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Campbell SID, Chow CY, Neri-Castro E, Alagón A, Gómez A, Soria R, King GF, Fry BG. Taking the sting out of scorpions: Electrophysiological investigation of the relative efficacy of three antivenoms against medically significant Centruroides species. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2024; 283:109977. [PMID: 39025425 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2024.109977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 06/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
In this study, we report the innovative application of whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology in assessing broad-spectrum neutralisation by three different antivenoms, of venoms from the medically significant scorpion genus Centruroides. Envenomations by as many as 21 species from the Centruroides genus result in up to 300,000 envenomations per year in Mexico, which poses significant and potentially life-threatening pathophysiology. We first evaluated the in vitro manifestation of envenomation against two human voltage-gated sodium (hNaV) channel subtypes: hNaV1.4 and hNaV1.5, which are primarily expressed in skeletal muscles and cardiomyocytes, respectively. The neutralisation of venom activity was then characterised for three different antivenoms using a direct competition model against the more potent target, hNaV1.4. While broad-spectrum neutralisation was identified, variation in neutralisation arose for Centruroides elegans, C. limpidus, C. noxius and C. suffusus venoms, despite the presence of a number of these venoms within the immunising mixture. This raises questions regarding the truly "broad" neutralisation capacity of the antivenoms. This study not only extends previous validation of the in vitro investigation of antivenom efficacy utilising the whole-cell patch-clamp technique but also underscores the potential of this animal-free model in exploring cross-reactivity, experimental scalability, and most importantly, informing clinical management practices regarding the administration of antivenom in Mexico.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sam I D Campbell
- Adaptive Biotoxicology lab, School of the Environment, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia.
| | - Chun Yuen Chow
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Edgar Neri-Castro
- Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Juárez del Estado de Durango, Av. Universidad s/n. Fracc. Filadelfia, C.P. 35010 Gómez Palacio, Durango, Mexico; Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos 62210, Mexico
| | - Alejandro Alagón
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos 62210, Mexico
| | - Aarón Gómez
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José 11501, Costa Rica
| | - Raúl Soria
- Inosan Biopharma S.A. Arbea Campus Empresarial, Edificio 2. Planta 2, Carretera Fuencarral a Alcobendas, Km. 3.8, 28108 Alcobendas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Glenn F King
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Bryan G Fry
- Adaptive Biotoxicology lab, School of the Environment, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
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Riaño-Umbarila L, Olamendi-Portugal T, Romero-Moreno JA, Delgado-Prudencio G, Zamudio FZ, Becerril B, Possani LD. Toxic Peptides from the Mexican Scorpion Centruroides villegasi: Chemical Structure and Evaluation of Recognition by Human Single-Chain Antibodies. Toxins (Basel) 2024; 16:301. [PMID: 39057941 PMCID: PMC11280942 DOI: 10.3390/toxins16070301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2024] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Alternative recombinant sources of antivenoms have been successfully generated. The application of such strategies requires the characterization of the venoms for the development of specific neutralizing molecules against the toxic components. Five toxic peptides to mammals from the Mexican scorpion Centruroides villegasi were isolated by chromatographic procedures by means of gel filtration on Sephadex G-50, followed by ion-exchange columns on carboxy-methyl-cellulose (CMC) resins and finally purified by high-performance chromatography (HPLC) columns. Their primary structures were determined by Edman degradation. They contain 66 amino acids and are maintained well packed by four disulfide bridges, with molecular mass from 7511.3 to 7750.1 Da. They are all relatively toxic and deadly to mice and show high sequence identity with known peptides that are specific modifiers of the gating mechanisms of Na+ ion channels of type beta-toxin (β-ScTx). They were named Cv1 to Cv5 and used to test their recognition by single-chain variable fragments (scFv) of antibodies, using surface plasmon resonance. Three different scFvs generated in our laboratory (10FG2, HV, LR) were tested for recognizing the various new peptides described here, paving the way for the development of a novel type of scorpion antivenom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidia Riaño-Umbarila
- Investigadora por México, CONAHCYT, Mexico City 03940, Mexico;
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca 62210, Mexico; (T.O.-P.); (J.A.R.-M.); (G.D.-P.); (F.Z.Z.)
