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Thapa N, Regmi SK, Basukala S, Paudel S, Shrestha O, Mehta B, Manoj KC, Singh KK. Acute splenic hematoma: A rare complication of snake bite. Clin Case Rep 2024; 12:e8921. [PMID: 38741674 PMCID: PMC11089085 DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.8921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Splenic hematoma secondary to snake bite is a potential complication due to snake envenomation and poses a significant risk to the health of the patients. Although relatively rare, this complication once diagnosed, should be initiated with timely anti-venom administration and supportive care. Clinicians must be aware of any signs of hematological abnormalities in snakebite patients, as the development of splenic hematoma can have serious implications for patient outcomes. Awareness of this potential complication and multidisciplinary collaboration among medical teams are crucial to ensuring effective management and optimal patient care in these clinical scenarios. Understanding this concern can improve patient prognosis and advance the overall approach to snakebite management in healthcare settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niranjan Thapa
- Nepalese Army Institute of Health SciencesKathmanduNepal
| | - Shiva K. Regmi
- Nepalese Army Institute of Health SciencesKathmanduNepal
| | - Sunil Basukala
- Department of SurgeryNepalese Army Institute of Health SciencesKathmanduNepal
| | - Sandip Paudel
- Nepalese Army Institute of Health SciencesKathmanduNepal
| | - Oshan Shrestha
- Nepalese Army Institute of Health SciencesKathmanduNepal
| | - Bipin Mehta
- Nepalese Army Institute of Health SciencesKathmanduNepal
| | - K. C. Manoj
- Nepalese Army Institute of Health SciencesKathmanduNepal
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Cardoso FF, Salvador GHM, Cavalcante WLG, Dal-Pai M, Fontes MRDM. BthTX-I, a phospholipase A 2-like toxin, is inhibited by the plant cinnamic acid derivative: chlorogenic acid. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. PROTEINS AND PROTEOMICS 2024; 1872:140988. [PMID: 38142025 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbapap.2023.140988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023]
Abstract
Snakebite is a significant health concern in tropical and subtropical regions, particularly in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, resulting in more than 2.7 million envenomations and an estimated one hundred thousand fatalities annually. The Bothrops genus is responsible for the majority of snakebite envenomings in Latin America and Caribbean countries. Accidents involving snakes from this genus are characterized by local symptoms that often lead to permanent sequelae and death. However, specific antivenoms exhibit limited effectiveness in inhibiting local tissue damage. Phospholipase A2-like (PLA2-like) toxins emerge as significant contributors to local myotoxicity in accidents involving Bothrops species. As a result, they represent a crucial target for prospective treatments. Some natural and synthetic compounds have shown the ability to reduce or abolish the myotoxic effects of PLA2-like proteins. In this study, we employed a combination approach involving myographic, morphological, biophysical and bioinformatic techniques to investigate the interaction between chlorogenic acid (CGA) and BthTX-I, a PLA2-like toxin. CGA provided a protection of 71.8% on muscle damage in a pre-incubation treatment. Microscale thermophoresis and circular dichroism experiments revealed that CGA interacted with the BthTX-I while preserving its secondary structure. CGA exhibited an affinity to the toxin that ranks among the highest observed for a natural compound. Bioinformatics simulations indicated that CGA inhibitor binds to the toxin's hydrophobic channel in a manner similar to other phenolic compounds previously investigated. These findings suggest that CGA interferes with the allosteric transition of the non-activated toxin, and the stability of the dimeric assembly of its activated state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fábio Florença Cardoso
- Departamento de Biofísica e Farmacologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Walter Luís Garrido Cavalcante
- Departamento de Biofísica e Farmacologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil; Departamento de Farmacologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Maeli Dal-Pai
- Departamento de Biologia Estrutural e Funcional, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Marcos Roberto de Mattos Fontes
- Departamento de Biofísica e Farmacologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil; Instituto de Estudos Avançados do Mar (IEAMar), Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), São Vicente, SP, Brazil.
