ABSTRACT
Poisonous creatures are the main causes of stings in the world with the approximate number of 1000000 cases annualy. From this, 10% of the cases leads to short and long term disability, which causes economic and social loss. Researches focus on scorpions and snakes as the main causative agents of poisoning. There are several species of snakes and scorpions which cause the problem for cattle and human being. Preventive and curative measures are the applicable methods for their control. Scorption bite is considered as one of the important causes of health problem in tropics specially in southern parts of Iran. For instance, in rural areas of Khuzistan province there are several thousand cases among children which may cause death. Lack of information about scorpion and snake species and the treatment methods are the main causes of death among people. The main objective of this research was focusing on identification of scorpion and snake species as well as applying the results as a clue for local authorities about first aids treatment, remedies, anticerum, antivenums and their proper use for stung people. In this cohort study all the information related to scorpion and snake bites from different cities affiliated to Khorasan University of Medical Sciences was collected and the results were analyzed using EPI6 program by a computer. The results showed the total number of snake bites 11 and 43 in the years 2002 and 2003. The figures for scorpion bites were 146 and 449 respectively for the same years. Snake bite were more prevalent in Taybad city [63.6%], whereas Bardeskan, Bojnourd, Daregaz and Kashmar had the fewer cases [9%] in the year 2002. In the following year, Taybad and Bojnourd cities had the most cases [23.2% and 16.25 respectively]. Scorpion bite was more prevalent in Taybad and Bardeskan cities [60.9% and 17.8%0 for the year 2002]. For the year 2003 it was 27.8% and 24.2% respectively. There was significant difference between the cities with arid and hot climates and mountainous areas in terms of scorpion bites [P<0.05]. This difference, however, was not significant for snake bites [p>0.05]. From the results it can be concluded that Tayebad city for having high temperature, desert situation and vicinity to Afghanistan, has the highest cases of snake bites. Bardeskan city has the same climatic condition with several species of scorpion so that it was expected to have more scorpion bites in this city. In the year 2003, the rainfall was more than the previous year, resulting in more agricultural and outdoor activities. Hence it was postulated that scorpions and snakes are active during the season, therefore the number of cases was high in the year 2003