First Described Envenomation by Centruroides pococki Scorpion in the French Caribbean Island Guadeloupe

Schmitt, C.; Torrents, Romain; Simon, Nicolas; Haro, Luc de

doi:10.1016/j.wem.2017.03.005

Cited by 6 publications

(2 citation statements)

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“…In the French West Indies, envenomation by Centruroides pococki comes with a risk of severe complications, although no deaths have been reported to date [ 9 , 14 , 48 , 49 ]. In adults, envenomation can lead to ascending muscular paralysis, radiating from the point of sting and with progressive healing to the sting area [ 14 ].…”

Section: Epidemiologymentioning

confidence: 99%

“…This is what has been observed in cases of envenomation by Euscorpiidae family scorpions or Buthus genus scorpions. Interestingly, the Buthus occitanus, Buthus pyrenaeus, or Buthus balmensis species are present only in Western Europe, [ 9 , 16 , 17 , 35 , 48 , 50 , 51 , 52 , 53 ], while the other species of Buthus from North Africa (i.e., Buthus lienhardi , Buthus malhommei , Buthus mardochei , Buthus paris , and Buthus tunetanus ) can induce fatal envenomation [ 6 , 8 , 54 , 55 ]. The difference in sting severity between the different Buthus species is not understood, as their venom is similar [ 56 ].…”

Section: Epidemiologymentioning

confidence: 99%

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French Scorpionism (Mainland and Oversea Territories): Narrative Review of Scorpion Species, Scorpion Venom, and Envenoming Management

Vaucel

Larréché

Paradis

et al. 2022

Toxins

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Sixty-seven scorpion species have been described in France and its territories, where they have been found to be heterogeneously distributed. Indeed, only one species can be found on Réunion Island, while 38 species exist in French Guiana. The number of stings is also heterogenous, with up to 90 stings per 100,000 inhabitants occurring annually. Scorpion species can frequently be determined through simple visual factors, including species of medical importance (i.e., Buthus, Centruroides and Tityus). Scorpion venom is composed of local enzymes and peptides with a cysteine-stabilized α/β motif (NaTxs, Ktxs, Calcines), which allow for venom diffusion and the prey’s incapacitation, respectively. Harmful scorpion species are limited to Centruroides pococki in the French West Indies, which can induce severe envenoming, and the Tityus obscurus and Tityus silvestris in French Guiana, which can cause fatalities in children and can induce severe envenoming, respectively. Envenomation by one of these scorpions requires hospital monitoring as long as systemic symptoms persist. Typical management includes the use of a lidocaine patch, pain killers, and local antiseptic. In the case of heart failure, the use of dobutamine can improve survival, and pregnant women must consult an obstetrician because of the elevated risk of preterm birth or stillbirth. France does not have scorpion antivenom, as scorpion stings are generally not fatal.

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