Butantan Institute Research Articles

Viperid venom glands with defective venom production. Morphological study

The venom of viperid snakes is collected monthly at Butantan Institute for research purposes and production of antivenoms. Here we describe histological and ultrastructural changes on Crotalus durissus terrificus and Bothrops sp. venom glands with defective venom production. Secretory tubules commonly showed partial or total obliteration of their lumina by masses of necrotic cells and cellular debris. Secretory cells showed varying degrees of degenerative and/or metaplastic alterations seriously affecting the structures responsible for the synthesis and secretion of venom.The intertubular connective tissue presented fibroblast hyperplasia, inflammatory cells infiltration, vacuolated cells and blood vessels alterations. In two venom glands out of nineteen snakes examined, virus-like particles were found. The alterations observed in most of the glands could have been caused by excessive manual pressure, during venom extraction routine, causing disruption of the secretory tubules and leakage of venom to the intertubular connective tissue.

Mice selected for acute inflammatory response display a higher lung inflammation induced by Tityus serrulatus scorpion venom

Mice selected for acute inflammatory response display a higher lung inflammation induced by Tityus serrulatus scorpion venom

Immune evasion in Leptospira: the secretion of proteases that cleave complement proteins

Event Abstract Back to Event Immune evasion in Leptospira: the secretion of proteases that cleave complement proteins Tatiana R. Fraga1, Daniella S. Courrol1, Mónica M. Castiblanco-Valencia1, Izaura Y. Hirata2, Luiz Juliano2, Sílvio A. Vasconcellos3, Angela S. Barbosa4 and Lourdes Isaac1* 1 University of São Paulo, Department of Immunology, Brazil 2 Federal University of São Paulo, Department of Biophysics, Brazil 3 University of São Paulo, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Brazil 4 Butantan Institute, Laboratory of Bacteriology, Brazil Leptospirosis is a neglected infectious disease of public health importance. The complement system is a major arm of innate immunity. However, pathogenic leptospires have evolved multiple strategies to escape complement attack. In this work we analyzed the ability of leptospires to secrete proteases that cleave and inactivate complement proteins, which could constitute an immune evasion strategy. We demonstrated that the culture supernatant of pathogenic, but not saprophytic leptospires, was able to inhibit the activation of the three complement pathways. Moreover, the supernatant of seven pathogenic strains presented proteolytic activity against C3, C3b and iC3b, proteins from the alternative (Factor B), classical and lectin pathways (C4b and C2). The cleavages were also observed when normal human serum was used. Interestingly, the proteases act together with the host regulators Factor I and Factor H, promoting an efficient inactivation of C3b. Proteolytic fragments of C3 had their N-terminal portion sequenced by Edman degradation. The α-chain cleavage produced 43 kDa (RSSKI-), 47 kDa (YGGGYG-) and 68 kDa bands and the β-chain degradation generates 28 kDa (HPSQKPL-) and 46 kDa fragments. Furthermore, the proteolytic activity was inhibited by 1,10-phenanthroline, indicating the participation of metalloproteases. A recombinant leptospiral metalloprotease from the thermolysin family was produced and cleaved C3 in human serum, suggesting that this protein could be one of the proteases responsible for the effect observed with the whole supernatant. In conclusion, pathogenic leptospiral proteases can deactivate immune effector molecules, and represent potential targets for the development of new therapies and prophylactic approaches in leptospirosis. Keywords: immune evasion of bacteria, complement system, secretion of proteases, Leptospira, Leptospirosis Conference: 15th International Congress of Immunology (ICI), Milan, Italy, 22 Aug - 27 Aug, 2013. Presentation Type: Abstract Topic: Host-pathogen interactions Citation: Fraga TR, Courrol DS, Castiblanco-Valencia MM, Hirata IY, Juliano L, Vasconcellos SA, Barbosa AS and Isaac L (2013). Immune evasion in Leptospira: the secretion of proteases that cleave complement proteins. Front. Immunol. Conference Abstract: 15th International Congress of Immunology (ICI). doi: 10.3389/conf.fimmu.2013.02.00733 Copyright: The abstracts in this collection have not been subject to any Frontiers peer review or checks, and are not endorsed by Frontiers. They are made available through the Frontiers publishing platform as a service to conference organizers and presenters. The copyright in the individual abstracts is owned by the author of each abstract or his/her employer unless otherwise stated. Each abstract, as well as the collection of abstracts, are published under a Creative Commons CC-BY 4.0 (attribution) licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) and may thus be reproduced, translated, adapted and be the subject of derivative works provided the authors and Frontiers are attributed. For Frontiers’ terms and conditions please see https://www.frontiersin.org/legal/terms-and-conditions. Received: 16 Jun 2013; Published Online: 22 Aug 2013. * Correspondence: Dr. Lourdes Isaac, University of São Paulo, Department of Immunology, São Paulo, São Paulo, 05508-900, Brazil, louisaac@icb.usp.br Login Required This action requires you to be registered with Frontiers and logged in. To register or login click here. Abstract Info Abstract The Authors in Frontiers Tatiana R Fraga Daniella S Courrol Mónica M Castiblanco-Valencia Izaura Y Hirata Luiz Juliano Sílvio A Vasconcellos Angela S Barbosa Lourdes Isaac Google Tatiana R Fraga Daniella S Courrol Mónica M Castiblanco-Valencia Izaura Y Hirata Luiz Juliano Sílvio A Vasconcellos Angela S Barbosa Lourdes Isaac Google Scholar Tatiana R Fraga Daniella S Courrol Mónica M Castiblanco-Valencia Izaura Y Hirata Luiz Juliano Sílvio A Vasconcellos Angela S Barbosa Lourdes Isaac PubMed Tatiana R Fraga Daniella S Courrol Mónica M Castiblanco-Valencia Izaura Y Hirata Luiz Juliano Sílvio A Vasconcellos Angela S Barbosa Lourdes Isaac Related Article in Frontiers Google Scholar PubMed Abstract Close Back to top Javascript is disabled. Please enable Javascript in your browser settings in order to see all the content on this page.

