Box Jellyfish Research Articles

Marine envenomation: An update — A presentation on the current status of marine envenomation first aid and medical treatments

AbstractMarine envenomation is common worldwide. The current first aid and medical treatments of envenomation discussed include stingray, stonefish, sea snakes and cone shells, as well as treatments for Chironex box jellyfish, Irukandji and other stinging jellyfish. Not all current recommended first‐aid treatments have been proven but most have a sound basis and appear effective. Further research is current.

Novel Proteinaceous Toxins from the Box Jellyfish (Sea Wasp) Carybdea rastoni

During summer and autumn, the box jellyfish (sea wasp) Carybdea rastoni is one of the most bothersome stinging pests to swimmers and bathers on the Japanese coast. Two labile but potent hemolytic toxins from the tentacles of Carybdea rastoni were isolated in their active forms using newly developed purification methods. The molecular masses of the isolated C. rastoni toxin-A and toxin-B (CrTX-A and CrTX-B) are 43 and 46 kDa, respectively, as calculated from SDS–PAGE. In the present study, we sequenced the full-length cDNA (1600 bp), which encodes both CrTX-A and CrTX-B. The deduced 450 amino acid sequence of the CrTXs, showed no significant homology with any known protein. This report presents the first complete sequence of a proteinaceous jellyfish toxin. Furthermore, it was revealed that CrTX-A was primarily localized in the nematocyst, whereas CrTX-B was detected only in the tentacle. Because the nematocyst is the organ responsible for the cnidarian sting, the remainder of the study focused on the toxicity of CrTX-A. We found that CrTX-A was fatally toxic to mice at 20 μg/kg (i.v.) and crayfish at 5 μg/kg (i.p.). Subcutaneously injected CrTX-A (0.1 μg) caused inflammation of mouse skin. These results showed that CrTX-A is responsible for the cutaneous inflammation observed in humans stung by C. rastoni.

Isolation and Characterization of a Novel Protein Toxin from the Hawaiian Box Jellyfish (Sea Wasp) Carybdea alata

The box jellyfish (sea wasp) Carybdea alata Reynaud, 1830 (Cubozoa) is distributed widely in the tropics. The sting of C. alata causes severe pain and cutaneous inflammation in humans. We successfully isolated C. alata toxin-A (CaTX-A, 43 kDa) and -B (CaTX-B, 45 kDa) for the first time from the tentacle of C. alata collected at a site along the Hawaiian shore. The experimental results showed that CaTX-A, but not CaTX-B, is present in the nematocyst, the organ responsible for stinging. Both CaTX-A and -B showed potent hemolytic activity, with CaTX-A being lethally toxic to crayfishes when administered via intraperitoneal injection. Furthermore, we sequenced the cDNA encoding CaTX-A. The deduced amino acid sequence of CaTX-A (463 amino acids) showed 43.7% homology to Carybdea rastoni toxins (CrTXs) but not with any other known proteins. Therefore, these jellyfish toxins potentially represent a novel class of bioactive proteins. Secondary structure analysis of CaTX-A and CrTXs suggested the presence of amphiphilic α-helices, which are also seen in several known hemolytic or cytolytic protein toxins, including peptide toxins.

Clinical toxicology: a tropical Australian perspective.

Tropical Australia has an amazing diversity of venomous fauna, from "the world's most venomous creature," the multi-tentacled (chirodropid) box jellyfish Chironex fleckeri, to aggressive spiders whose venom remains to be characterized. All genera of highly venomous Australasian elapid snakes are present, except for tiger snakes. Most notable is the taipan (Oxyuranus scutellatus), with the most efficient "snap-release" biting mechanism of any snake and venom components causing the full constellation of clinical envenoming features: coagulopathy from fibrinogen depletion (procoagulant), neurotoxicity (predominantly presynaptic neurotoxin) and rhabdomyolysis (myotoxin). Brown snakes (Pseudonaja textilis and P. nuchalis) now account for most snake bite fatalities in Australia, as a result of severe coagulopathy and a poorly defined early scenario of collapse, postulated to be caused by profound hypotension caused by transient myocardial dysfunction associated with prothrombin activation. Other venomous entities include paralyzing ticks, the blue-ringed octopus, stone fish and other marine animals with venomous spines, paralyzing cone shells, and a wide range of jellyfish including Carukia barnesi and possibly other four-tentacled (carybdeid) box jellyfish causing the Irukandji syndrome.

