Citation

Dehghani R, Kamiabi F, Mohammadi M. J. Venom Anim. Toxins Incl. Trop. Dis. 2018; 24: e8.

Affiliation

1Social Determinants of Health (SDH) Research Center and Department of Environment Health, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, Universidade Estadual Paulista. Centro de Estudos de Venenos e Animais Peçonhentos)

DOI

10.1186/s40409-018-0145-z

PMID

29507581

PMCID

PMC5833132

Abstract

Scorpions are distributed throughout Iran and the genusHemiscorpiusis particularly important in this region.Hemiscorpius lepturusis the most significant species within the genus in the country. Since scorpionism provoked byHemiscorpiuscomprises 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 ofHemiscorpiusare 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 ofH. lepturusin 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. lepturusvenom 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. lepturusvenom 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.

Language: en

Keywords

Emergency; Epidemiology; Hemiscorpius; Scorpion venom; Scorpionism