Is the population of Crotalus durissus (Serpentes, Viperidae) expanding in Brazil?

Crotalus durissus are found from Mexico to northern Argentina in a highly disjunct distribution. According to some studies, this species is prone to occupy areas disturbed by human activities and floods comprise a plausible method of dispersal as inferred for some North American rattlesnakes. Based on the literature, it seems plausible that Crotalus durissus expanded their natural distribution in Brazil due to floods, but only in a few municipalities in Rio de Janeiro State. Data entries of Butantan Institute, in São Paulo, Brazil, from 1998 to 2012 show a declining tendency of snakes brought by donors. In addition, research shows no evidence of Crotalus durissus being an expanding species in the Brazilian territory.

<b> Conversas de aprendizagem em museus de ciências: como os deficientes visuais interpretam os materiais educativos do museu de microbiologia? </b>

http://dx.doi.org/10.5902/1984686X4341Os processos de divulgação e educação em Ciências vêm tomando grande importância, principalmente a partir do último quarto do século passado. Os museus de ciências, enquanto espaços de educação não formal, têm papel importante na ampliação e refinamento desses processos e, sendo locais abertos à população, são demandados a desenvolver propostas inclusivas. O Museu de Microbiologia do Instituto Butantan desenvolveu uma série de atividades e materiais educativos sobre microrganismos para facilitar a aproximação entre o público deficiente visual e a cultura científica. No presente estudo procurou-se compreender como os visitantes deficientes visuais interpretam os materiais desenvolvidos, verificar qual o entendimento que o uso desses materiais propicia e estudar os tipos de significados que lhes são dados. Pessoas com deficiência visual foram entrevistadas durante a exploração do material com o auxílio de um áudio-guia e as conversas geradas foram analisadas, estabelecendo-se categorias interpretativas. A categoria mais frequente foi a “Estratégica de Uso” (11,8%), quando os deficientes visuais manifestavam suas impressões sobre como utilizar o Programa MicroToque. Outras duas categorias, “Afetiva de Prazer” (10,2%) e “Perceptiva de Identificação” (8,6%) foram também encontradas. A junção das ferramentas tátil e auditiva foi fundamental para a resolução de problemas e criação de representações visuais, importantes para construção e compreensão de conceitos e facilitando a organização do pensamento teórico. Sugere-se aqui a necessidade de uma organização dos conteúdos que favoreça o estabelecimento de conversas interpretativas conceituais e também a consideração dos conhecimentos prévios de visitantes com deficiência visual na elaboração dos aparatos a eles destinados, o que poderia propiciar maior frequência de outras elaborações conversacionais.Palavras-chave: Deficientes visuais. Museu de Ciências. Materiais para toque. Conversas de aprendizado.

