer period. ...
Background: Considering the importance of scorpions and recognizing the mechanisms of toxicity caused by their medically important species in Iran and adopting the best therapeutic approach based on these mechanisms, this study was performed by reviewing the clinical manifestations of scorpion stings. Methods: The research was conducted by searching for articles and researches in related websites (PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science and CINAHL) and using domestic and international authoritative journals using the keywords of scorpion, clinical manifestations, in a review method. Finally, 104 qualified sources were selected and after reviewing and criticizing these studies, the author's point of view was presented. Results: Clinical manifestations of Scorpion sting toxicity vary due to the existence of two toxic classes of neurotoxins and cytotoxins or hemotoxins in these arthropods in Iran. The number and distribution of species with neurotoxic venom are higher than the scorpions with cytotoxic venom and are reported throughout Iran. Scorpions with cytotoxic venom are mostly widespread in south and southwest of Iran. Conclusion: Treatment and prevention of scorpion stings in Iran and neighboring countries in the Middle East should be planned based on the mechanism of toxicity and the presence of toxic classes with neurotoxic or cytotoxic venoms.
... Both α-toxins and β-toxins lead to the greater Toxins 2023, 15, 238 9 of 21 entry of sodium into cells [103]. Activation of these channels and depolarization cause a massive release of neurotransmitters, mainly glutamate [105], but specific toxins have also been shown to act specifically on the dopaminergic system [106]. ...
... Both α-toxins and β-toxins lead to the greater entry of sodium into cells [103]. Activation of these channels and depolarization cause a massive release of neurotransmitters, mainly glutamate [105], but specific toxins have also been shown to act specifically on the dopaminergic system [106]. 3.1.1. ...
The Buthidae family of scorpions consists of arthropods with significant medical relevance, as their venom contains a diverse range of biomolecules, including neurotoxins that selectively target ion channels in cell membranes. These ion channels play a crucial role in regulating physiological processes, and any disturbance in their activity can result in channelopathies, which can lead to various diseases such as autoimmune, cardiovascular, immunological, neurological, and neoplastic conditions. Given the importance of ion channels, scorpion peptides represent a valuable resource for developing drugs with targeted specificity for these channels. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the structure and classification of ion channels, the action of scorpion toxins on these channels, and potential avenues for future research. Overall, this review highlights the significance of scorpion venom as a promising source for discovering novel drugs with therapeutic potential for treating channelopathies.
... The medical consequences of scorpion stings in humans, commonly known as scorpionism, is an important public health issue in several world regions, due to its high incidence and severity of accidents, especially in vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly, with millions of accidents reported globally each year at approximately 1.2 million casualties and 3500 annual deaths (Borges et al. 2021;Brasil 2019;Furtado et al. 2020;Lacerda et al. 2022). Scorpion envenomation may be a life-threatening emergency that might result in variable and complex clinical manifestations, which range from local pain, intense autonomic nervous system responses such as tachycardia, hypertension and profuse sweating attributed to release of mediators as well as induction of a complex hyperinflammatory reaction that occurs simultaneously with systemic inflammatory response syndrome and acute sepsis (Nencioni et al. 2018;Reis et al. 2019;Santos et al. 2016). ...
Due to the high prevalence and clinical relevance, scorpionism is a critical public health issue in several Brazilian regions. Tityus serrulatus, commonly known as the Brazilian yellow scorpion, is the most venomous genus found in Brazilian fauna and associated with severe clinical manifestations such as localized pain, hypertension, sweating, tachycardia and complex hyperinflammatory responses. In general, T. serrulatus venom contains a complex mixture of active compounds, including proteins, peptides, and amino acids. Although knowledge of the protein fractions of scorpion venom is available, venom lipid components are not yet comprehensively known. The aim of the present study was to determine and characterize the lipid constituents/profile of the T. serratus venom utilizing liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectro-metry. Lipid species (164 in total) belonging to 3 different lipid categories, glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids, and glycerolipids, were identified. A further search on MetaCore/MetaDrug platform, which is based upon a manually curated database of molecular interactions, molecular pathways, gene-disease associations, chemical metabolism, and toxicity information, exhibited several metabolic pathways for 24 of previously identified lipid species, including activation of nuclear factor kappa B and oxidative stress pathways. Further several bioactive compounds, such as plasmalo-gens, lyso-platelet-activating factors, and sphingomyelins, associated with systemic responses triggered by T. serrulatus envenomation were detected. Finally, lipidomic data presented provide advanced and valuable information to better comprehend the mechanisms underlying the complex pathophysiology induced by T. serrulatus envenomation.