| | - Timoteo Olamendi-Portugal
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca 62210, Mexico; (T.O.-P.); (J.A.R.-M.); (G.D.-P.); (F.Z.Z.)
| | - José Alberto Romero-Moreno
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca 62210, Mexico; (T.O.-P.); (J.A.R.-M.); (G.D.-P.); (F.Z.Z.)
| | - Gustavo Delgado-Prudencio
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca 62210, Mexico; (T.O.-P.); (J.A.R.-M.); (G.D.-P.); (F.Z.Z.)
| | - Fernando Z. Zamudio
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca 62210, Mexico; (T.O.-P.); (J.A.R.-M.); (G.D.-P.); (F.Z.Z.)
| | - Baltazar Becerril
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca 62210, Mexico; (T.O.-P.); (J.A.R.-M.); (G.D.-P.); (F.Z.Z.)
| | - Lourival D. Possani
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca 62210, Mexico; (T.O.-P.); (J.A.R.-M.); (G.D.-P.); (F.Z.Z.)
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Araújo KAMD, Torres-Rêgo M, Gurgel-Medeiros T, Silva-Júnior AAD, Leite RDS, Daniele-Silva A, Fernandes-Pedrosa MDF. Epidemiological study in Brazil: Scorpion sting cases in Natal, Rio Grande do Norte. Heliyon 2024; 10:e24190. [PMID: 38293345 PMCID: PMC10826653 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e24190] [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: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Scorpion sting accidents are a public health problem in the state of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. The increasing and high incidence of cases in urban areas reveals the importance of studies to determine the epidemiological profile and the spatial distribution of these accidents. This is a retrospective study that describes and analyzes the cases of scorpion stings in the city of Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Northeast Brazil, from 2007 to 2018. Data from the Information System database of Notifiable Diseases (SINAN) were obtained from the Secretary of Health of Rio Grande do Norte. 31,368 accidents due to scorpion stings were reported, more frequently in urban areas of Natal, whose Human Development Index is low. The cases occurred predominantly in hot and humid regions, mainly affecting women aged between 30 and 60 years. Most individuals sought medical attention within 3 h of the incident. The severity and mortality of the injured individuals varied according to the area of occurrence, age of the patient, and the local and systemic symptoms presented. Pain, numbness, and edema were the most frequent local symptoms, and systemic symptoms were frequently described as headache, hyperthermia and sweating. Therefore, scorpionism in the city of Natal is an environmental and public health problem, with a significant growth trend (p < 0.05). Through the data collected on the spatial distribution and risks, this approach allows the creation of effective control strategies to prevent accidents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaliany Adja Medeiros de Araújo
- Laboratory of Technology and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (Tecbiofar), College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, General Gustavo Cordeiro de Farias Avenue, S/N, Petrópolis, Natal, 59012-570, Brazil
| | - Manoela Torres-Rêgo
- Laboratory of Technology and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (Tecbiofar), College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, General Gustavo Cordeiro de Farias Avenue, S/N, Petrópolis, Natal, 59012-570, Brazil
- Graduate Program of Chemistry, Chemistry Institute, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Senador Salgado Filho Avenue, 3000, Lagoa Nova, Natal, 59072-970, Brazil
| | - Thaynara Gurgel-Medeiros
- Laboratory of Technology and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (Tecbiofar), College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, General Gustavo Cordeiro de Farias Avenue, S/N, Petrópolis, Natal, 59012-570, Brazil
| | - Arnóbio Antônio da Silva-Júnior
- Laboratory of Technology and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (Tecbiofar), College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, General Gustavo Cordeiro de Farias Avenue, S/N, Petrópolis, Natal, 59012-570, Brazil
| | - Renner de Souza Leite
- Graduate Program of Physiological Sciences Federal University of Campina Grande, Olho D’água da Bica, S/N, Cuité, Paraíba, 59072-970, Brazil
| | - Alessandra Daniele-Silva
- Laboratory of Technology and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (Tecbiofar), College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, General Gustavo Cordeiro de Farias Avenue, S/N, Petrópolis, Natal, 59012-570, Brazil
| | - Matheus de Freitas Fernandes-Pedrosa
- Laboratory of Technology and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (Tecbiofar), College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, General Gustavo Cordeiro de Farias Avenue, S/N, Petrópolis, Natal, 59012-570, Brazil
