Antigenic cross-reactivity between sixteen venoms from scorpions belonging to six genera

Abstract

Venoms of 15 scorpion species from Venezuela and one from Brazil were compared in their antigenic cross-reactivity with specific F(ab')2 against Tityus discrepans (Td-antibodies), using the method of King and collaborators (1). Our results show that Tityus venoms cross-reactivity (shared epitopes) with the venoms of other species within the genus tended to be less for a greater distance between the habitat of the species. A nonparametric linear regression of free Td-antibody binding to T. discrepans venom immobilized to a solid phase in the presence of other Tityus venoms versus distance showed binding = a + b x log10 (distance) where: median (95% confidence interval) for a = 0.92 (7.43, 9.80) and b = 17.20 (4.15, 22.57) binding/log10(Km); Spearman rS = 0.783 with associated P = 0.006. Our results show that toxins from different Tityus species, targeting mammalian Na+ and K+ channels, are antigenically very similar. Venoms from species from other genera such as Centruroides, Broteas, Diplocentrus, Chactas, and Rhopalurus did not cross-react with Td-antibodies.

A new venomous scorpion responsible for severe envenomation in Argentina: Tityus confluens

“…This indicates important immunochemical cross-reactivity between T. confluens, T. trivittatus and T. serrulatus venoms, in agreement with the cross-reactivity observed between Tityus venoms (Nishikawa et al, 1994). The low reactivity observed with the A-Cn antivenom is in agreement with the low reactivity found between some species of Tityus and Centruroides venoms (D'Suze et al, 2007). It has been suggested that a monovalent antivenom could be useful to neutralize the venom from Brazilian scorpions (Nishikawa et al, 1994); this could be the case among the Argentinean Tityus.…”

Scorpions (Order: Scorpiones)

“…82,83 However, other studies did not confi rm the effi cacy of scorpion -specifi c antivenom for the treatment of cardiovascular and neurological complications of scorpion envenomations, particularly in adults. 85 Adverse effects associated with scorpion antivenom include urticaria, diffuse maculopapular rash, and bronchial hyperreactivity. Some of these antivenoms are genus -specifi c. The polyclonal equine antivenom raised against Tityus discrepans Karsch is highly cross -reactive with venoms from other Tityus species, but not other genera of scorpions (e.g., Centruroides, Chactas, Brotheas, Rhopalurus, Diplocentrus ).…”

Ischemic Stroke in a Child after a Probable Scorpion Sting

“…The different components and concentrations of these components vary both within and between species, even in individual scorpions at different times. 1 A high venom-antigenic cross-reactivity was demonstrated among 15 Venezuelan scorpion species 4 belonging to the Tityus genus.…”