Partial purification of box jellyfish ( Chironex fleckeri) nematocyst venom isolated at the beachside

Chironex fleckeri, the northern Australian box jellyfish produces one of, if not, the most potent animal venoms. Study of the venom has been hampered by the limits of the animals' range and the venom's thermolability. Using retained lethality and native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (NPAGE), we show that lyophilization of autolysis isolated nematocysts is an effective method of transporting the venom. In addition, Sephadex G-200 chromatography, spin concentration, and NPAGE fail to demonstrate the presence of a 600 kDa protein to which the bulk of the lethal activity has been ascribed. Sodium dodecyl sulfate capillary electrophoresis of crude venom yields several protein bands with a molecular weight range of 30–200 kDa. Freeze–thaw studies show a loss of activity and NPAGE bands after two freeze–thaw cycles.

Autonomic neurotoxicity of jellyfish and marine animal venoms.

Venoms and poisons of jellyfish and other marine animals can induce damage to the human nervous and circulatory systems. Clues to the pathogenesis and clinical manifestations of these lesions can be obtained from data of human envenomations and animal experimentation. Because many investigators are unaware that marine animal venoms have autonomic actions, this paper aims to elucidate the broad antagonistic or toxic effects these compounds have on the autonomic nervous system. Marine venoms can affect ion transport of particularly sodium and calcium, induce channels or pores in neural and muscular cellular membranes, alter intracellular membranes of organelles and release mediators of inflammation. The box jellyfish, particularly Chironex fleckeri, in the Indo-Pacific region, is the world's most venomous marine animal and is responsible for autonomic disorders in patients. The symptoms induced by these venoms are vasospasm, cardiac irregularities, peripheral neuropathy, aphonia, ophthalmic abnormalities and parasympathetic dysautonomia. Cases of Irukandji syndrome, caused by the jellyfish Carukia barnesi, have symptoms that mimic excessive catecholamine release. Coelenterate venoms can also target the myocardium, Purkinje fiber, A-V node or aortic ring. Actions on nerves, as well as skeletal, smooth or cardiac muscle occur. Recent studies indicate that the hepatic P-450 enzyme family may be injured by these compounds. The multiplicity of these venom activities means that a thorough understanding of the sting pathogenesis will be essential in devising effective therapies.

The effects of antivenom and verapamil on the haemodynamic actions of Chironex fleckeri (box jellyfish) venom.

The efficacy of antivenom and verapamil against Chironex fleckeri (box jellyfish) venom was investigated in monitored mechanically ventilated piglets. Chironex fleckeri tentacle extract alone, a mixture of tentacle extract with antivenom, and verapamil before tentacle extract were administered intravenously to groups of animals. Tentacle extract caused severe systemic hypotension, cardiac dysrrhythmias, pulmonary hypertension, haemolysis and hyperkalaemia. These effects were prevented by pre-incubation of tentacle extract with antivenom. Verapamil did not prevent any effect of venom, exacerbated cardiovascular collapse and increased mortality. We conclude that antivenom neutralizes the cardiovascular, haemolytic and hyperkalaemic effects of box jellyfish venom. Verapamil does not prevent any of these effects and is contra-indicated for treatment of envenomation.

The Late Precambrian fossil Kimberella is a mollusc-like bilaterian organism

The fossil Kimberella quadrata was originally described from late Precambrian rocks of southern Australia1. Reconstructed as a jellyfish2, it was later assigned to the cubozoans (‘box jellies’), and has been cited as a clear instance of an extant animal lineage present before the Cambrian3,4,5,6,7. Until recently, Kimberella was known only from Australia, with the exception of some questionable north Indian specimens8. We now have over thirty-five specimens of this fossil from the Winter Coast of the White Sea in northern Russia. Our study of the new material does not support a cnidarian affinity. We reconstruct Kimberella as a bilaterally symmetrical, benthic animal with a non-mineralized, univalved shell, resembling a mollusc in many respects. This is important evidence for the existence of large triploblastic metazoans in the Precambrian and indicates that the origin of the higher groups of protostomes lies well back in the Precambrian.

Pharmacological action of Australian animal venoms.

1. Australia has some of the most venomous fauna in the world. Although humans are not usually perceived as being predators against these animals they are often envenomated, accidentally or otherwise. This has led to the development of antivenoms against some of the potentially lethal venoms. However, further understanding of the mechanism(s) of action of these and other venoms is important, not only for developing new treatment strategies but also in the search for novel research tools. 2. The present review discusses the pharmacology of some of the components found in venoms and outlines the research undertaken on some of Australia's venomous animals, with the exception of snakes. 3. Biogenic amines, peptides and enzymes are common venom components and produce a wide range of effects in envenomated humans. For example, respiratory failure observed after envenomation by the box jellyfish (Chirnex fleckeri) and Sydney funnel-web spider (Atrax robustus) is most likely due to potent neurotoxins in the venoms. Stonefish (Synanceja trachynis) and platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) venoms, although not considered lethal, cause severe pain. However, the components responsible for these effects have not been isolated. Venom components, as yet unidentified, may be responsible for the cutaneous necrotic lesions that have been reported after some spider bites (e.g. Lampona cylindrata). Other venoms, such as those of the jumper ant (Myrmecia pilosula) and bull ant (M. pyriformis), may produce only mild skin irritation to the majority of humans but a severe anaphylactic response in sensitized victims. 4. While there has been a renewed interest in toxinology, further research is required to fully elucidate the pharmacological action of many of these venoms.