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Díaz C, Serna-Gonzalez M, Chang-Castillo A, Lomonte B, Bonilla F, Alfaro-Chinchilla A, Triana F, Sasa M. Proteomic profile of the venom of three dark-colored Tityus (Scorpiones: Buthidae) from the tropical rainforests of Costa Rica. Acta Trop 2023; 248:107031. [PMID: 37777039 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.107031] [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: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We aimed to elucidate the potential differences in the venom peptide sequences of three Tityus species from Costa Rican rainforests: T. jaimei, T. championi and T. dedoslargos, compared to T. cf. asthenes from Colombia, which could explain the low level of scorpionism in Costa Rica, evidenced by the lack of epidemiological data. METHODOLOGY We applied venom proteomics of peptides purified by RP-HPLC and compared the obtained sequences from venoms of these Tityus species to the sequences previously identified from Tityus inhabiting other Central and South American regions. RESULTS Venom proteome analysis evidences that most of the putative peptide toxins identified in Costa Rican dark-colored Tityus are very similar to those present in other T. (Atreus) from the region. CONCLUSIONS Our study suggests that, in the case of potential envenomation by Tityus in Costa Rica, the same level of toxicity should be observed, compared to other cases caused by members of the subgenus from other geographical localities. On the other hand, compared to countries with more accelerated urban expansion, Costa Rican Tityus still inhabit secondary rainforests and do not commonly share the same spaces with humans, so the lack of epidemiological evidence of medical emergencies caused by envenoming by this scorpion group could be more related to ecological and demographic factors and less attributed to the characteristics of the venom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Díaz
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica; Departamento de Bioquímica, Escuela de Medicina, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica.
| | | | - Arturo Chang-Castillo
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Bruno Lomonte
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Fabián Bonilla
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Adriana Alfaro-Chinchilla
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Felipe Triana
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Mahmood Sasa
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica; Museo de Zoología, Centro de Investigación en Biodiversidad y Ecología Tropical, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
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Valencia-Martínez H, Riaño-Umbarila L, Olamendi-Portugal T, Romero-Moreno JA, Possani LD, Becerril B. Neutralization of Centruroides tecomanus scorpion venom by the use of two human recombinant antibody fragments. Mol Immunol 2023; 164:79-87. [PMID: 37980772 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2023.11.001] [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: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
The first toxic component identified against mammals in the venom from Centruroides tecomanus scorpion from Colima, Mexico was Ct1a toxin, which was neutralized by human single chain variable fragment (scFv) RAS27. Venom characterization from these scorpions collected on the Pacific coast of Colima, enabled the identification of a second component of medical importance named Ct71 toxin. Amino acid sequence of Ct71 shares a high identity with Chui5 toxin from C. huichol scorpion, which was neutralized by scFv HV. For this reason, the kinetic parameters of interaction between Ct71 toxin and scFv HV were determined by surface plasmon resonance. Results showed a significantly higher affinity for Ct71 as compared to Chui5. As expected, this toxin was neutralized by scFv HV. The injection of a mixture of scFvs HV and RAS27, resulted in the neutralization of C. tecomanus venom, corroborating that human recombinant antibody fragments can efficiently contribute to the neutralization of medically important toxins and their respective venoms from Mexican scorpions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugo Valencia-Martínez
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Apartado Postal 510-3, Cuernavaca, 62250, Mexico
| | - Lidia Riaño-Umbarila
- Investigadora por México, CONAHCyT-Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Apartado Postal 510-3, Cuernavaca 62250, Mexico
| | - Timoteo Olamendi-Portugal
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Apartado Postal 510-3, Cuernavaca, 62250, Mexico
| | - José Alberto Romero-Moreno
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Apartado Postal 510-3, Cuernavaca, 62250, Mexico
| | - Lourival D Possani
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Apartado Postal 510-3, Cuernavaca, 62250, Mexico
| | - Baltazar Becerril
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Apartado Postal 510-3, Cuernavaca, 62250, Mexico.