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Clare RH, Dawson CA, Westhorpe A, Albulescu LO, Woodley CM, Mosallam N, Chong DJW, Kool J, Berry NG, O’Neill PM, Casewell NR. Snakebite drug discovery: high-throughput screening to identify novel snake venom metalloproteinase toxin inhibitors. Front Pharmacol 2024; 14:1328950. [PMID: 38273820 PMCID: PMC10808794 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1328950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Snakebite envenoming results in ∼100,000 deaths per year, with close to four times as many victims left with life-long sequelae. Current antivenom therapies have several limitations including high cost, variable cross-snake species efficacy and a requirement for intravenous administration in a clinical setting. Next-generation snakebite therapies are being widely investigated with the aim to improve cost, efficacy, and safety. In recent years several small molecule drugs have shown considerable promise for snakebite indication, with oral bioavailability particularly promising for community delivery rapidly after a snakebite. However, only two such drugs have entered clinical development for snakebite. To offset the risk of attrition during clinical trials and to better explore the chemical space for small molecule venom toxin inhibitors, here we describe the first high throughput drug screen against snake venom metalloproteinases (SVMPs)-a pathogenic toxin family responsible for causing haemorrhage and coagulopathy. Following validation of a 384-well fluorescent enzymatic assay, we screened a repurposed drug library of 3,547 compounds against five geographically distinct and toxin variable snake venoms. Our drug screen resulted in the identification of 14 compounds with pan-species inhibitory activity. Following secondary potency testing, four SVMP inhibitors were identified with nanomolar EC50s comparable to the previously identified matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor marimastat and superior to the metal chelator dimercaprol, doubling the current global portfolio of SVMP inhibitors. Following analysis of their chemical structure and ADME properties, two hit-to-lead compounds were identified. These clear starting points for the initiation of medicinal chemistry campaigns provide the basis for the first ever designer snakebite specific small molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel H. Clare
- Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Centre for Snakebite Research and Interventions, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Centre for Drugs and Diagnostics, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Charlotte A. Dawson
- Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Centre for Snakebite Research and Interventions, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Centre for Drugs and Diagnostics, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Adam Westhorpe
- Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Centre for Snakebite Research and Interventions, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Centre for Drugs and Diagnostics, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Laura-Oana Albulescu
- Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Centre for Snakebite Research and Interventions, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Centre for Drugs and Diagnostics, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | | | - Nada Mosallam
- Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel J. W. Chong
- Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Jeroen Kool
- Division of BioAnalytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Neil G. Berry
- Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Paul M. O’Neill
- Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Nicholas R. Casewell
- Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Centre for Snakebite Research and Interventions, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Centre for Drugs and Diagnostics, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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Zinenko O, Durkin DM, Carter RW, Ritter B, Lewin MR. Cold Finger: Raynaud Phenomenon Following Snakebite Envenoming by Nikolsky's Viper ( Vipera berus nikolskii). Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:598. [PMID: 37888629 PMCID: PMC10610580 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15100598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
A field biologist was bitten by a female Nikolsky's viper (Vipera berus nikolskii) in Kharkiv Oblast, Ukraine. Two months later, the patient began to experience cold-induced vasospasm of the affected digit diagnosed as acquired Raynaud phenomenon. The patient had more than 30 occurrences during the single winter following the bite, but the signs and symptoms of Raynaud phenomenon disappeared with the end of winter. This report describes the case and puts it into context with the literature on the topic of toxin-induced peripheral vasospastic disorders and their potential importance in snakebite envenoming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oleksandr Zinenko
- V. N. Karazin Kharkiv University, 61058 Kharkiv, Ukraine;
- California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, CA 94118, USA;
| | | | | | - Brandi Ritter
- Ophirex, Inc., Corte Madera, CA 94925, USA; (R.W.C.); (B.R.)
| | - Matthew R. Lewin
- California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, CA 94118, USA;
- Ophirex, Inc., Corte Madera, CA 94925, USA; (R.W.C.); (B.R.)
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da Silva WRGB, de Siqueira Santos L, Lira D, de Oliveira Luna KP, Fook SML, Alves RRN. Who are the most affected by Bothrops snakebite envenoming in Brazil? A Clinical-epidemiological profile study among the regions of the country. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011708. [PMID: 37856557 PMCID: PMC10617728 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Snakebite envenoming represents an important Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) that mainly affects tropical and subtropical developing countries according to the World Health Organization (WHO). As a priority issue in the tropics, it is estimated that accidental encounter between snakes and humans is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality among all NTDs in the world. In Brazil, an extremely diverse country with continental dimensions, snakebite envenoming is the second leading cause of reported human envenoming. Treating the disease has been an unprecedented challenge for Brazilian Health Systems for decades. Despite access to Antivenom therapy and distributing it free of charge across the country, Brazil faces numerous issues regarding the notification process and accurate treatment targeting for at-risk populations. Thus, this study aimed to identify the temporal epidemiological dynamics of accidents caused by Bothrops snakes in Brazil, the country's major group of venomous snakes, based on secondary information from the online database provided by The Brazilian Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN). For this purpose, reported Bothrops snakebites between 2012 and 2021 were counted, then the data were analyzed. We looked at the frequency, occurrence, mortality rates, case fatality rate (CFR), age and gender distribution, and the time lapse between the incident and the initiation of Antivenom therapy. The data were also organized considering regional variations of the country. Throughout the studied period, a total of 202,604 cases of envenoming caused by Bothrops spp. were notified, resulting in 766 fatalities. These accidents were found to occur in variable proportions across different regions in Brazil, with notable concentrations observed in the North, Northeast, and Southeast regions. The epidemiological profile of patients varied greatly between the regions, revealing that snake envenoming is much more a social, economic, and ecological problem than a medical one. In conclusion, our study provides an overview of the clinical and epidemiological profile of envenoming by Bothrops snakes in Brazil. Notably, this is the first study to present such information in a country as vast and diverse as Brazil, encompassing a comparative analysis of its regions using SINAN data, that proves to be a very useful national tool to improve the control and management of envenoming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weslley Ruan Guimarães Borges da Silva
