Levantamento de registros dos acidentes com cnidários em algumas praias do litoral de Pernambuco (Brasil)

Abstract

Cnidarians are among the most venomous organisms known to man. They are characterized by stinging cells called cnidocytes, and several species, such as the Portuguese-man-of-war and the jellyfish, can cause harm to human beings. Despite not attracting () much attention on the Brazilian coast, the studies that have been carried out to date show that the occurrence of this kind of accident is significant. The aim of this study was to survey cnidarian related accidents with beach goers on some beaches of the state of Pernambuco, as well as to investigate the knowledge of relevant professions on this theme. () Archives of hospitals and life guard posts were visited for the survey, and 17 professionals were interviewed. During the visits, records were obtained for a total of 35 accidents at Boa Viagem Beach (Recife) over a two-year period, as well as informal records of an average of four to five cases a week at Piedade Beach and an average of two to three cases a week for Pontas de Pedras Beach. As to the knowledge of the professionals interviewed, most answers agree, in general, with the literature available, despite a certain level of inadequate or insufficient information on the theme.

Human envenomations caused by Portuguese man-of-war (Physalia physalis) in urban beaches of São Luis City, Maranhão State, Northeast Coast of Brazil

“…These findings serve as an important indicator that must be considered when designing preventive strategies. Neves et al 2 considered the curiosity of children to be a possible factor related to envenomation, as cnidocytes remain active even after the animal has died 11 . A lack of information about the dangers of contact with these animals might have increased the risk of envenomation 8,11 .…”

“…The growing presence of humans in aquatic environments has increased the probability of contact with these organisms, as well as increased risks of trauma and envenomation 1,2 . Additionally, studies have shown that the injuries were mostly incurred by more vulnerable individuals and were mainly attributed to a lack of information or complete unawareness about these organisms 2 .…”

“…These injuries can cause sequelae such as temporary or definite disability and, in some cases, death 3 . Injuries caused by cnidarians, particularly the Portuguese manof-war (Physalia physalis), frequently affect beachgoers along the northeastern coast 1,2 . The frequency of envenomation varies throughout the year, as higher numbers of cnidarian colonies are able to reach the beaches in some months 1,3 .…”

Pescadores Artesanais do Litoral de Alagoas: Socioeconomia e Acidentes de Trabalho Envolvendo Organismos Marinhos

“…Esses acidentes podem estar relacionados aos hábitos desses animais, que são discretos e podem passar despercebidos dos pescadores. A ação do veneno pode causar efeitos tóxicos e alérgicos e até mesmo a morte (15) .…”

Estudo filogeográfico de Chiropsalmus cf. quadrumanus (Cnidaria: Cubozoa) na Costa Brasileira

“…Não há registros formais de cubomedusas para outros países do Atlântico sul-americano, embora Chiropsalmus quadrumanus tenha sido registrada para Venezuela e Guiana Francesa (Raffaele, 2005). De fato, para toda a região, há relatos informais de banhistas e pescadores sobre envenenamentos relacionados a estes animais "cúbicos" Nogueira Jr., 2004;Neves et al, 2007). Além dos parcos estudos taxonômicos, pouco se sabe sobre a biologia e ecologia do grupo para o Atlântico sul-ocidental.…”