Encounters with Venomous Sea-Life

Wilderness medicine

“…Some envenomations, such as from Cubozoa jellyfi sh, can lead to massive adrenergic surge and cardiovascular collapse. [29][30][31][32][33][34][35][36] …”

Conotoxins: Potential Weapons from the Sea

“…Signs and symptoms of exposure include faintness, ptosis (drooping eyelids), poor coordination, absent gag reflex, areflexia, paresthesias (abnormal sensations such as burning or tingling), urinary retention, diplopia (double vision), blurred vision, speech difficulties, dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), weakness, nausea, generalized numbness, and respiratory arrest [9][10][11][12][13]. Autopsy findings may include blanching and swelling at the site of injection, petechial hemorrhages, cardiac dilation, and cerebral edema [12].…”

“…The heterogeneity in structure and the diverse pharmacology of the toxins are barriers to making an effective antidote. The treatment for a cone snail sting is respiratory support and intubation [13]. Vital signs, blood gases, and cardiac function need to be monitored.…”

“…Vital signs, blood gases, and cardiac function need to be monitored. Death has been reported to occur within one to five hours [10,13]. The above toxidrome results from the interaction of a number of conotoxins rather than a single conotoxin.…”

Fangs for the Memories? A Survey of Pain in Snakebite Patients Does Not Support a Strong Role for Defense in the Evolution of Snake Venom Composition

“…In human patients, these characteristics are evident from clinical cases involving many primarily defensive animal venoms. For instance, virtually all venomous fish use their potent venoms solely for defense, invariably causing intense pain immediately upon envenomation [38][39][40][41][42]. Similarly, the entirely defensive venoms of non-predatory hymenopterans such as honeybees are equally notable for the immediate pain following the sting.…”