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Carrera-Fernández MC, Herrera-Martínez M, Ordaz-Hernández A, Arreaga-González HM. Medicinal plants from Mexico used in the treatment of scorpion sting. Toxicon 2023; 230:107172. [PMID: 37211060 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2023.107172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Scorpion sting envenomation is a major public health in Mexico. Rural communities rarely have antivenoms in the health centers, therefore, the people commonly resort to using medicinal plants to treat the symptoms of envenoming caused by scorpion venom, but this knowledge has not yet been reported in detail. In this review, we carry out a review of the medicinal plants used in Mexico against scorpion stings. PubMed, Google, Science Direct, and the Digital Library of Mexican Traditional Medicine (DLMTM) were used to collect data. The results showed the use of at least 48 medicinal plants distributed in 26 families, where Fabaceae (14.6%), Lamiaceae (10.4%), and Asteraceae (10.4%) have the maximum representation. The application of leaves (32%) was preferred followed by roots (20%), stem (17.3%), flowers (16%), and bark (8%). In addition, the most common method of use to treat scorpion stings is decoction (32.5%). The oral and topical routes of administration have similar percentages of use. In vitro and in vivo studies of Aristolochia elegans, Bouvardia ternifolia, and Mimosa tenuiflora were found, which showed an antagonistic effect on the contraction of the ileum caused by the venom of C. limpidus, likewise, they increased the LD50 of said venom and even B. ternofila showed reduced albumin extravasation. The results of these studies demonstrate the promising use of medicinal plants for future pharmacological applications; nevertheless, validation, bioactive compound isolation and toxicity studies are necessary to support and improve therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- M C Carrera-Fernández
- Laboratorio Integral de Investigación en Alimentos, Tecnológico Nacional de México/I.T. Tepic, Lagos del Country, Tepic 63175, Nayarit, Mexico.
| | - M Herrera-Martínez
- Instituto de Farmacobiología, Universidad de la Cañada, Carretera Teotitlán - San Antonio Nanahuatipán Km 1.7 s/n., Paraje Titlacuatitla, Teotitlán de Flores Magón, Oaxaca, 68540, Mexico.
| | - A Ordaz-Hernández
- Instituto de Farmacobiología, Universidad de la Cañada, Carretera Teotitlán - San Antonio Nanahuatipán Km 1.7 s/n., Paraje Titlacuatitla, Teotitlán de Flores Magón, Oaxaca, 68540, Mexico.
| | - H M Arreaga-González
- Laboratorio de Principios Bioactivos, Instituto de Agroindustrias, Universidad Tecnológica de la Mixteca, Carretera a Acatlima Km 2.5, Huajuapan de León, Oaxaca, 69000, Mexico.
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Borges A, Graham MR, Cândido DM, Pardal PPO. Amazonian scorpions and scorpionism: integrating toxinological, clinical, and phylogenetic data to combat a human health crisis in the world's most diverse rainfores. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2021; 27:e20210028. [PMID: 34887908 PMCID: PMC8629433 DOI: 10.1590/1678-9199-jvatitd-2021-0028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Venom from Amazonian scorpions of the genus Tityus contains components capable of eliciting a distinct clinical, mostly neurological, syndrome. This contrasts with the mainly autonomic manifestations produced after envenomation by congeneric southern and northern South American species. Herein, we summarize Pan-Amazonian scorpionism by synthesizing available toxinological, clinical, and molecular data gathered from all affected areas in Amazonia, including Brazil, Ecuador, Colombia, Peru, Venezuela, and French Guiana. We searched multiple databases, as well as our own records, for reports of scorpion envenomations in Amazonia by confirmed Tityus spp., and compared the clinical manifestations. To help uncover clinical and venom relationships among problematic species, we explored phylogenetic relationships with a rate-calibrated analysis of mitochondrial COI data from available species. The possible existence of diversity gradients for venom toxic and immunogenic components despite the predicted strong phylogenetic association among species is underscored by discussed clinical and toxinological findings. A multicentric effort, involving all nations affected by this neglected disease, is urgently needed to offer alternatives for treating and understanding this pathology, including the preparation of neutralizing antibodies with a broad range of efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adolfo Borges
- Center for the Development of Scientific Research (CEDIC), Asunción,
Paraguay
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Toxins and Receptors, Institute
of Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Central University of Venezuela,
Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Matthew R. Graham
- Department of Biology, Eastern Connecticut State University,
Willimantic, CT, United States
| | | | - Pedro P. O. Pardal
- Laboratory of Medical Entomology and Venomous Animals, Center of
Tropical Medicine, Federal University of Pará (UFPA), Belém, PA, Brazil
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