- Department of Biology, Center of Biological and Health Sciences, Paraíba State University, Campina Grande, Paraíba, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Bioinformatics, Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
| | - Lucas de Siqueira Santos
- Graduate Program in Geodetic Sciences and Geoinformation Technologies, Department of Cartographic Engineering, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Derick Lira
- Department of Biology, Center of Biological and Health Sciences, Paraíba State University, Campina Grande, Paraíba, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Ecology and Conservation, Department of Biology, Paraíba State University, Campina Grande, Paraíba, Brazil
| | - Karla Patrícia de Oliveira Luna
- Department of Biology, Center of Biological and Health Sciences, Paraíba State University, Campina Grande, Paraíba, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Science Teaching and Mathematics Education, Department of Biology, Paraíba State University, Campina Grande, Paraíba, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, Department of Molecular Biology, Federal University of Paraiba, João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil
| | - Sayonara Maria Lia Fook
- Graduate Program in Public Health, Department of Pharmacy, State University of Paraíba, Campina Grande, Paraíba, Brazil
| | - Rômulo Romeu Nóbrega Alves
- Department of Biology, Center of Biological and Health Sciences, Paraíba State University, Campina Grande, Paraíba, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Ecology and Conservation, Department of Biology, Paraíba State University, Campina Grande, Paraíba, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Ethnobiology and Nature Conservation, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
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Aron MB, Mulwafu M, Mailosi B, Kreuels B, Dullie L, Kachimanga C, Blessmann J, Ndarama E, Sambani C, Munyaneza F, Rosenthal A. Experiences and practices of traditional healers on snakebite treatment and prevention in rural Malawi. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011653. [PMID: 37792697 PMCID: PMC10550111 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Snakebite envenoming remains a public health threat in many tropical countries including Malawi. Traditional healers (THs) have been consulted by victims of snakebites as primary caregivers for millennia. There are no studies in Malawi to understand this phenomenon, therefore, our study aimed to explore the experiences and practices of THs regarding snakebite treatment and prevention in rural Malawi. Between August and September 2022, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 16 THs who were purposefully selected from various locations across Neno District, Malawi. We analysed the interview data using Dedoose software, where we generated codes and grouped them into themes. Out of the 16 THs interviewed, 68.8% (n = 11) were male, and 43.8% were aged between 40 and 60 years. Our study identified five themes: THs' knowledge of snakes and treatment, the continuum of care they provide, payment procedures, snakebite prevention, and their relationship with health facilities. They claimed a good understanding of the snakes in their area, including the seasons with more snakebites, and were confident in their ability to provide treatment, however, this was not scientifically proven. They offered a comprehensive care package, including diagnosis, first aid, main treatment, and follow-up care to monitor the victim's condition and adjust treatment as needed. THs provide free treatment for snakebites or use a "pay later" model of service delivery. All THs claimed a "vaccine" for snakebites that could prevent bites or neutralize the venom. However, no formal relationship existed between THs and Health Care Workers (HCWs). We recommend collaboration between HCWs and THs, establishing clear referral pathways for snakebite victims and educating THs on identifying danger signs requiring prompt referral to healthcare facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moses Banda Aron
- Partners In Health / Abwenzi Pa Za Umoyo, Neno, Malawi
- Research Group Snakebite Envenoming, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | | | - Benno Kreuels
- Research Group Snakebite Envenoming, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
- Section for Tropical Medicine, I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg, Germany
| | | | | | - Jörg Blessmann
- Research Group Snakebite Envenoming, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Enoch Ndarama
- Neno District Health Office, Ministry of Health, Neno, Malawi
| | - Clara Sambani
- Department of Research, Ministry of Health, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | | | - Anat Rosenthal
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beersheba, Israel
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Rathnayaka RMMKN, Ranathunga PEAN, Kularatne SAM. Long-term health manifestations of hump-nosed pit viper (Genus: Hypnale) bites. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2023; 61:680-686. [PMID: 37882639 DOI: 10.1080/15563650.2023.2265549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The hump-nosed pit viper (Genus: Hypnale) is a highly medically significant snake in Sri Lanka, responsible for the majority of venomous snakebites (22-77%). They are found throughout Sri Lanka and the Western Ghats region of India. The venom can lead to two types of effects: acute and long-term. Acutely, bites often result in local symptoms, with less common systemic effects such as acute kidney injury, venom-induced consumption coagulopathy, and thrombotic microangiopathy. METHODS We conducted a prospective observational study at Teaching Hospital Ratnapura, Sri Lanka, spanning six years, starting in June 2015. Patients bitten by hump-nosed pit vipers were followed up for two years, with assessments every three months to identify long-term effects. Data was gathered through interviewer-administered questionnaires. RESULTS Out of 728 patients bitten by hump-nosed pit vipers, 22 (3%) were lost to follow-up. Forty-four (6.2%) experienced long-term effects, including chronic kidney disease (24; 3.4%), chronic wounds (five; 0.7%), amputations (five; 0.7%), fasciotomy-related wounds (four; 0.6%), and psychological illnesses (four; 0.6%). There were nine (1.3%) deaths in this group. Among those with chronic effects, 27 (61%) were males, and 17 (39%) were females, with ages ranging from 29 to 82 years (mean 57.6 years). The time it took to diagnose acute kidney injury from the snakebite was 18 h (interquartile range: 15-23.5 h), while the time to diagnose chronic kidney disease was 69 days (interquartile range: 64-74.75 days). In these patients, the estimated glomerular filtration rate was 29.3 mL/min/1.73 m2 (interquartile range: 14-50.75 mL/min/1.73 m2). Among the patients who did not develop long-term complications (662; 91%) 660 (90.7%) experienced local effects, and 82 (11.3%) developed systemic manifestations, including acute kidney injury in 60 (8%) and coagulopathy in 35 (5%). CONCLUSION Following hump-nosed pit viper bites, a subset of patients may experience long-term health complications, including chronic kidney disease, chronic ulcers, amputations, fasciotomy-related wounds, and psychological illnesses, with chronic kidney disease being the most frequently observed among these manifestations.
