Hand perforation caused by a Gafftopsail catfish (bagre marinus) in a fisherman from Northeastern Brazil / Perfuração da mão por bagre branco (bagre marinus) em pescador do nordeste do Brasil

A 39-year-old male fisherman from Ceará State in Northeastern Brazil presented to the emergency room complaining of intense pain, edema, and bleeding in his left hand (Figure 1A-1B), He had a recent history of traumatism with hand perforation caused by the stinger of a gafftopsail catfish (Bagre marinus) (Figure 2A-2C). The injury occurred 4 hours prior when pulling his fishnet in the ocean. Right after the injury, the patient presented local pain and classified as eight in a visual analogue scale of pain. He denied systemic symptoms such as fever. On physical examination, he presented with two perforations separated by about 2 cm with slight bleeding (Figure 1A), local edema, and pain in his left hand (Figure 1B). Local cleansing of the lesion was performed. He was advised to apply warm compresses and used analgesics/anti-inflammatory drugs with the improvement of the inflammation. Systemic antibiotics were not necessary.

Um pescador de 39 anos, natural do Ceará, na região Nordeste do Brasil, deu entrada na emergência com queixa de dor intensa, edema e sangramento no dorso da mão esquerda (figura 1A-1B). Ele apresentava história recente de trauma na mão por ferrão de bagre branco (bagre marinus). A lesão ocorreu durante o ato de puxar a rede do oceano, quatro horas antes do atendimento. Logo após a lesão, apresentou dor intensa, nota 8 na escala visual analógica de dor. Ele negou sintomas sistêmicos, como febre. No exame físico, apresentava duas perfurações separadas por cerca de 2 cm com leve sangramento (figura 1A), edema e dor na mão esquerda (figura 1B). Foi realizada limpeza da lesão. Alem disso, foi orientado a aplicar compressas mornas e fazer uso de analgésicos /anti-inflamatórios para a melhora da inflamação. Antibióticos sistêmicos não foram necessários.

Injuries caused by fish to fishermen in the Vale do Alto Juruá, Western Brazilian Amazon

Abstract INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to document injuries caused by fish among professional fishermen in the Western Brazilian Amazon. METHODS: We undertook a descriptive, retrospective study, involving 51 professional fishermen, to determine clinical, epidemiological, and therapeutic aspects of their injuries. RESULTS: Among 51 fishermen interviewed, most injuries were due to mandi (Pimelodus spp.), and the hands were the most injured region, resulting in pain and bleeding in all cases. CONCLUSIONS: Our study findings confirm the morbidity of fish-related injuries, and reaffirm the need for relevant information regarding prevention and injury management.

Accident and vascular injury with stingray in the Alto Juruá, Acre, Brazil: a case report / Acidente e lesão vascular com arraia no Alto Juruá, Acre, Brasil: um relato de caso

INTRODUCTION: Injuries caused by fish are common and considered a neglected health problem with high morbidity and low lethality. Noteworthy are the envenomings by freshwater stingrays, which are considered very serious and one of the most important injuries caused by aquatic animals in South America. CASE PRESENTATION: To describe an accident and vascular injury with venomous stingray animals in the Alto do Juruá, Acre, Brazil. Male patient admitted due to stingray in the left lower extremity 20 days ago. CONCLUSION: The freshwater stingray, due to its sharp characteristics, injured the great saphenous vein, requiring surgical intervention. The situation presented negative evolution due to the lack of necessary procedures in the first attendance, such as the proper cleaning of the wound and the removal of the sting.

INTRODUÇÃO: Acidentes com peixes, denominados de ictismo, são comuns e são considerados um problema de saúde negligenciado, de alta morbidade e baixa letalidade. Destacam-se os envenenamentos por arraias de água doce, pois são considerados muito graves e uma das mais importantes lesões causadas por animais aquáticos na América do Sul. APRESENTAÇÃO DO CASO: Descrever um acidente e lesão vascular com animais peçonhentos do tipo arraia no alto do Juruá, Acre, Brasil. Paciente do sexo masculino, admitido devido a ferroada de arraia no membro inferior esquerda há 20 dias. CONCLUSÃO: O ferrão da arraia de água doce por possuir características pontiagudas lesionou a veia safena magna, necessitando de uma intervenção cirúrgica. O quadro apresentou evolução negativa devido a não realização de procedimentos necessários no primeiro atendimento, como a limpeza adequada do ferimento e a retirada do ferrão.