Persistent cutaneous hypersensitivity reaction after a Hawaiian box jellyfish sting (Carybdea alata)

Persistent cutaneous hypersensitivity reaction after a Hawaiian box jellyfish sting (Carybdea alata)

Marine stingers in far north Queensland.

Two box jellyfish in particular cause problems in tropical Queensland waters. Chironex fleckeri inhabit calm waters close to the shore between November and May. The venom includes three major components: haemolytic dermatonecrotic and myocardial. The dermatonecrotic toxin causes a ladder pattern of whiplash lesions to the skin which ulcerate become necrotic and heal very slowly over months: Neuromuscular paralysis and cardiovascular collapse may be fatal within minutes of envenomation. Emergency treatment comprises inactivation of stinging capsules by vinegar removal of tentacles analgesia, cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the administration of the specific antivenom. Carukia barnesi ('Irukandji') are found in both coastal and open waters. A patch of erythema with papules at the sting site is characteristically followed 30 min later by the onset of a catecholamine mediated syndrome. Headache and severe abdominal and back pain are usual and may be followed by hypertension, tachyarrhythmias and cardiogenic shock.

Multi-tentacled box jellyfish (chirodropid) marine envenomation worldwide: rationale of clinical management

Multi-tentacled box jellyfish (chirodropid) marine envenomation worldwide: rationale of clinical management

The mechanism underlying the cardiotoxic effect of the toxin from the jellyfish Chironex fleckeri.

We have investigated the mechanisms underlying the cardiac effects of the toxin from the box jellyfish Chironex fleckeri. Papillary muscles isolated from the hearts of ferrets and ventricular myocytes isolated from the hearts of ferrets and rats were used. Force, intracellular [Ca2+], and membrane potential were monitored in the papillary muscles; contraction, intracellular [Ca2+], intracellular [Na+], and membrane currents were monitored in the isolated myocytes. Application of the toxin to these preparations resulted in a large increase in intracellular [Ca2+] and the adverse symptoms of Ca2+ overload (aftercontractions, spontaneous contractions, a decrease in developed force, and an increase in resting force). The response of papillary muscles to the toxin was not inhibited by blockers of Ca2+ or Na+ channels or by inhibitors of the sarcoplasmic reticulum, Na+/K+ ATPase, or Na+/H+ exchange. The response to the toxin was, however, blocked by prior exposure to a solution which contained no Na+ and by Ni2+. In the isolated myocytes, as well as an increase in intracellular [Ca2+], the toxin also caused an increase in intracellular [Na+] and the appearance of a current which was inward at negative potentials and reversed at about -10 mV. These data can be explained by the toxin increasing Na+ influx into the cell. The increase in intracellular [Na+] will then increase intracellular [Ca2+] via the Na+/Ca2+ exchange mechanism, thus producing the observed Ca2+ overload.

Monoclonal antibodies neutralizing the haemolytic activity of box jellyfish ( Chironex fleckeri) tentacle extracts

1. 1. Three monoclonal antibodies have been produced which neutralize in vitro the haemolytic activity present in tentacle extracts of the box jellyfish ( Chironex fleckeri). 2. 2. Two of these monoclonal antibodies bound specifically to a component of relative molecular mass 50,000 in tentacle extract on Western blots. 3. 3. This binding only occurred when the extracts were electrophoresed under non-reducing conditions. 4. 4. The third monoclonal antibody did not display binding to Western blots of tentacle extract under any of our experimental conditions.

