Scorpionism by Hemiscorpius spp. in Iran: a review

Scorpions are distributed throughout Iran and the genus Hemiscorpius is particularly important in this region. Hemiscorpius lepturus is the most significant species within the genus in the country. Since scorpionism provoked by Hemiscorpius comprises a medical emergency, the present study is focused on this important issue. In order to perform the present work, a review of the medical and health-related literature was carried out in several databases. The current findings indicate that six species of Hemiscorpius are found in 15 states of Iran, mainly in the south and southwest. Deaths caused by stings were reported only for two species. The morphological characteristics and geographical distribution of H. lepturus in Iran, its venom and the toxic compounds, epidemiologic data and clinical manifestations of envenomation as well as treatment for affected people are herein reviewed and described. H. lepturus venom toxicity differs from other Iranian scorpions regarding duration and severity. Scorpionism is an important public health problem in Iran, especially in southwest and south regions and in urban areas. It is more prevalent in children and young people. H. lepturus venom is primarily a cytotoxic agent and has hemolytic, nephrotoxic and to some extent hepatotoxic activity. The use of polyvalent antivenom to prevent scorpion sting symptoms is recommended. A well-planned health education program might be useful in preventing scorpionism.

Scorpionism by Hemiscorpius spp. in Iran: a review

Scorpions are distributed throughout Iran and the genus Hemiscorpius is particularly important in this region. Hemiscorpius lepturus is the most significant species within the genus in the country. Since scorpionism provoked by Hemiscorpius comprises a medical emergency, the present study is focused on this important issue. In order to perform the present work, a review of the medical and health-related literature was carried out in several databases. The current findings indicate that six species of Hemiscorpius are found in 15 states of Iran, mainly in the south and southwest. Deaths caused by stings were reported only for two species. The morphological characteristics and geographical distribution of H. lepturus in Iran, its venom and the toxic compounds, epidemiologic data and clinical manifestations of envenomation as well as treatment for affected people are herein reviewed and described. H. lepturus venom toxicity differs from other Iranian scorpions regarding duration and severity. Scorpionism is an important public health problem in Iran, especially in southwest and south regions and in urban areas. It is more prevalent in children and young people. H. lepturus venom is primarily a cytotoxic agent and has hemolytic, nephrotoxic and to some extent hepatotoxic activity. The use of polyvalent antivenom to prevent scorpion sting symptoms is recommended. A well-planned health education program might be useful in preventing scorpionism.(AU)

Epidemiological Study of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis during 2009 to 2014 in Kashan, Iran: A Potential Intra-domiciliary Transmission of the Disease.

Aims: In this research, the epidemiological status of cutaneous leishmaniasis was investigated in Kashan city, central of Iran. Study Design and Setting: A cross-sectional study was carried out in Kashan city, central of Iran. Study Duration: The study was conducted over 2009 to 2014. Methods: In this study, the demographic and epidemiological data including age, sex, nationality, duration of the disease, number and site of the ulcers for all the patients during 2009 to 2014 were collected from the healthcare centers of Kashan city. The data were finally analyzed by Excel software. Results: The results indicated that 897 persons were suffered from cutaneous leishmaniasis during this 6-year period in Kashan city. Of these patients, 486 (54.2%) and 411 (45.8%) persons were females and males, respectively. The results also showed that the highest and lowest contamination frequencies were occurred in April and in March, respectively. The most burden of this disease was allocated to patients more than 25 years old and the lower rate was occurred in infants less than one year age. Conclusion: The results presented that the prevalence of the urban type of cutaneous leishmaniasis was high in Kashan city. Therefore, the prevention and control measurements should be applied to minimize the prevalence of the disease.