Venomous mollusks: the risks of human accidents by conus snails (gastropoda: conidae) in Brazil

Abstract

Mollusks of the genus Conus present a venomous apparatus composed of radulae, a chitin structure linked to glands, which injects potent neurotoxic peptides, causing serious human envenomation and even death, associated with the blockage of certain receptors and muscular paralysis. No reported envenomation has occurred in Brazil, but certain populations are at risk of accidents. Key-words: Conus. Venomous animals. Venomous mollusks. Human envenoming. Brazil. RESUMOOs moluscos do gênero Conus apresentam um aparato venenoso composto de uma rádula quitinosa ligada a glândulas de peçonha, causando envenenamentos humanos graves e mesmo óbitos pela ação neurotóxica indutora do bloqueio de vários receptores e paralisia muscular. Não há casos descritos de envenenamento no país, mas determinadas populações correm risco de acidentes. Palavras-chaves: Conus. Animais peçonhentos. Moluscos venenosos. Envenenamentos humanos. Brasil.

Environmental dermatology: skin manifestations of injuries caused by invertebrate aquatic animals

“…There are two Atlantic Ocean species of large diameter: Conus centurio and Conus ermineus , the latter being clearly piscivorous. 27 Recently, an accident caused by Conus regius was reported in Brazil. 28 …”

“…The severity depends on the installation of the full manifestations and we should also consider the location of the accident, because a lack of medical resources also influences the prognosis. 2-5, 27,28,29 …”