Disarming the Box‐Jellyfish

Medical Journal of AustraliaVolume 158, Issue 8 p. 647-648 Letters to the Editor Disarming the Box-Jellyfish Jacquie Rifkin PhD, Jacquie Rifkin PhD International Consortium for Jellyfish Stings, c/- Hyperbaric Medicine Unit, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, SA, 5000Search for more papers by this authorJohn Williamson FACTM, John Williamson FACTM International Consortium for Jellyfish Stings, c/- Hyperbaric Medicine Unit, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, SA, 5000Search for more papers by this authorPeter Fenner FACTM, Peter Fenner FACTM International Consortium for Jellyfish Stings, c/- Hyperbaric Medicine Unit, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, SA, 5000Search for more papers by this authorJoseph Burnett MD, Joseph Burnett MD International Consortium for Jellyfish Stings, c/- Hyperbaric Medicine Unit, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, SA, 5000Search for more papers by this author Jacquie Rifkin PhD, Jacquie Rifkin PhD International Consortium for Jellyfish Stings, c/- Hyperbaric Medicine Unit, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, SA, 5000Search for more papers by this authorJohn Williamson FACTM, John Williamson FACTM International Consortium for Jellyfish Stings, c/- Hyperbaric Medicine Unit, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, SA, 5000Search for more papers by this authorPeter Fenner FACTM, Peter Fenner FACTM International Consortium for Jellyfish Stings, c/- Hyperbaric Medicine Unit, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, SA, 5000Search for more papers by this authorJoseph Burnett MD, Joseph Burnett MD International Consortium for Jellyfish Stings, c/- Hyperbaric Medicine Unit, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, SA, 5000Search for more papers by this author First published: 01 April 1993 https://doi.org/10.5694/j.1326-5377.1993.tb137647.xCitations: 1AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article.Citing Literature Volume158, Issue8April 1993Pages 647-648 RelatedInformation

Disarming the Box‐Jellyfish

Medical Journal of AustraliaVolume 158, Issue 8 p. 647-647 Letters to the Editor Disarming the Box-Jellyfish Steve Dunn MB BS, DipRACOG, DA, FRACGP, Steve Dunn MB BS, DipRACOG, DA, FRACGP Brunei Shell Petroleum Brunei, BorneoSearch for more papers by this author Steve Dunn MB BS, DipRACOG, DA, FRACGP, Steve Dunn MB BS, DipRACOG, DA, FRACGP Brunei Shell Petroleum Brunei, BorneoSearch for more papers by this author First published: 01 April 1993 https://doi.org/10.5694/j.1326-5377.1993.tb137646.xCitations: 2AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article.Citing Literature Volume158, Issue8April 1993Pages 647-647 RelatedInformation

Antivenom use in Australia: Premedication, adverse reactions and the use of venom detection kits

To analyse reports of antivenom use and sequelae in Australia from July 1 1989 to June 30 1990. The value of snake venom detection kits (VDKs) was also analysed. Information was obtained from antivenom usage reports returned to the Commonwealth Serum Laboratories and from personal letters sent to those reporting doctors. Information on VDKs was obtained from antivenom usage reports or from questionnaires packaged with VDKs. Reported antivenoms used were: red-back spider, 258 cases; funnel-web spider, 3 cases; stonefish, 26 cases; box jellyfish, 6 cases; snake, 91 cases. Immediate reactions followed administration of red-back spider antivenom in only two patients and snake antivenoms in four patients. Delayed reactions (serum sickness) followed use of red-back spider antivenom in three patients, stonefish antivenom in two, and snake antivenoms in three. No reaction was life-threatening. Premedication was used in the majority of red-back spider bites and in 66 of 86 snake bites. Oral corticosteroids were given prophylactically after some uses of snake antivenom to prevent serum sickness. VDKs were used in 181 cases of snake bite and were reported as being useful in selecting appropriate snake antivenom in 31% of cases of antivenom use. (Only 10 of these 181 were also reported on the antivenom usage report.) Appropriate first aid was given in 61% of cases. There were 50% fewer snake bites reported than 10 years ago. Antivenoms in Australia are well tolerated with few immediate or delayed reactions. The use of premedication and prophylactic oral corticosteroids for four to five days after antivenom administration may be responsible for this low reaction rate. VDK results help select the appropriate antivenom; however, in some cases positive results were obtained from urine samples from patients with no symptoms of envenomation.

Sudden death in a child following jellyfish envenomation by Chiropsalmus quadrumanus. Case report and autopsy findings

Sudden death following coelenterate envenomation is not uncommon in Australia where the Pacific box jellyfish is indigenous. However, few cases of sudden fatal reactions have been reported in the Northern Hemisphere, and those that have occurred have all been attributed to the Portuguese man-of-war, Physalia physalis. We report the case of a child who died within 40 minutes of accidental envenomation with tentacles of a jellyfish, Chiropsalmus quadrumanus, and describe the findings at autopsy. This coelenterate may be of special danger to small children.

The use of verapamil to treat box‐jellyfish stings

The use of verapamil to treat box‐jellyfish stings

The use of verapamil to treat box‐jellyfish stings

The use of verapamil to treat box‐jellyfish stings