Injuries caused by fish in a community of Pantanal fishermen: detection, treatment, and prevention of envenomations and trauma

Abstract INTRODUCTION Injuries caused by fish are common in the Pantanal, a flooded area in Midwestern Brazil. METHODS A survey was conducted to identify venomous and trauma-inducing fish and the incidence of such injuries in a local fishing community. RESULTS The injuries were caused by catfish, freshwater stingrays, and piranhas. All fishermen had suffered injuries, and nearly 30% had recent injuries. CONCLUSIONS A leaflet and discussions decreased the injuries (only two were recorded in the next year). The campaign educated fishermen about prevention of and first aid for injuries. Similar campaigns will be performed in other communities of the Pantanal.

Report of 15 injuries caused by lionfish (pterois volitans) in aquarists in Brazil: a critical assessment of the severity of envenomations

Lionfish are venomous fish that belong to the Scorpaenidae family. Individuals of this family and those of the Synanceiidae family comprise most of the existing venomous fish in the world. Lionfish are originally found in the Indo-Pacific, but they have received special attention in the last years for their dissemination in the Atlantic Ocean, with the emergence of large populations in the USA, Caribbean and South America. Because of its beauty, this fish has always been present in private and commercial aquariums around the world. Herein, we describe 15 envenomations in aquarists registered in a period of eighteen years (1997-2014). The stings caused excruciating pain and marked inflammation, with local erythema, edema, heat, paleness and cyanosis. In one case, it was possible to observe vesicles and blisters. There were no skin necroses or marked systemic manifestations. We discuss the possible coming of the fish to South America and the circumstances and clinical impact of the envenomations.(AU)

Report of 15 injuries caused by lionfish (pterois volitans) in aquarists in Brazil: a critical assessment of the severity of envenomations

Lionfish are venomous fish that belong to the Scorpaenidae family. Individuals of this family and those of the Synanceiidae family comprise most of the existing venomous fish in the world. Lionfish are originally found in the Indo-Pacific, but they have received special attention in the last years for their dissemination in the Atlantic Ocean, with the emergence of large populations in the USA, Caribbean and South America. Because of its beauty, this fish has always been present in private and commercial aquariums around the world. Herein, we describe 15 envenomations in aquarists registered in a period of eighteen years (19972014). The stings caused excruciating pain and marked inflammation, with local erythema, edema, heat, paleness and cyanosis. In one case, it was possible to observe vesicles and blisters. There were no skin necroses or marked systemic manifestations. We discuss the possible coming of the fish to South America and the circumstances and clinical impact of the envenomations.

Thalassophryne nattereri fish venom: from the envenoming to the understanding of the immune system

Thalassophryne nattereri (niquim) is a venomous fish found off North and Northeast coast of Brazil, where it is known by the severity of the accidents involving humans. This review article is divided into four topics. The first one provides a brief description of the animal biology and its distribution off Brazilian coastal waters, the venom apparatus, signs and symptoms observed in envenomated humans and also describes envenomation in mice. The second topic describes the use of modern genetic approach and mass spectrometry for identification of highly expressed genes in its venom glands and the sequence of major toxins. The third chapter offers a detailed study of tissue injury induced by the venom and reveals the role of toxins that impair inflammation reduction. Finally, the fourth section expands the understanding of many extrinsic and intrinsic essential factors in maintaining survival of memory B cell compartment. Our results demonstrate the wide possibilities for research in the area of toxinology, also the necessity of interconnection among biochemistry, pharmacology and immunology areas for the expansion of knowledge and for generation of innovation.

