The cutaneous cellular infiltrate to stingray envenomization contains increased TIA+ cells

Stingray Envenomation: Consequences of an Embedded Spine

Rays and skates are fish with flattened, pancake-shaped bodies that frequent shallow water, where they often lie hidden under the sand. Some of the batoid species are characterized by a stinger with serrated edges, which is covered by a tegument made up of specialized cells that secrete toxins and enzymes with proteolytic activity. Stingray injuries to humans are common in warm coastal regions. In this report, we present a case of an injury due to the insertion of a barb from a Pacific cownose ray, Rhinoptera steindachneri. We assess the tissue complications due to the retention of the spine in the foot, the subsequent infection that caused tissue necrosis, and the reconstructive surgery performed. Based on previous experience, we highly recommend performing diagnostic procedures such as soft tissue radiographs and MRI to ensure the absence of the barb within the wound and thereby avoid further complications. Current textbook treatment is based on limited scientific studies, case reports, and successful clinical treatment of many victims.

Neglected Venomous Animals and Toxins: Underrated Biotechnological Tools in Drug Development

Among the vast repertoire of animal toxins and venoms selected by nature and evolution, mankind opted to devote its scientific attention—during the last century—to a restricted group of animals, leaving a myriad of toxic creatures aside. There are several underlying and justifiable reasons for this, which include dealing with the public health problems caused by envenoming by such animals. However, these studies became saturated and gave rise to a whole group of animals that become neglected regarding their venoms and secretions. This repertoire of unexplored toxins and venoms bears biotechnological potential, including the development of new technologies, therapeutic agents and diagnostic tools and must, therefore, be assessed. In this review, we will approach such topics through an interconnected historical and scientific perspective that will bring up the major discoveries and innovations in toxinology, achieved by researchers from the Butantan Institute and others, and describe some of the major research outcomes from the study of these neglected animals.

Biochemical characterization and in vitro biological activities of the epithelial cell extracts from Hypanus dipterurus spine

Ocean organisms live in competitive environments that demand the production of poisons and toxins. In some cases, these substances have been used in the pharmaceutical industry for human disease treatments. Most fish poisons generally have potent cytolytic activity, probably through cardiovascular and neuromuscular effects. In the case of marine stingrays, the injuries made by their tail venom apparatus are caused by the mechanical penetration of their sting and a subsequent venom release. This study focused on the evaluation of substances with cytotoxic activity in the epithelium that covers the venom apparatus from the marine stingray Hypanus dipterurus. To demonstrate the above, the hemolytic, proteolytic and cytotoxic capacities of H. dipterurus epithelium substances were determined. Discs impregnated with epithelial extract were used on blood agar plates. The proteolytic activity was analyzed using casein as substrate and for gelatin the liquefaction activity test. To determine the cytotoxicity degree of the extracts, the proliferation and cell viability MTT bioassay was implemented on human cervical carcinoma cells (HeLa). The results showed that no hemolytic or proteolytic activity existed against casein associated with the epithelial extract, but gelatin hydrolysis and cytotoxic activity against the HeLa cell line were observed. This study concludes that the substances found in the epithelium covering the H. dipterurus stingray venom apparatus are a mixture of various proteins, among which, glycosylated anionic proteins represent a potential source of molecules with cytotoxic and hydrolytic activity.

Clinical Examination and Treatment of a Leg Ulcer Caused by a Stingray Puncture

The most frequent causes of leg ulcers include venous incompetency (superficial and deep), arterial insufficiency, trauma, vasculitis, and neoplasm. Leg ulcers from injury by stingrays are quite rare. In this case report, we describe a leg ulcer caused by a stingray sting complicated by infection, which healed completely without surgery. In addition, since there few cases in the literature describing such traumas, we performed a comprehensive review of the literature. Important is the fact that the wound healing was complete without resorting to surgery, but only with a correct targeted antibiotic therapy and the use of a collagenase, which has the particularity of having hyaluronic acid as a component.

Stingray injury to the webspace of the foot

Stingrays are cartilaginous fish that are related to sharks. They are one of the largest groups of venomous marine animals. Stingrays account for 750 to 2000 injuries annually. They are generally passive, reclusive creatures that only sting in self-defense. Most injuries caused by these animals are nonfatal. A stingray possesses between 1 and 4 venomous stings, which are located along the caudal spine. If a stingray injury is sustained, parts of the spine may be left in the lacerations, which prolongs exposure to venom and increases the risk of subsequent wound infection. Stingray venom is unique in its enzymatic composition and results in distinct soft tissue injury patterns. Typically, a pattern of acute inflammation occurs, with a predominantly lymphoid cellular infiltrate followed by necrosis. The environment in which stingray injuries occur presents unique bacterial flora, and subsequent wound infections require careful antibiotic selection.This article describes a case of a healthy 31-year-old woman who sustained a stingray injury to the webspace of the foot while in Costa Rica. Initial basic first aid measures were applied. However, the wound subsequently became infected, and formal irrigation and debridement were performed. The initial wound cultures grew Staphylococcus viridans. Two months postoperatively, the incision was well healed, and the patient was pain free and returned to work.

Occupational health issues in marine and freshwater research

Marine and freshwater scientists are potentially exposed to a wide variety of occupational hazards. Depending on the focus of their research, risks may include animal attacks, physiological stresses, exposure to toxins and carcinogens, and dangerous environmental conditions. Many of these hazards have been investigated amongst the general population in their recreational use of the environment; however, very few studies have specifically related potential hazards to occupational exposure. For example, while the incidence of shark and crocodile attacks may invoke strong emotions and the occupational risk of working with these animals is certainly real, many more people are stung by jellyfish or bitten by snakes or dogs each year. Furthermore, a large proportion of SCUBA-related injuries and deaths are incurred by novice or uncertified divers, rather than professional divers using aquatic environments. Nonetheless, marine and freshwater research remains a potentially risky occupation, and the likelihood of death, injury and long-term health impacts still needs to be seriously considered.

Prise en charge chirurgicale des plaies par raie. À propos de deux cas

Fifty injuries by stingrays are annually examined in the New Caledonia hospital. The injuries occur most often in the lower extremity, rare puncture injuries to the thorax or abdomen can cause death. The wound is associated with envenomation. The pain is intense with oedema, cyanosis, erythema often followed by tissue necrosis. In many cases, the management of stingray wounds is inadequate and the gravity often not well appreciated. Localized morbidity and prolonged healing may occur without an effective surgical management. Wound exploration and debridement are particularly indicated after first-aid measures, such as immersion in hot water. The characteristics, treatment and prevention are discussed in connection with two cases.