ABSTRACT
Scorpion envenomation is a public health problem in several tropical and subtropical countries. Tityus serrulatus Lutz and Mello, 1922 (Brazilian yellow scorpion) are responsible for approximately 150,000 envenoming cases per year in Brazil, of which 10% require antivenom treatment to reverse life-threatening venom effects. Therefore, thousands of T. serrulatus individuals are maintained under controlled captivity conditions for venom extraction, subsequently used in the production of the national supply of scorpion antivenom. Instituto Butantan is the main antivenom-manufacturing laboratory in Brazil, providing about 70,000 vials of scorpion antivenom for the Brazilian health system. Thus, the husbandry protocols and venom extraction methodologies are key points for the success of large-scale, standardized venom production. The objective of this article is to describe the captivity protocols of T. serrulatus husbandry, encompassing the husbandry routine and the venom extraction procedures, following good manufacturing practices, and ensuring animal welfare. These practices allow for the maintenance of up to 20,000 animals in captivity, with a routine of 3,000 to 5,000 scorpions milked monthly according to antivenom manufacturing demand, achieving an average of 90% of positive extraction.
ABSTRACT
The phylum Arthropoda comprises approximately 85% of all described animal species. The class Arachnida includes some invertebrates of great importance as they are either involved in the transmission of diseases or poses a risk of human envenomation. Spiders belonging to the genus Phoneutria sp., are the arachnids exhibiting medical importance. These animals were quarantined and maintained in captivity at the Biotério de Artrópodes of the Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil, for the production of the anti-arachnid serum. A total 509 feces samples from different Phoneutria nigriventer were analyzed, and 131 (25.73%) samples were found to be positive for flagellates and ciliates. All positive samples were subjected to DNA extraction and amplification of 18S gene. A total of 16 sequences were obtained and analyzed using BLAST. Sequences were identified as Colpoda steiini, one as Colpoda aspera, one to Colpoda sp., and one as "ciliated". Four identified as Parabodo caudatus, two as Urostipulosphaera sp., one as Helkesimastix sp., and one as a Euglena-like. The presence of clinical signs was observed in 16 spiders. The intestinal protozoa that affect armed spiders were identified for the first time as an initial step for understanding the parasitic diseases in these organisms.
ABSTRACT
The phylum Arthropoda comprises approximately 85% of all described animal species. The class Arachnida includes some invertebrates of great importance as they are either involved in the transmission of diseases or poses a risk of human envenomation. Spiders belonging to the genus Phoneutria sp., are the arachnids exhibiting medical importance. These animals were quarantined and maintained in captivity at the Biotério de Artrópodes of the Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil, for the production of the anti-arachnid serum. A total 509 feces samples from different Phoneutria nigriventer were analyzed, and 131 (25.73%) samples were found to be positive for flagellates and ciliates. All positive samples were subjected to DNA extraction and amplification of 18S gene. A total of 16 sequences were obtained and analyzed using BLAST. Sequences were identified as Colpoda steiini, one as Colpoda aspera, one to Colpoda sp., and one as “ciliated”. Four identified as Parabodo caudatus, two as Urostipulosphaera sp., one as Helkesimastix sp., and one as a Euglena-like. The presence of clinical signs was observed in 16 spiders. The intestinal protozoa that affect armed spiders were identified for the first time as an initial step for understanding the parasitic diseases in these organisms.
ABSTRACT
The care of terrestrial invertebrates as pets, in zoological displays, or for scientific reasons is increasing; therefore, veterinarians and technicians must be prepared for this demand. There are approximately 1600 species of scorpions, with many being maintained in captive environs. Scorpions represent a public health concern in numerous locales worldwide, Which enhances the demand for research investigations. Consequently, there is an increased demand for scorpions along with how to properly care for these animals in captivity. The objective of this article is to provide information regarding appropriate handling of the scorpion patient, recognizing potential signs of illness, and how to perform common medical Procedures.
ABSTRACT
Bites caused by Scolopendra viridicornis centipede are mainly characterized by burning pain, paresthesia and edema. On this regard, the aim of this work was to study the involvement of mast cells and histamine in edema induced by Scolopendra viridicornis (Sv) centipede venom. The edema was analyzed on mice paws. The mice were pretreated with cromolyn (mast cell degranulation inhibitor) and antagonists of histamine receptors, such as promethazine (H1R), cimetidine (H2R) and thioperamide (H-3/H4R). The analyses were carried out at different times after the injection of Sv venom (15 mu g) or PBS in the footpad of mice. Our results showed a significant inhibition of the edema induced by Sv venom injection in mice previously treated: cromolyn (38-91%), promethazine (50-59%) and thioperamide (around 30%). The treatment with cimetidine did not alter the edema induced by Sv venom. Histopathological analysis showed that Sv venom injection (15 mu g) induced edema, leukocyte recruitment and mast cells degranulation, when compared with the PBS-injected mice. Direct effects of the Sv venom on mast cells were studied in PT-18 line (mouse mast cell) and RBL-2H3 cells (rat mast cells). The data showed that higher doses (3.8 and 7.5 mu g) of Sv venom were cytotoxic for both cell lineages and induced morphological changes. However, lower doses of the venom induced degranulation of both mast cell lines, as well as the secretion of MCP-1, IL-6 and IL-1 beta. The production of PGD(2) was only observed in the RBL-2H3 line incubated with Sv venom. Taking our results together, we demonstrated that upon Sv venom exposure, mast cells and histamine are crucial for the establishment of the local inflammatory reaction. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
