Asexual reproduction in a sexual population of the Brazilian yellow scorpion (Tityus serrulatus, Buthidae) as evidence of facultative parthenogenesis

Braga-Pereira, Gracielle F.; Santos, Adalberto J.

doi:10.1636/joa-s-20-001

Cited by 5 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 44 publications

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“…Within this process, eggs undergo development without the need for fertilization, a relatively uncommon phenomenon in nature, albeit observed in select scorpion species. Despite reports of male T. serrulatus individuals, the extent of sexual reproduction in this species remains incompletely elucidated, as the preponderance of females strongly suggests a propensity towards parthenogenetic reproduction as the primary reproductive mode [ 20 , 22 ].…”

Section: Tityus Serrulatus Biologymentioning

confidence: 99%

Understanding the complexity of Tityus serrulatus venom: A focus on high molecular weight components

Oliveira,

Alano-da-Silva,

Ferreira

et al. 2024

J. Venom. Anim. Toxins incl. Trop. Dis

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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.

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Section: Tityus Serrulatus Biologymentioning

confidence: 99%

Understanding the complexity of Tityus serrulatus venom: A focus on high molecular weight components

Oliveira,

Alano-da-Silva,

Ferreira

et al. 2024

J. Venom. Anim. Toxins incl. Trop. Dis

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“…Despite this species being usually considered an obligate parthenogenetic species, some isolated sexual populations with the presence of males were detected [82,83]. Nevertheless, nonparthenogenetic populations have a highly restricted geographic distribution [8,84], and it was observed that parthenogenetic reproduction in T. serrulatus also occurs in populations that still present sexual reproduction [85]. Even though parthenogenesis is likely to induce limited genetic diversity, intraspecific variations have been observed, which can also be a sign of adaptation to different environments by this species [77,[86][87][88].…”

Section: Tityus Serrulatusmentioning

confidence: 99%

Scorpion envenomation in Brazil: Current scenario and perspectives for containing an increasing health problem

et al. 2023

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Opportunistic scorpion species can colonize urban environments, establishing high-density communities that enhance the chances of human accidents. This scenario has been taking place in Brazil, in which some Tityus species have taken city centers, causing an explosion in the number of scorpion envenoming cases. The characteristics of this scorpionism epidemic in Brazil is discussed in the present work. The number of Brazilian scorpion stings has surpassed 120,000 cases in 2017, and has been maintained above this number ever since, representing a more than 3-fold increase in 10 years, which was higher than the number of cases for most of the neglected tropical diseases in the country. The escalation in scorpionism cases is even higher in some regions of Brazil. Fortunately, the proportion of mild cases has also increased in the analyzed period, as well as the number of victims seeking for medical attention within the first hour after the accident. The species Tityus serrulatus, Tityus stigmurus, Tityus bahiensis, and Tityus obscurus are traditionally accountable for most of the scorpion accidents in different regions of Brazil, but other species deserve to be closely watched. Despite scorpionism being a notable health problem in Brazil, accident prevention and pest control regarding this venomous animal have not been properly addressed by the scientific community nor by policy makers. Therefore, this review also aims to point possible fields of research that could help to contain the aggravation of the current scorpionism landscape in Brazil.

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“…The first was the near-total replacement of T. bahiensis (which had been the predominant species) by T. serrulatus, which is parthenogenetic and successfully adapted to profoundly modified environments [43,52]. Braga-Pereira & Santos (2021) [53] also showed that parthenogenetic reproduction in T. serrulatus can occur not only in asexual populations of this species, but also in those where sexual reproduction occurs-in other words, parthenogenesis is optional in T. serrulatus. The second and third hypotheses raised by Needleman et al (2018) [51], regarding geographical redistribution and a continued increase in the number of scorpion stings, also correspond to the results of the present study.…”

Section: Plos Onementioning

confidence: 99%

Scorpion envenomation in the state of São Paulo, Brazil: Spatiotemporal analysis of a growing public health concern

et al. 2022

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Scorpion envenomation is a significant public health concern in São Paulo, Brazil, and its incidence and mortality have increased in recent decades. The present study analyzed documented scorpion envenomation notifications from 2008 to 2018 throughout the 645 municipalities of São Paulo. Annual incidence and mortality rates were calculated and stratified according to sex and age. The local empirical Bayesian method and Getis-Ord Gi* statistic were used to represent standardized incidence rates in the municipalities and to identify high- and low-risk agglomerates. The incidence rate of scorpion envenomation quintupled between 2008 and 2018. Overall, the risk was higher for man, and increased with age. Deaths due to envenomation, however, were concentrated almost entirely in children 0–9 years of age. Incidence maps showed that the risk of envenomation increased in almost all regions and municipalities of São Paulo throughout the study period. The highest incidence rates were found in the western, northwestern and northern regions of the state, in contrast to the São Paulo metropolitan area and southern and coastal regions. Hot spots were identified in the Presidente Prudente, Barretos, São José do Rio Preto, and Araçatuba regional health districts, which over time formed a single high-risk cluster. In spatial terms, however, deaths were randomly distributed. In this study, we identified areas and populations at risk of scorpion envenomation and associated–fatalities, which can be used to support decision-making by health services to reduce human contact with these arachnids and avoid fatalities, especially in children.

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Asexual reproduction in a sexual population of the Brazilian yellow scorpion (Tityus serrulatus, Buthidae) as evidence of facultative parthenogenesis

Cited by 5 publications

References 44 publications

Understanding the complexity of Tityus serrulatus venom: A focus on high molecular weight components

Understanding the complexity of Tityus serrulatus venom: A focus on high molecular weight components

Scorpion envenomation in Brazil: Current scenario and perspectives for containing an increasing health problem

Scorpion envenomation in the state of São Paulo, Brazil: Spatiotemporal analysis of a growing public health concern

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