Mesenchymal stem cells with rhBMP-2 inhibits the growth of canine osteosarcoma cells

BackgroundThe bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) belong to a unique group of proteins that includes the growth factor TGF-β. BMPs play important roles in cell differentiation, cell proliferation, and inhibition of cell growth. They also participate in the maturation of several cell types, depending on the microenvironment and interactions with other regulatory factors. Depending on their concentration gradient, the BMPs can attract various types of cells and act as chemotactic, mitogenic, or differentiation agents. BMPs can interfere with cell proliferation and the formation of cartilage and bone. In addition, BMPs can induce the differentiation of mesenchymal progenitor cells into various cell types, including chondroblasts and osteoblasts. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of treatment with rhBMP-2 on the proliferation of canine mesenchymal stem cells (cMSCs) and the tumor suppression properties of rhBMP-2 in canine osteocarcoma (OST) cells. Osteosarcoma cell lines were isolated from biopsies and excisions of animals with osteosarcoma and were characterized by the Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Butantan Institute. The mesenchymal stem cells were derived from the bone marrow of canine fetuses (cMSCs) and belong to the University of São Paulo, College of Veterinary Medicine (FMVZ-USP) stem cell bank. After expansion, the cells were cultured in a 12-well Transwell system; cells were treated with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells associated with rhBMP2. Expression of the intracytoplasmic and nuclear markers such as Caspase-3, Bax, Bad, Bcl-2, Ki-67, p53, Oct3/4, Nanog, Stro-1 were performed by flow citometry.ResultsWe evaluated the regenerative potential of in vitro treatment with rhBMP-2 and found that both osteogenic induction and tumor regression occur in stem cells from canine bone marrow. rhBMP-2 inhibits the proliferation capacity of OST cells by mechanisms of apoptosis and tumor suppression mediated by p53.ConclusionWe propose that rhBMP-2 has great therapeutic potential in bone marrow cells by serving as a tumor suppressor to increase p53 and the pro-apoptotic proteins Bad and Bax, as well as by increasing the activity of phosphorylated caspase 3.Study designCanine bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells associated with rhBMP2 in canine osteosarcoma treatment: "in vitro" study

Microhabitat use by species of the genera Bothrops and Crotalus (Viperidae) in semi-extensive captivity

Many factors influence microhabitat including climate and the occurrence of predators, prey and suitable shelters. The influence of predators in a semi-extensive breeding system is minimized due to frequent monitoring of the area. This situation enables the independent analysis of such other variables as refuges and temperature. Some specimens of the Viperidae family are kept in a semi-extensive breeding system at the Butantan Institute for display and study. These animals are widely distributed in the Atlantic Forest and Cerrado, two biomes with distinct climatic characteristics. We compared the daily activity pattern and microhabitat use of the species Bothrops jararaca and Crotalus durissus terrificus. Our main questions were whether rattlesnakes and lancehead snakes respond to habitat selection differently in similar climatic conditions and if they choose similar microhabitats. Species of the genus Bothrops were frequently found under shelters regardless of the time of day. On the other hand, snakes of the genus Crotalus were frequently found sheltered during the early morning, then migrated to sunnier areas and returned to shelters in late afternoon.

A importância da infraestrutura verde no desenho ambiental: Estudo da área da Cidade Universitária e Instituto Butantã

This study aims to diagnose the environmental characteristics University City and Butantan Institute area, located in the West Zone of São Paulo, as well as its surroundings, to propose improvements based on environmental concepts of green infrastructure and transport clean and show how these factors contribute to mitigate the negative effects of heat island in environmental design.

Angiotensin-degrading serine peptidase: A new chymotrypsin-like activity in the venom of Bothrops jararaca partially blocked by the commercial antivenom

