Scorpion composition and scorpionism in a high-risk area, the southwest of Iran

Abstract

BackgroundScorpions are usually defined as predatory arachnids having venomous and painful stings. Scorpionism is considered as one of the health and medical problems in undeveloped tropical and subtropical countries in the world that endangers thousands of people annually.ObjectiveThis study was done for identification of scorpion fauna and scorpionism location in a high-risk area in southwest of Iran.MethodsThis study was carried out in Andimeshk district located in Khuzestan province which has the highest frequency of scorpionism in Iran. In total, 4 urban and 15 rural areas with various climates and topography were selected for monthly scorpion collection in 2016. Additionally, clinical data was obtained from questionnaires over a 5-year period (2012 to 2016) which were completed by physicians and health staff in hospitals and health centers. The data were analyzed by IBM-SPSS Version 20.ResultsA total of 850 scorpion samples with the most frequency in rural areas were collected. Eight species belonging to three families; Buthidae, Scorpionidae and Hemiscorpiidae were identified. A. crassicauda was the dominant species followed by H. lepturus. The largest collection due to scorpion’s activity was recorded in summer. The five-year prevalence of scorpion sting were 9.1/1000 inhabitants. The highest frequency of scorpionism was observed in the male age group of 25–34 years. Most cases had been treated with polyvalent scorpion antivenom within 6–12 hours of the sting.ConclusionBased on the findings, six species of medically important scorpions that were previously reported from Iran were also collected and caught in this study area. The findings of this study can be useful for policymakers at the Andimeshk Healthcare Center to prevent scorpionism and provide appropriate treatment for scorpionism cases.

Epidemiological Characteristics of Scorpionism in West Azerbaijan Province, Northwest of Iran

“…In this study, similar to some other studies, hand, leg, trunk, head and neck, respectively, are more likely to be stung by scorpions ( 18 , 29 , 33 – 36 ). Like our results in some studies foot and hand have been more frequent bitten by scorpions ( 16 , 20 , 22 – 25 ). This may be because most people do not take protective measures like using gloves and boots while working in the fields and gardens.…”

“…The age groups of 10–24 and 25–44 years old are more at risk ( 17 , 20 – 22 ). Foot and hand are more frequent bitten by scorpions ( 16 , 20 , 22 – 25 ).…”

Spatial Distribution of Medically Important Scorpions in Iran: A Review Article

“…For scorpion envenomation treatment, a polyvalent antivenom has been prepared by Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute (RVSRI) against six medically important scorpions: M. eupeus, A. crassicauda, O. doriae, H. saulcyi, H. zagrosensis, and H. lepturus (5,8,10), but in some cases it has failed to treat the patient. To solve this problem, RVSRI plans to produce a monovalent antivenom.…”

Scorpion Fauna and Scorpionism in Zakho Province of Northern Iraq

“…The other large size Buthidae species collected in the Zakho area was Hottentotta saulcyi (Simon, 1880). This species has been found in Mosel, a city close to Zakho province in Iraq, and nearby countries such as Turkey and Iran (Yağmur et al, 2008b;Jalil et al, 2018). Hottentotta mesopotamicus another Hottentotta species is smaller than H. saulcyi has previously been reported from Zakho province (Lourenço & Qi, 2007).…”