Frequency and gravity of human envenomations caused by marine catfish (suborder siluroidei): a clinical and epidemiological study

Diagnostic imaging of injuries caused by venomous and traumatogenic catfish

“…The delicate tissue dissection prevents potential injuries to key anatomical structures such as tendons, nerves, and vessels. After removal of the large fragments of the stinger, the wound should be thoroughly irrigated with saline to remove smaller fragments and other contaminants (2) . Postoperative requires lifting of the extremity for a 24-hour period and smooth movement of the joints in the same day.…”

“…A series of 127 cases of injuries caused by catfi sh were registered in a ten-year period in the Brazilian coast: they occurred in Ubatuba town (Southeastern Brazil), Aracaju and Salvador Cities (Northeast region), and Salinópolis town (North region) (2) . Of the 127 cases, fi ve (3.9%) had retention of fragments of the stinger in the wounds.…”

“…Many marine catfi sh have three serrated stingers at the dorsal and pectoral fi ns that are used as a defense against predators (Figure 1). The stings of some species have venomous glands that can cause serious injuries with lacerations and envenomation in humans, often occurring in the hands and feet of fi shermen or beachgoers (2) . The venom causes severe pain, swelling, erythema, pallor, and occasionally skin necrosis (1) (2) (3) (4) .…”

Injuries caused by the venomous catfish pintado and cachara (Pseudoplatystoma genus) in fishermen of the Pantanal region in Brazil

“…As an example, the Siluriformes (a group of freshwater catfish) have hard and serrated stingers in the pectoral and dorsal fins that cause perforating or lacerated wounds and sometimes possess venom (Haddad Jr 2003, 2008, Haddad Jr and Lastoria 2005, Haddad Jr and Martins 2006, Silva 2009, Silva et al 2010. The venoms of various species of Siluriforms have action analogous to massive liberations of prostaglandins and acetylcholine and can cause severe pain, skin necrosis and ischemia in the compromised area (Williamson 1995, Junqueira 2006.…”

“…The venoms of various species of Siluriforms have action analogous to massive liberations of prostaglandins and acetylcholine and can cause severe pain, skin necrosis and ischemia in the compromised area (Williamson 1995, Junqueira 2006. These venoms are labile and have the effects attenuated by immersion in hot water (approximately 50° C) water for 30 to 90 minutes, which provokes decreasing of the pain (Haddad Jr 2003, 2008, Haddad Jr and Lastoria 2005, Haddad Jr and Martins 2006.…”