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Affiliation(s)
- R M M K Namal Rathnayaka
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, Ratnapura, Sri Lanka
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
- Intensive care unit, Teaching Hospital, Ratnapura, Sri Lanka
| | | | - S A M Kularatne
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
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Kachhwaha A, Kumar A, Garg P, Sharma A, Garg MK, Gopalakrishnan M. Delayed Compression Paralysis Following an Iliopsoas Hematoma 30 Days After Saw-Scaled Viper (Echis carinatus sochureki) Envenoming: A Case Report. Wilderness Environ Med 2023; 34:366-371. [PMID: 37179190 DOI: 10.1016/j.wem.2023.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Snakebite envenoming is a neglected tropical disease disproportionately affecting the rural and marginalized population in low-middle-income countries. The saw-scaled viper (Echis carinatus) is a clinically important snake that causes serious morbidity and mortality in the Indian subcontinent. Even though it is within the so-called big-four snakes against which polyvalent antivenom is available throughout India, reports of antivenom ineffectiveness are emerging in saw-scaled viper envenoming, especially around Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India. This case report highlights a patient with saw-scaled viper envenoming with an ineffective antivenom response complicated by acute kidney injury as well as local and systemic bleeding complications, which subsequently resulted in a pelvic hematoma that compressed the lumbosacral nerves, causing lower-limb weakness and sensory deficits. He was successfully managed with hematoma aspiration and supportive care. This case brings into focus the challenges of managing saw-scaled viper envenoming in this region with antivenom ineffectiveness, resulting in delayed and significant coagulopathy and its complications leading to prolonged hospital stay and morbidity. Our report spotlights less emphasized aspects of long-term morbidity in snakebite survivors, such as loss of working days and productivity. We also highlight the need for an organized system of long-term follow-up of snakebite survivors to screen for possible complications and manage them early.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arjun Kachhwaha
- Department of Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, India
| | - Akhilesh Kumar
- Department of Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, India
| | - Pawan Garg
- Department of Interventional Radiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, India
| | - Ankur Sharma
- Department of Anesthesiology and critical care, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, India
| | - Mahendra K Garg
- Department of Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, India
| | - Maya Gopalakrishnan
- Department of Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, India.
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de Farias AS, Cristino JS, da Costa Arévalo M, Carneiro Junior A, Gomes Filho MR, Ambrosio SA, Nickenig Vissoci J, Wen FH, Azevedo Machado V, Sachett J, Monteiro W. Children Growing Up with Severe Disabilities as a Result of Snakebite Envenomations in Indigenous Villages of the Brazilian Amazon: Three Cases and Narratives. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:352. [PMID: 37368653 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15060352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Snakebites are a major public health problem in the Brazilian Amazon and may lead to local complications and physical deficiencies. Access to antivenom treatment is poorer in indigenous populations compared to other populations. In this study, we report three cases of long-term severe disabilities as a result of Bothrops atrox snakebites in indigenous children, according to the narratives of the parents. The three cases evolved to compartment syndrome, secondary bacterial infection and extensive necrosis. The cases are associated with delayed antivenom treatment due to very fragmented therapeutic itineraries, which are marked by several changes in means of transport along the route. The loss of autonomy at such an early stage of life due to a disability caused by a snakebite, as observed in this study, may deprive children of sensory and social experiences and of learning their future roles in the community. In common to all cases, there was precarious access to rehabilitation services, which are generally centralized in the state capital, and which leads to a prolonged hospitalization of patients with severe snakebite, and distances them from their territory and family and community ties. Prospective studies should be conducted in the Amazon that estimate the burden of disabilities from snakebites in order to formulate public policies for the treatment and rehabilitation of patients through culturally tailored interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Altair Seabra de Farias
- Escola Superior de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas, Manaus 69065-001, Brazil
- Diretoria de Ensino e Pesquisa, Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus 69040-000, Brazil
| | - Joseir Saturnino Cristino
- Escola Superior de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas, Manaus 69065-001, Brazil
- Diretoria de Ensino e Pesquisa, Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus 69040-000, Brazil
| | - Macio da Costa Arévalo
- Distrito Sanitário Especial Indígena Alto Rio Solimões, Secretaria Especial de Saúde Indígena, Tabatinga 69640-000, Brazil
| | - Alceonir Carneiro Junior
- Distrito Sanitário Especial Indígena Manaus, Secretaria Especial de Saúde Indígena, Manaus 69050-010, Brazil
| | - Manoel Rodrigues Gomes Filho
- Distrito Sanitário Especial Indígena Alto Rio Solimões, Secretaria Especial de Saúde Indígena, Tabatinga 69640-000, Brazil
| | | | - João Nickenig Vissoci
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Fan Hui Wen
- Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil
| | - Vinícius Azevedo Machado
- Escola Superior de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas, Manaus 69065-001, Brazil
- Diretoria de Ensino e Pesquisa, Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus 69040-000, Brazil
| | - Jacqueline Sachett
- Escola Superior de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas, Manaus 69065-001, Brazil
- Diretoria de Ensino e Pesquisa, Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus 69040-000, Brazil
- Diretoria de Ensino e Pesquisa, Fundação Alfredo da Matta, Manaus 69065-130, Brazil
| | - Wuelton Monteiro
- Escola Superior de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas, Manaus 69065-001, Brazil
- Diretoria de Ensino e Pesquisa, Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus 69040-000, Brazil
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Yousefi M, Yousefkhani SH, Grünig M, Kafash A, Rajabizadeh M, Pouyani ER. Identifying high snakebite risk area under climate change for community education and antivenom distribution. Sci Rep 2023; 13:8191. [PMID: 37210435 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-35314-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Snakebite is one of the largest risks from wildlife, however little is known about venomous snake distribution, spatial variation in snakebite risk, potential changes in snakebite risk pattern due to climate change, and vulnerable human population. As a consequence, management and prevention of snakebite is hampered by this lack of information. Here we used habitat suitability modeling for 10 medically important venomous snakes to identify high snakebite risk area under climate change in Iran. We identified areas with high snakebite risk in Iran and showed that snakebite risk will increase in some parts of the country. Our results also revealed that mountainous areas (Zagros, Alborz, Kopet-Dagh mountains) will experience highest changes in species composition. We underline that in order to improve snakebite management, areas which were identified with high snakebite risk in Iran need to be prioritized for the distribution of antivenom medication and awareness rising programs among vulnerable human population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masoud Yousefi
- Department of Animal Science, School of Biology, Damghan University, Damghan, Iran.