Thalassophryne nattereri fish venom: from the envenoming to the understanding of the immune system

Thalassophryne nattereri (niquim) is a venomous fish found off North and Northeast coast of Brazil, where it is known by the severity of the accidents involving humans. This review article is divided into four topics. The first one provides a brief description of the animal biology and its distribution off Brazilian coastal waters, the venom apparatus, signs and symptoms observed in envenomated humans and also describes envenomation in mice. The second topic describes the use of modern genetic approach and mass spectrometry for identification of highly expressed genes in its venom glands and the sequence of major toxins. The third chapter offers a detailed study of tissue injury induced by the venom and reveals the role of toxins that impair inflammation reduction. Finally, the fourth section expands the understanding of many extrinsic and intrinsic essential factors in maintaining survival of memory B cell compartment. Our results demonstrate the wide possibilities for research in the area of toxinology, also the necessity of interconnection among biochemistry, pharmacology and immunology areas for the expansion of knowledge and for generation of innovation.

Injuries by marine and freshwater stingrays: history, clinical aspects of the envenomations and current status of a neglected problem in Brazil

Stingrays are a group of rays – cartilaginous fish related to sharks – that have whiplike tails with barbed, usually venomous spines and are found around the world, especially the marine species. Despite recent reports of accidents involving these fish, they are not aggressive, reacting only when stepped on or improperly handled. Injuries by stingrays are seldom mentioned by historians, although they have always been present in riverine communities of inland waters and in South American coasts. Indeed, envenomations by stingrays are quite common in freshwater and marine fishing communities. Although having high morbidity, such injuries are neglected because they have low lethality and usually occur in remote areas, which favor the use of folk remedies. In the present review article, historical aspects of injuries caused by stingrays in Brazil and their distribution on the coast of São Paulo state and riverine communities of the North, Midwest and Southeast regions were studied. In addition, other aspects were analyzed such as clinical features, therapeutic methods, preventive measures and trends in occurrence of these accidents in the country, particularly in areas in which freshwater stingrays had not been previously registered, being introduced after breaching of natural barriers.

Injuries by marine and freshwater stingrays: history, clinical aspects of the envenomations and current status of a neglected problem in Brazil

Stingrays are a group of rays - cartilaginous fish related to sharks - that have whiplike tails with barbed, usually venomous spines and are found around the world, especially the marine species. Despite recent reports of accidents involving these fish, they are not aggressive, reacting only when stepped on or improperly handled. Injuries by stingrays are seldom mentioned by historians, although they have always been present in riverine communities of inland waters and in South American coasts. Indeed, envenomations by stingrays are quite common in freshwater and marine fishing communities. Although having high morbidity, such injuries are neglected because they have low lethality and usually occur in remote areas, which favor the use of folk remedies. In the present review article, historical aspects of injuries caused by stingrays in Brazil and their distribution on the coast of São Paulo state and riverine communities of the North, Midwest and Southeast regions were studied. In addition, other aspects were analyzed such as clinical features, therapeutic methods, preventive measures and trends in occurrence of these accidents in the country, particularly in areas in which freshwater stingrays had not been previously registered, being introduced after breaching of natural barriers.(AU)

Injuries by marine and freshwater stingrays: history, clinical aspects of the envenomations and current status of a neglected problem in Brazil

Stingrays are a group of rays – cartilaginous fish related to sharks – that have whiplike tails with barbed, usually venomous spines and are found around the world, especially the marine species. Despite recent reports of accidents involving these fish, they are not aggressive, reacting only when stepped on or improperly handled. Injuries by stingrays are seldom mentioned by historians, although they have always been present in riverine communities of inland waters and in South American coasts. Indeed, envenomations by stingrays are quite common in freshwater and marine fishing communities. Although having high morbidity, such injuries are neglected because they have low lethality and usually occur in remote areas, which favor the use of folk remedies. In the present review article, historical aspects of injuries caused by stingrays in Brazil and their distribution on the coast of São Paulo state and riverine communities of the North, Midwest and Southeast regions were studied. In addition, other aspects were analyzed such as clinical features, therapeutic methods, preventive measures and trends in occurrence of these accidents in the country, particularly in areas in which freshwater stingrays had not been previously registered, being introduced after breaching of natural barriers.