Venomous animals in Brazil: biology, clinic and therapeutics of envenomations

Abstract

In spite of the high morbidity resulting from venomous snake or other poisonous animal bites in our Country, this topic do not receive so much attention in the curricula of medical, paramedical and biological courses in Brazil.There is no logical justification for this attitude, principally if we consider the historical participation of Brazilian scientists in the research and production of anti-venomous sera in a not so distant past and, on the other hand, the huge biodiversity present in this Country, specially related to snakes and other kind of poisonous animals.This book published by five experts of the Butantan Institute, with the collaboration of 41 researchers of that and other Brazilian institutions and three foreigner experts, certainly will decrease the scarceness of specialized literature in Portuguese language. And, probably, it will stimulate medical and paramedical students to learn about the biological, epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic aspects of diseases caused by animal venoms; moreover, it will constitute a very useful handbook for clinicians working in Brazilian regions where snakebite or accidents with other poisonous animals should be frequent.Besides an interesting preface signed by Oswaldo Vital Brazil, an Emeritus Professor of UNICAMP and son of the famous researcher who was the founder of the Butantan Institute in 1901, the book is divided in seven parts, each one with several chapters, approaching the systematic, biological, epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic aspects of the several groups of poisinous animals occurring in Brazil.Because of its comprehensiveness, deep literature review, scientific rigor and rich photographic documentation this book should have a decisive role in the information and formation of new researchers, recruited among young medical and biological professionals that could be attracted by this interesting area of knowledge.

Tropical dermatology: Venomous arthropods and human skin

“…3 Injuries by venomous and poisonous insects are associated mainly with moths and their larvae, ants, bees, beetles, bedbugs, and stink bugs. 4 Lepidoptera (moths and caterpillars) Key points d Contact with Lonomia caterpillars can cause a potentially fatal hemorrhagic syndrome d Pararama, caused by contact with Premolis larvae, can cause periarticular fibrosis and ankylosis…”

“…The first contact does not provoke sequelae; the process occurs after repeated injury, suggesting an immunologic action for its development. 4 The diagnosis of erucism is simple when the victims bring in the responsible animal. With the exception of certain caterpillar types (eg, Lonomia and Premolis), the envenomation has a good prognosis and the manifestations fade in 2 to 3 days without major complications or sequelae.…”

“…A high risk of death can result from multiple organ failure as a result of venom, rich in phospholipases, after a massive number of stings. 4,25 The Meloponidae family ( jata ıs or irapoãs) are stingless bees that can become stuck in the hair of the victims when they feel threatened. In extreme cases, they can only be removed by cutting the hair.…”

“…1 The Paederus beetle produces paederin, a crystalline and powerful caustic amide with vesicant action, soluble in water and alcohol, which can block mitosis by acting on cellular DNA. 4 Paederin seems to have some differences compared to cantharidin, causing more intense erythema and smaller vesicles that converge and form blisters. Symptoms (burning and itching) are more intense in injuries secondary to Paederus.…”

Inhibition of the principal enzymatic and biological effects of the crude venom of Bothrops atrox by plant extracts

“…These cases are normally treated through the parenteral administration of antiserum. While this does neutralize the systemic effects of the venom, local tissue damage is unaffected, so it is important to develop a natural or synthetic treatment that complements the administration of antiserum (Cardoso et al, 2003). Plants with potential anti-toxin effects have stimulated growing interest in the field of bio-active molecules due to their potential use as a complement to traditional antiserum treatment.…”