- LIB, Museum Koenig, Bonn, Leibniz Institute for the Analysis of Biodiversity Change, Adenauerallee 127, 53113, Bonn, Germany.
| | | | - Marc Grünig
- Ecosystem Dynamics and Forest Management Group, School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich (TUM), 85354, Freising, Germany
| | - Anooshe Kafash
- Department of Environmental Science, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran
| | - Mahdi Rajabizadeh
- Department of Biodiversity, Institute of Science and High Technology and Environmental Sciences, Graduate University of Advanced Technology, Kerman, 7631133131, Iran
- AI.Nature Team, INRIA Startup Studio, 2 Rue Simone IFF, 75012, Paris, France
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Senthilkumaran S, Salim A, Almeida JR, Williams J, Vijayakumar P, Thirunavukarasu A, Christopoulos MA, Williams HF, Thirumalaikolundusubramanian P, Patel K, Vaiyapuri S. The Effectiveness of Antibiotics in Managing Bacterial Infections on Bite Sites following Snakebite Envenomation. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:190. [PMID: 36977081 PMCID: PMC10057039 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15030190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Snakebite envenomation (SBE) is a life-threatening medical emergency with a high mortality rate. Common secondary complications following SBE, such as wound infections, are significant due to their impact on worsening local tissue damage and causing systemic infection. Antivenoms are not effective to treat wound infections following SBE. Moreover, in several rural clinical settings, broad-spectrum antibiotics are often used without clear guidelines or based on limited laboratory data, resulting in undesirable side effects and exacerbated treatment costs. Therefore, robust antibiotic strategies should be developed to tackle this critical issue. Currently, there is limited information available on the bacterial profiles of SBE-induced infections and antibiotic susceptibility. Hence, it is essential to improve the knowledge of bacterial profiles and their antibiotic sensitivity in SBE victims to develop better treatment strategies. This study aimed to address this issue by examining the bacterial profiles of SBE victims with a specific focus on Russell's viper envenomation. The most frequently found bacteria in the bites of SBE victims were Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella sp., Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Linezolid, clindamycin, colistin, meropenem, and amikacin were some of the most effective antibiotics for commonly grown bacteria in SBE victims. Similarly, ciprofloxacin, ampicillin, amoxiclave, cefixime, and tetracyclin were the least effective antibiotics for common bacteria found in the wound swabs of SBE victims. These data provide robust guidance for infection management following SBE and offer useful insights to aid in designing effective treatment protocols for SBE with serious wound infections in rural areas where laboratory facilities may not be readily available.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anika Salim
- School of Pharmacy, University of Reading, Reading RG6 6UB, UK
| | - José R Almeida
- School of Pharmacy, University of Reading, Reading RG6 6UB, UK
| | - Jarred Williams
- School of Pharmacy, University of Reading, Reading RG6 6UB, UK
| | | | | | | | - Harry F Williams
- Toxiven Biotech Private Limited, Coimbatore 641042, Tamil Nadu, India
| | | | - Ketan Patel
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Reading RG6 6UB, UK
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12
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Quiroz S, Henao Castañeda IC, Granados J, Patiño AC, Preciado LM, Pereañez JA. Inhibitory Effects of Varespladib, CP471474, and Their Potential Synergistic Activity on Bothrops asper and Crotalus durissus cumanensis Venoms. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27238588. [PMID: 36500682 PMCID: PMC9737558 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27238588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Snakebite is a neglected tropical disease that causes extensive mortality and morbidity in rural communities. Antivenim sera are the currently approved therapy for snake bites; however, they have some therapeutic limitations that have been extensively documented. Recently, small molecule toxin inhibitors have received significant attention as potential alternatives or co-adjuvant to immunoglobulin-based snakebite therapies. Thus, in this study, we evaluated the inhibitory effects of the phospholipase A2 inhibitor varespladib and the metalloproteinase inhibitor CP471474 and their synergistic effects on the lethal, edema-forming, hemorrhagic, and myotoxic activities of Bothrops asper and Crotalus durissus cumanensis venoms from Colombia. Except for the preincubation assay of the lethal activity with B. asper venom, the mixture showed the best inhibitory activity. Nevertheless, the mix did not display statistically significant differences to varespladib and CP471474 used separately in all assays. In preincubation assays, varespladib showed the best inhibitory activity against the lethal effect induced by B. asper venom. However, in independent injection assays, the mix of the compounds partially inhibited the lethal activity of both venoms (50%). In addition, in the assays to test the inhibition of edema-forming activity, the mixture exhibited the best inhibitory activity, followed by Varespladib, but without statistically significant differences (p > 0.05). The combination also decreased the myotoxic activity of evaluated venoms. In these assays, the mix showed statistical differences regarding CP471474 (p < 0.05). The mixture also abolished the hemorrhagic activity of B. asper venom in preincubation assays, with no statistical differences to CP471474. Finally, the mixture showed inhibition in studies with independent administration in a time-dependent manner. To propose a mode of action of varespladib and CP471474, molecular docking was performed. PLA2s and SVMPs from tested venoms were used as targets. In all cases, our molecular modeling results suggested that inhibitors may occupy the substrate-binding cleft of the enzymes, which was supported by specific interaction with amino acids from the active site, such as His48 for PLA2s and Glu143 for the metalloproteinase. In addition, varespladib and CP471474 also showed interaction with residues from the hydrophobic channel in PLA2s and substrate binding subsites in the SVMP. Our results suggest a synergistic action of the mixed inhibitors and show the potential of varespladib, CP471474, and their mixture to generate new treatments for snakebite envenoming with application in the field or as antivenom co-adjuvants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Quiroz
- Research Group in Toxinology, Pharmaceutical, and Food Alternatives, Pharmaceutical and Food Sciences Faculty, University of Antioquia, Medellín 50010, Colombia
| | - Isabel C. Henao Castañeda
- Research Group in Marine Natural Products, Pharmaceutical and Food Sciences Faculty, University of Antioquia, Medellín 050010, Colombia
| | - Johan Granados
- Research Group in Pharmaceutical Promotion and Prevention, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín 050010, Colombia
| | - Arley Camilo Patiño
- Research Group in Toxinology, Pharmaceutical, and Food Alternatives, Pharmaceutical and Food Sciences Faculty, University of Antioquia, Medellín 50010, Colombia
| | - Lina María Preciado
- Research Group in Toxinology, Pharmaceutical, and Food Alternatives, Pharmaceutical and Food Sciences Faculty, University of Antioquia, Medellín 50010, Colombia
- Correspondence: (L.M.P.); (J.A.P.)
| | - Jaime Andrés Pereañez
- Research Group in Toxinology, Pharmaceutical, and Food Alternatives, Pharmaceutical and Food Sciences Faculty, University of Antioquia, Medellín 50010, Colombia
- Correspondence: (L.M.P.); (J.A.P.)
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13
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Steinhorst J, Tianyi FL, Habib AG, Oluoch GO, Lalloo DG, Stienstra Y. Uniting behind a common goal: Collaboration between traditional healers and allopathic health care workers to improve rural snakebite care. Toxicon X 2022; 16:100140. [PMID: 36353448 PMCID: PMC9637966 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxcx.2022.100140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Snakebite envenoming is an acute medical emergency which affects hundreds of thousands of people worldwide, primarily in remote rural areas of low-and middle income countries in the Global South. A considerable proportion of snakebite patients turn to traditional healers (THs) for help, driven by a number of push and pull factors. These include socio-cultural factors, geographical proximity, and the absence or inaccessibility of overstretched and often costly allopathic healthcare services. Although traditional healers and allopathic healthcare staff share a common focus -the recovery and well-being of their patients- both systems operate largely in parallel to each other with collaborations being an exception rather than the rule. This is to the detriment of snakebite patients, who frequently find themselves being caught-up in the dualism between the two separate systems. Given the right circumstances, snakebite patients could benefit from elements of care from both modalities. Here, we have reviewed the role of THs in snakebite care and explored how their integration into the formal healthcare system could improve the implementation and outcome of care. The effective recruitment of THs to aid in disease control and treatment efforts in diseases other than snakebite underscores the potential benefits of this strategy. Carefully devised proof of concept studies are needed to test our hypothesis that collaborations between the formal healthcare sector and THs are feasible and improve outcomes in snakebite care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Steinhorst
- University of Groningen, Department of Internal Medicine/Infectious Diseases, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Frank-Leonel Tianyi
- Centre for Snakebite Research and Interventions, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Abdulrazaq Garba Habib
- Infectious Disease and Tropical Medicine Unit, Department of Medicine, College of Health Science, Bayero University Kano, Nigeria
| | - George O. Oluoch
- Kenya Snakebite Research & Intervention Centre, Institute of Primate Research, Karen, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - David G. Lalloo
- Centre for Snakebite Research and Interventions, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Ymkje Stienstra
- University of Groningen, Department of Internal Medicine/Infectious Diseases, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands,Centre for Snakebite Research and Interventions, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom,Corresponding author. CSRI Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place Liverpool L3 5QA, United Kingdom.
