Epidemiological study of snakebite cases in Brazilian Western Amazonia

Abstract

This study can contribute to a better understanding of envenomation in the state of Rondônia and thus can be useful for identifying real conditions that can increase the incidence of snakebites in this region. Moreover, the study results can serve as a basis for improving educational campaigns designed to prevent these types of snakebites, as well as for preserving snakes.

Lectin isolated from Bothrops jararacussu venom induces IL-10 release by TCD4+ cells and TNF-α release by monocytes and natural killer cells

“…Envenoming by Bothrops causes local tissue damage (haemorrhage, necrosis, blistering, and oedema) and systemic alterations associated with bleeding, coagulopathy, haemodynamic alterations, and nephrotoxicity. The clinical effects caused by envenomation are closely related to the venoms’ composition and biochemistry …”

“…The clinical effects caused by envenomation are closely related to the venoms' composition and biochemistry. [1][2][3] The entry of snake venom components into tissues affects cells in various ways. Direct cytotoxicity, leading to necrosis, represents one outcome of envenomation.…”

The deadliest snake according to ethnobiological perception of the population of the Alto Juruá region, western Brazilian Amazonia

“…This may be because this species is responsible for the most snakebites with the highest morbidity and mortality 10 . B. atrox was most frequently reported to cause pain (35% of the interviewees), edema (31%), and necrosis (14%), all of which is typically associated with its bites 10,13,14 . In a study conducted at the Baixo Purus river in the Amazon region, B. atrox and L. muta snakes were also the species that were most feared by the riverine population 5 .…”

“…Most reported consequences of snakebites (pain, edema, hemorrhage, necrosis, headache, dizziness, blurred vision, thirst, vomiting, paresthesia, death, amputation, muscular atrophy, sweating, fever, bruising, changes in heart rate, nausea, fainting, burning, erythema, blisters, scarring, weakness, infection, hypersalivation and shortness of breath) may indeed occur 4,6,10,13,14 , however, the consequence was not always attributed to the correct species by the interviewees. Several reported consequences seemed not to be physiologically related to envenomation, but rather to psychological reactions (mental confusion, fear, and distress) or originate from misinformation (loss of speech and the assumption that "venom rises through the body").…”

“…Juvenile B. atrox inject a smaller amount of venom per bite, however, their bites may cause prominent vasculotoxic effects such as hemorrhage and edema 15 . Juvenile and adult specimens of B. atrox are perceived as belonging to different species 7 , and interviewees differentiated between the effects of bites by juveniles (more hemorrhagic) and adults (increased probability of necrosis) and detailed potential forms of bleeding (e.g., local bleeding, nose bleeds, hematemesis, otorrhagia, hematuria, and hemoptysis 10,13,14 ).…”