... Currently, there are approximately 2200 species of scorpions described worldwide that can be grouped into 18-21 superfamilies and 41-47 families depending on the revised bibliography [1][2][3][4]. Among those, 30 species belong to the Buthidae family; animals capable of causing humans envenoming or even death [5][6][7][8] thus deserving special attention. ...
... In Brazil, species belonging to the Tityus genus [9] are the concerning ones, being Tityus bahiensis one of the species responsible for human accidents [4,5]. Although events involving this species are considered mild -the main symptom is local painthere is one reported case describing a patient that developed severe symptoms, with central nervous system commitment [10]. ...
... Contrary to the vastly studied, parthenogenic Tityus serrulatusresponsible for the majority of accidents in Brazil [4] -T.bahiensis (Tb) exhibits sexual reproduction and restrained ecological needs, such as humidity and temperature, which restricts them to the Southeastern region of the country [11]. This food-competitive, challenging habitat, may have yielded an adaptative process that eventually led to changes Toxins relative distribution for T.bahiensis venom evaluated by means of "diversity" (inner ring) and "quantity" (outer ring). ...
Among the scorpions found in Brazil, Tityus bahiensis is one of the species that causes most of the reported human accidents. In spite of this important constatation, the venom composition description is not available in the literature. Thus, this venom remains not properly studied, segregating this particular species into an abandoned, forgotten condition. In the present study, chromatographic separation (RP-HPLC-C18) and proteomic analyses were employed to unravel the diversity, complexity, and proportional distribution of the main peptides and proteins found in the scorpion venom. Moreover, sequence analyses and the presence of new isoforms and toxins are discussed based on a database comparison with other Tityus toxins. Our results show the presence of a wide diversity of potassium and sodium channel toxins and enzymes, such as metallopeptidases and hyaluronidases, as previously described for other species. However, the current work also describes for the first time, at the protein level, phospholipase, angiotensin-converting enzyme, cysteine-rich proteins, serine inhibitors peptides, and antimicrobial peptides. Finally, thorough data analyses allowed the description of the venom toxins distribution regarding their diversity and relative quantity. SIGNIFICANCE: The work presents the first Tityus bahiensis proteome. We have focused on describing the neurotoxin variability in terms of their isoforms/amino acid substitutions. Understanding the natural variations in the toxins' sequences is essential, once the affinity of these peptides to their respective receptors/ionic channels will vary depending on the specific peptide sequences. Moreover, the current study describes some proteins present in the venom, including enzymes being described for the first time in scorpion venoms, such as PLA2 and ACE. Moreover, we describe the individual relative quantity distribution for the different protein classes identified, as well as their variability in the T.bahiensis venom. Finally, this study also reports the development of a simple straightforward chromatographic method for scorpion venom fractionation.
... Tityus genus scorpions are the most harmful scorpions in France. However, Tityus obscurus and Tityus silvestris are neither as threatening nor as frequent a source of stings, nor as studied, as Tityus serrulatus, Tityus bahiensis, and Tityus stigmurus present in South America [80]. The venom of Tityus obscurus, formerly named Tityus cambridgei, was first studied in 1994 and had the highest lethal dose in mice among the Brazilian Tityus scorpions studied, with a 50 % lethal dose (LD50) at 12.136 mg/kg [81]. ...
Sixty-seven scorpion species have been described in France and its territories, where they have been found to be heterogeneously distributed. Indeed, only one species can be found on Réunion Island, while 38 species exist in French Guiana. The number of stings is also heterogenous, with up to 90 stings per 100,000 inhabitants occurring annually. Scorpion species can frequently be determined through simple visual factors, including species of medical importance (i.e., Buthus, Centruroides and Tityus). Scorpion venom is composed of local enzymes and peptides with a cysteine-stabilized α/β motif (NaTxs, Ktxs, Calcines), which allow for venom diffusion and the prey’s incapacitation, respectively. Harmful scorpion species are limited to Centruroides pococki in the French West Indies, which can induce severe envenoming, and the Tityus obscurus and Tityus silvestris in French Guiana, which can cause fatalities in children and can induce severe envenoming, respectively. Envenomation by one of these scorpions requires hospital monitoring as long as systemic symptoms persist. Typical management includes the use of a lidocaine patch, pain killers, and local antiseptic. In the case of heart failure, the use of dobutamine can improve survival, and pregnant women must consult an obstetrician because of the elevated risk of preterm birth or stillbirth. France does not have scorpion antivenom, as scorpion stings are generally not fatal.