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14
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Gibert RG, Maag DW, Sanders LN, Clark RW. Investigating personality in vipers: individual rattlesnakes exhibit consistent behavioral responses in defensive and exploratory contexts. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-022-03239-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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15
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Cavalcante JS, Borges da Silva WRG, de Oliveira LA, Brito IMC, Muller KS, J Vidal IS, Dos Santos LD, Jorge RJB, Almeida C, de Lima Bicho C. Blood plasma proteome alteration after local tissue damage induced by Bothrops erythromelas snake venom in mice. J Proteomics 2022; 269:104742. [PMID: 36174952 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2022.104742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Revised: 09/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Snakes of the genus Bothrops are responsible the most snakebites in the Brazil, causing a diverse and complex pathophysiological condition. Bothrops erythromelas is the main specie of medical relevance found in the Caatinga from the Brazilian Northeast region. The pathophysiological effects involving B. erythromelas snakebite as well as the organism reaction in response to this envenomation are not so explored. Thus, edema was induced in mice paws using 2.5 μg or 5.0 μg of B. erythromelas venom, and the percentage of edema was measured. Plasma was collected 30 minutes after the envenomation-induced in mice and analyzed by mass spectrometry. It was identified a total of 112 common plasma proteins differentially abundant among experimental groups, which are involved with the complement system and coagulation cascades, oxidative stress, neutrophil degranulation, platelets degranulation and inflammatory response. Apolipoprotein A1 (Apoa), serum amyloid protein A-4 (Saa4), adiponectin (Adipoq) showed up-regulated in mice plasma after injection of venom, while fibulin (Fbln1), factor XII (F12) and vitamin K-dependent protein Z (Proz) showed down-regulated. The results indicate a protein pattern of thrombo-inflammation to the B. erythromelas snakebite, evidencing potential biomarkers for monitoring this snakebite, new therapeutic targets and its correlations with the degree of envenomation once showed modulations in the abundance among the different groups according to the amount of venom injected into the mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joeliton S Cavalcante
- Graduate Program in Tropical Diseases, Botucatu Medical School (FMB), São Paulo University (UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Weslley Ruan G Borges da Silva
- Department of Biology, Center of Biological and Health Sciences, Paraíba State University (UEPB), Campina Grande, Paraíba, Brazil
| | - Laudicéia Alves de Oliveira
- Graduate Program in Tropical Diseases, Botucatu Medical School (FMB), São Paulo University (UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ingrid Mayara C Brito
- Graduate Program in Tropical Diseases, Botucatu Medical School (FMB), São Paulo University (UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Kevin S Muller
- Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo University (UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ivynna Suellen J Vidal
- Graduate Program in Translational Medicine, Drug Research and Development Center, Federal University of Ceará (UFC), Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Lucilene Delazari Dos Santos
- Graduate Program in Tropical Diseases, Botucatu Medical School (FMB), São Paulo University (UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil; Biotechnology Institute (IBTEC), São Paulo University (UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Roberta Jeane Bezerra Jorge
- Drug Research and Development Center, Federal University of Ceará (UFC), Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Federal University of Ceará (UFC), Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Cayo Almeida
- Center of Mathematics, Computing Sciences and Cognition, Federal University of ABC, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Carla de Lima Bicho
- Department of Biology, Center of Biological and Health Sciences, Paraíba State University (UEPB), Campina Grande, Paraíba, Brazil
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Waiddyanatha S, Silva A, Weerakoon K, Siribaddana S, Isbister GK. Long-term health effects perceived by snakebite patients in rural Sri Lanka: A cohort study. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010723. [PMID: 36048902 PMCID: PMC9473613 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The acute effects of snakebite are often emphasized, with less information on long-term effects. We aimed to describe the long-term health effects perceived by patients followed up after confirmed snakebites. Two groups of snakebite patients (>18y) from the Anuradhapura snakebite cohort were reviewed: Group I had a snakebite during August 2013-October 2014 and was reviewed after 4 years, and group II had a snakebite during May 2017-August 2018, and was reviewed after one year. Patients were invited by telephone, by sending letters, or doing home visits, including 199 of 736 patients (27%) discharged alive from group I and 168 of 438 patients (38%) from group II, a total of 367 followed up. Health effects were categorised as musculoskeletal, impact on daily life, and medically unexplained. Health issues were attributed to snakebite in 107/199 patients (54%) from group I and 55/168 patients (33%) from group II, suggesting the proportion with health issues increases with time. Sixteen patients (all viperine bites) had permanent musculoskeletal problems, none with a significant functional disability affecting daily routine. 217/367 reported being more vigilant about snakes while working outdoors, but only 21/367 were using protective footwear at review. Of 275 farmers reviewed, only six (2%) had restricted farming activities due to fear of snakebite, and only one stopped farming. 104/199 (52%) of group I and 42/168 (25%) of group II attributed non-specific symptoms (fatigue, body aches, pain, visual impairment) and/or oral cavity-related symptoms (avulsed teeth, loose teeth, receding gums) to the snakebite, which cannot be explained medically. In multivariate logistic regression, farming, type of snake, antivenom administration, and time since snakebite were associated with medically unexplained symptoms. The latter suggests medically unexplained effects increased with time. Based on two groups of snakebite patients reviewed one and four years post-bite, we show that long-term musculoskeletal disabilities are uncommon and not severe in snakebite survivors in rural Sri Lanka. However, a large portion of patients complain of various non-specific general and oral symptoms, not explainable based on the known pathophysiology of snakebite. These perceived effects of snakebite were more common in patients with systemic envenoming, and were more frequent the longer the time post-bite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subodha Waiddyanatha
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Allied Sciences, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Saliyapura, Sri Lanka
- South Asian Clinical Toxicology Research Collaboration (SACTRC), Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
| | - Anjana Silva
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Allied Sciences, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Saliyapura, Sri Lanka
- South Asian Clinical Toxicology Research Collaboration (SACTRC), Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
- Monash Venom Group, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Australia
