Lepturus

Abstract: Scorpion envenomations are a public health problem in many countries Scorpions are second only to snakes in causing human fatalities from envenomation Species of scorpions capable of inflicting fatal stings are living in North and South Africa, the Middle East, India, America, Trinidad, and Tobago Hemiscorpius lepturus (from the Hemiscorpiidae family) is the most medically important scorpion in Iran which accounts for 92% of all hospitalized scorpion sting cases The venom from H lepturus is primarily a cytotoxic agent and has hemolytic, nephrotoxic, and to some extent, hepatotoxic activities We found a combination of microangiopatic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and acute renal failure in a seven year-old female child who was referred to us with a 12 h history of bloody urine following a H lepturus sting Her blood smear showed fragmented erythrocytes and burr cells, leading us to a diagnosis of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) This report highlights the importance of acceptable prophylaxis and therapeutic protocols for HUS in these patients

Abstract: Scorpions are distributed throughout Iran and the genus Hemiscorpius is particularly important in this region. Hemiscorpius lepturus is the most significant species within the genus in the country. Since scorpionism provoked by Hemiscorpius comprises a medical emergency, the present study is focused on this important issue. In order to perform the present work, a review of the medical and health-related literature was carried out in several databases. The current findings indicate that six species of Hemiscorpius are found in 15 states of Iran, mainly in the south and southwest. Deaths caused by stings were reported only for two species. The morphological characteristics and geographical distribution of H. lepturus in Iran, its venom and the toxic compounds, epidemiologic data and clinical manifestations of envenomation as well as treatment for affected people are herein reviewed and described. H. lepturus venom toxicity differs from other Iranian scorpions regarding duration and severity. Scorpionism is an important public health problem in Iran, especially in southwest and south regions and in urban areas. It is more prevalent in children and young people. H. lepturus venom is primarily a cytotoxic agent and has hemolytic, nephrotoxic and to some extent hepatotoxic activity. The use of polyvalent antivenom to prevent scorpion sting symptoms is recommended. A well-planned health education program might be useful in preventing scorpionism.

Abstract: Feeding habits of the cutlassfish, Trichiurus lepturus, in northern Rio de Janeiro. The aim of the present study was to describe the diet of the adult cutlassfish, Trichiurus lepturus, in northern Rio de Janeiro, through stomach content analysis. The sampling included 350 specimens measuring between 100 and 163cm in total length, collected from 2004 to 2006. For each prey species, the frequency of occurrence, density and biomass, body length and weight, and Index of Relative Importance (IRI) were calculated. The cannibalistic feeding behavior of the cutlassfish was also recorded. According to the IRI, the preferential prey species were the fishes T. lepturus, Pellona harroweri, Chirocentrodon bleekerianus, Lycengraulis grossidens, Peprilus paru, Chloroscombrus chrysurus, Odontognathus mucronatus, Stellifer brasiliensis and Isophisthus parvipinnis, and the crustacean Pleoticus muelleri. The cephalopods Loligo sanpaulensis and L. plei occurred occasionally in the stomach contents analyzed. The diet of T. lepturus in northern Rio de Janeiro was composed of pelagic and demersal prey species, associated with estuarine and coastal areas. The fish species and one crustacean species were the most representative items in its diet.