Snakebite envenomation is considered a highly relevant public health hazard in South America, having an impact in terms of mortality and morbidity. In Brazil, Bothrops (sensu latu) poisoning is responsible for 90% of the snakebites and in patients treated at the Vital Brazil Hospital (Butantan Institute) this index reaches 97.5%. The objective of the present study was to analyze more specifically the ability of the antibothropic antivenom, produced by the Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil, to neutralize metallo-and serine peptidases, known as the major toxins present in Bothrops jararaca venom. A set of Fret peptides (Free Ressonance Energy Transfer) was studied using the BjV (B. jararaca venom) and site-directed inhibitors PMSF, EDTA and 1,10-phenanthroline. Two substrates were reached to be used as specific tools for studies with metallo peptidases, Abz-FASSAQ-EDDnp, and the serine peptidases, Abz-RPPGFSPFRQ-EDDnp. In disagreement with the literature, the use of both substrates and the antibothropic serum showed a weak neutralization of the serine peptidases present in this venom and a strong neutralization of the metallo peptidases. In order to investigate possible mechanisms of action that have not yet been described for the serine peptidases from the BjV, the present study shows for the first time a new tyrosine-specific chymotrypsin-like and angiotensin-degrading serine peptidase activity, that was partially blocked by the antibothropic serum. In conclusion, the antivenom presented a good neutralization of metallo peptidases but not of serine peptidases, indicating that further studies about serine peptidases immunogenicity are necessary to improve the antibothropic serum.

Prevalência de Cryptosporidium serpentis em serpentes de cativeiro

Cryptosporidium é um protozoário encontrado em uma grande variedade de espécies animais como responsável por casos de gastrite e enterite, porém com epidemiologia pouco conhecida em animais silvestres. A presente investigação teve como objetivo avaliar a prevalência de Cryptosporidium serpentis em lavado gástrico de serpentes mantidas em cativeiro no serpentário do Instituto Butantan (São Paulo, Brasil). A coleta foi realizada uma semana após alimentação, evitando, assim, a regurgitação devido à manipulação. Foram realizados esfregaços do sedimento do lavado gástrico, obtido por centrifugação, corados pela técnica de coloração de Kinyoun. Parte do sedimento foi submetido à técnica de RFLP-PCR para identificação da espécie de Cryptosporidium. O serpentário é dividido em três seções, por espécie - a primeira com oito jibóias (Boa constrictor amarali), a segunda com dez jararacas (Bothropoides jararaca) e a última com sete cascavéis (Caudisona durissa). A prevalência de C. serpentis encontrada neste estudo para as serpentes C. durissa, B. jararaca e Boa c. amarali, foi de 57,14% (04/07), 40% (04/10) e 37,5% (03/08), respectivamente, revelando importante ocorrência desse protozoário em serpentes de cativeiro. Apesar da alta prevalência encontrada, apenas as jiboias apresentaram sintomas como perda de peso e regurgitação, refletindo uma sensibilidade diferente da espécie para C. serpentis.

Determination of elements in blood of White New Zealand rabbits by NAA

The determination of elemental concentrations for Br, Ca, Cl, Fe, K, Mg, Na, S, Sr, and Zn in blood samples from White New Zealand rabbits was performed applying the NAA technique. Twenty whole blood samples (12 male and 8 female) collected in research centers from Brazil (Aggeu Magalhaes in Recife and Butantan Institute in Sao Paulo) were investigated, using the IEA-R1 nuclear reactor at IPEN/CNEN-SP-Brazil. These data can be used as references to perform biochemistry analyses in veterinary medicine using small quantities of whole blood (100–400 μL), simplifying the collection and the preparation of biological samples (it is not necessary to perform the serum separation nor to use specific reactants). Furthermore, the knowledge of the biochemical values in blood allows us to check the similarities with the blood estimations in human beings, which is an important condition for selecting laboratory animals. Finally, these data suggest a great similarity of the inorganic tissue profile of rabbits (White New Zealand) and humans.

Estimating potential demand and supply of dengue vaccine in Brazil

Dengue is endemic in Brazil. Several dengue vaccine candidates, including one at the Butantan Institute in Sao Paulo, are being evaluated in clinical trials and may be licensed in several years. This study estimates the potential doses of dengue vaccine needed in Brazil under different scenarios in the first 5 years after vaccine introduction. Estimates were based on 2015-2022 country population projections. An estimated country population of 200-209 million with an annual 3.3-3.5 million cohort in the 12 to 23 month age group was included in the analysis. Computations were made for vaccines requiring one, two and three doses. A total of 7.8-62.9 million doses would be needed for only routine vaccination of 12-23 months cohort in first five years with different vaccination schedules. A combination of country-wide routine 12-23 month-old vaccination plus catch-up vaccination of individuals up to 40 years age is an appropriate strategy to control dengue. For this combination strategy, 129-425 million doses would be needed in the first five years after introduction. If vaccination is not provided to areas with low incidence of dengue, an estimated 108-360 million doses would be needed. This study provides a range of vaccine uptake estimates under different scenarios based on disease epidemiology. Actual demand and uptake will depend on the country vaccine introduction policy and strategies, vaccine supply capacity, cost, and vaccine profile. We consider one option based on the availability of vaccine from different sources. A more advanced vaccine uptake model based on estimates of vaccine impact under various scenarios should be developed.