| | - Kosala Weerakoon
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Allied Sciences, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Saliyapura, Sri Lanka
| | - Sisira Siribaddana
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Allied Sciences, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Saliyapura, Sri Lanka
| | - Geoffrey K. Isbister
- South Asian Clinical Toxicology Research Collaboration (SACTRC), Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
- Clinical Toxicology Research Group, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
- * E-mail:
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17
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Bibliometric Analysis of Literature in Snake Venom-Related Research Worldwide (1933–2022). Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12162058. [PMID: 36009648 PMCID: PMC9405337 DOI: 10.3390/ani12162058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Around the world, snake envenomation poses a serious health risk. Proteins with pharmacological effects are present in snake venom. Recent studies elaborate snake venom and its potential application, including as a cancer drug and antibacterial substances. Our study aimed to analyze the global profile of the literature in snake venom research from documents indexed in the Scopus database between 1933 and 2022. In total, 2999 documents were published with Brazil showing the highest productivity. Antivenom, proteomics, and transcriptomics are emerging as hot topics on a global scale. The present study offers a distinctive overview of snake venom research conducted worldwide. Abstract Snake envenomation is a severe economic and health concern affecting countries worldwide. Snake venom carries a wide variety of small peptides and proteins with various immunological and pharmacological properties. A few key research areas related to snake venom, including its applications in treating cancer and eradicating antibiotic-resistant bacteria, have been gaining significant attention in recent years. The goal of the current study was to analyze the global profile of literature in snake venom research. This study presents a bibliometric review of snake venom-related research documents indexed in the Scopus database between 1933 and 2022. The overall number of documents published on a global scale was 2999, with an average annual production of 34 documents. Brazil produced the highest number of documents (n = 729), followed by the United States (n = 548), Australia (n = 240), and Costa Rica (n = 235). Since 1963, the number of publications has been steadily increasing globally. At a worldwide level, antivenom, proteomics, and transcriptomics are growing hot issues for research in this field. The current research provides a unique overview of snake venom research at global level from 1933 through 2022, and it may be beneficial in guiding future research.
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Schurer JM, Hirwa EM, Masimbi O, Nduwayezu R. Knowledge, attitudes, and practices: a quantitative assessment of hospital physicians and medical interns treating snakebite envenomation in Rwanda. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2022; 116:645-654. [DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trab187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Snakebite envenomation (SBE) is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that most often targets rural, subsistence-based farmers in sub-Saharan Africa. Rwanda is home to 13 venomous and medically important snake species. Those bitten are known to seek care from traditional healers and/or formal health facilities. No information is available on patient management at government health facilities.
Methods
This quantitative evaluation aimed to characterize knowledge, attitudes and practices related to snakebite management in Rwanda. Target respondents included physicians working at hospitals with the highest SBE caseload and medical interns. Respondents were asked to complete questionnaires on paper or online through Qualtrics.
Results
Overall, 105 physicians and 171 interns agreed to participate. Our findings suggest that overall knowledge scores were low for both groups (mean 49.4%, minimum–maximum 31.3–70.8%). Respondents were keen to receive SBE training but often lacked essential supplies needed to adhere to recommended guidelines for SBE management. One-third of respondents (34.8%) believed that traditional healers could manage SBE successfully and two-thirds (66.3%) felt that black stone therapy was an appropriate first aid practice.
Conclusions
These findings indicate a clear need for improved curricula related to SBE, enhanced supply chain management and practical mechanisms for supporting clinicians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janna M Schurer
- Center for One Health, University of Global Health Equity , Kigali, Rwanda
- Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University , North Grafton, MA, USA
| | - Elise M Hirwa
- Center for One Health, University of Global Health Equity , Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Ornella Masimbi
- Educational Development and Quality Center, University of Global Health Equity , Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Richard Nduwayezu
- School of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Rwanda , Kigali, Rwanda
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Snakebite Treatment in Tanzania: Identifying Gaps in Community Practices and Hospital Resources. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19084701. [PMID: 35457571 PMCID: PMC9024466 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19084701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Snakebite envenoming causes more than 140,000 deaths annually and at least triple this number of disabilities. The World Health Organization classified snakebite as a Neglected Tropical Disease in 2017 and developed a strategy to halve death and disability from snakebite by 2030. To achieve this goal, snakebite victims need to receive safe and effective treatment. This descriptive, cross-sectional study surveyed student health professionals (N = 312) in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and was designed to identify major gaps in community practices and hospital resources for snakebite treatment. Participants reported using traditional community practices (44%, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 39–50%), allopathic practices (7%, 95% CI = 5–11%), or a combination of both (49%, 95% CI = 43–54%) to treat snakebite. Harmful practices included tight arterial tourniquets (46%, 95% CI = 41–52%) and wound incisions (15%, 95% CI = 11–19%). Many participants (35%, 95% CI = 29–40%) also turned to traditional healers. Students who treated snakebite injuries within the last 5 years (N = 69) also reported their general experiences with snakebite in hospitals. Hospitals often lacked essential resources to treat snakebite victims, and 44% (95% CI = 30–59%) of snakebite victims arrived at a hospital only three or more hours after the bite. A significant percentage of snakebite victims experienced lasting damage (32%, 95% CI = 20–47%) or death (14%, 95% CI = 7–25%). Snakebite outcomes could likely be improved if hospitals were universally and consistently equipped with the essential resources to treat snakebite victims, such as antivenoms. Educational interventions aimed at communities should focus on discouraging tourniquet use and tampering with the wound. Collaboration between the allopathic and traditional health system could further boost snakebite outcomes because traditional healers are often the first health workers to see snakebite victims.
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