In vivo and in vitro effects of scorpion venoms in Turkey: a mini-review

Abstract

Scorpion stings constitute a common type of accident in Turkey due to the geographic location, climate and socioeconomic structure of this country. Moreover, envenomation cases are considered a public health problem throughout Turkey. Based on data in the literature, the main clinical features of scorpion envenomations are defined as systemic manifestations including sweating, hypertension and vomiting, and among prominent causes of death are cardiorespiratory manifestations, toxic myocarditis and pulmonary edema. The most important health-threatening scorpions found in Turkey are: Androctonus crassicauda, Leiurus quinquestriatus, Mesobuthus gibbosus and Mesobuthus eupeus, all of which belong to the Buthidae family. This study indicates that there is no data related to venom toxicity and in vivo effects of other scorpions found in Turkey - such as Mesobuthus caucasicus, Mesobuthus nigrocinctus and Hottentotta saulcyi - and that further research should be performed to determine their health effects.

Keywords

• scorpions
• venom
• envenomation
• in vivo and in vitro effects
• Turkey