Antimicrobial Activity of Hemolymph and Venom Obtained from Some Scorpion Species

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the antibacterial and antifungal activities of hemolymph and venom obtained from some scorpion species. Venom samples were obtained by electrical stimulation method from five different scorpion species. Again, hemolymph fluids were obtained from five different scorpion species. Antimicrobial activities of hemolymph and venom diluted 1:1 with sterile saline were tested against a total of 10 microorganisms including seven bacteria and three yeasts using disc diffusion method. Venom samples of Protoiurus kraepelini showed inhibition zones of 9-20 mm on all microorganisms tested. Venom from this species has the highest antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis. The venom samples of Mesobuthus gibbosus were effective (7-12 mm) on all microorganisms except Enterococcus faecalis and Micrococcus luteus. In addition, it was found that venoms obtained from Androctonus crassicauda, Hottentotta saulcyi and Leiurus abdullahbayrami have different levels of antibacterial effect but no antifungal effect against Candida species. Scorpion hemolymphs have been shown to have similar effects against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Besides, the obtained hemolymphs have been found to have low effect (7-9 mm) on microorganisms.