Analysis of saliva from Amblyomma cajennense (Acari: Ixodidae) species from Brazil by NAA

The Amblyomma cajennense tick species is considered one of the most important and widespread species in Brazil. It salivary secretion has been a target of several studies in biocenology, as the vector of diseases and in investigations related to antihemostatic properties and antitumor. To complement this investigation, neutron activation analysis (NAA) was applied to determine concentrations of elements in saliva samples of this tick species. The saliva samples (50–554 μL) were collected at Butantan Institute (Sao Paulo city, Brazil) and they were investigated using the IEA-R1 nuclear reactor at IPEN/CNEN-SP-Brazil. These data were compared with the values established for Amblyomma americanum and Amblyomma variegatum species emphasizing agreement only for Cl, K and Na with the A. americanum species, suggesting similarities in the mechanisms that regulate the osmotic pressure in this hematophagous animal. The knowledge of these limits contributes for tick saliva characterization as well as for the understanding of the many physiological processes, especially those related to salivary secretion.

Ciência, tecnologia e produção no Butantan

O Instituto Butantan (IB) é uma instituição pública centenária do estado de São Paulo. Os trabalhos científicos produzidos por pesquisadores do IB, bem como a visibilidade internacional dos resultados, aumentaram significativamente na última década. As vacinas e soros hiperimunes produzidos pelo IB com tecnologia própria, parcela majoritária dos produtos usados no Brasil, foram objeto de publicações científicas de pesquisadores do IB. O sistema Instituto/Fundação Butantan constitui uma instituição singular em que pesquisa básica, desenvolvimento tecnológico e produção, reunidos num espaço único, providenciam, para o Brasil, imunobiológicos na fronteira do conhecimento com tecnologia no estado da arte.

La llegada de la peste al Estado de Sao Paulo en 1899

In October 1899, the bubonic plague arrived in Brazil through the port of Santos. A city of intensive port activity, Santos was the gateway for a plague epidemic that devastated several cities in Brazil in the early 20th century and prompted joint action by several states to fight it. More importantly, given the difficulties and delays in importing anti-plague serum from Europe, it led to the creation of the Butantan Institute in Sao Paulo (in 1899) and the Municipal Serotherapeutic Institute in Rio de Janeiro (in 1900), which developed and standardized anti-plague serum and vaccines according to the particular conditions of the country. Until then, public health efforts had been isolated and had not reached the whole country. Oswaldo Cruz, newly arrived after three years of specialization at the Pasteur Institute in Paris, worked with scientists Adolfo Lutz and Vital Brazil on identifying the plague in Santos. This article analyzes the arrival of the bubonic plague epidemic in the state of Sao Paulo and the public health measures taken to combat the disease and provide patient care in the early part of the 20th century. The primary sources for this analysis were the São Paulo newspapers, especially O Estado de Sao Paulo, and reports from the Ministry of Justice and the President of the State of Sao Paulo.

Comparison of Bothropoides jararaca bites with and without envenoming treated at the Vital Brazil Hospital of the Butantan Institute, State of São Paulo, Brazil

This study analyses the cases of all bites (including dry bites) caused by Bothropoides jararaca attended at the Vital Brazil Hospital of the Butantan Institute, State of São Paulo, Brazil. A retrospective study was conducted of patients bitten by Bothropoides jararaca (n=792) from January 1990 to December 2004. The characteristics of the snake specimen, data related to the accident and clinical manifestations on admission were obtained from patient medical records. The majority of the cases in this study were caused by female and juvenile snakes. No stomach contents were found in 93.4% of the snake specimens after dissection. No statistical difference was observed between the occurrence of dry bites and the maturity or sex of the snake. The median SVL of snakes in mild and moderate cases was 40.5 cm and in severe cases, SVL increased to 99 cm. Necrosis was more common in the digits of the feet and hands (4.8%) compared to the other body regions (1.8%). A significant difference was verified between severity and a time interval greater than six hours from the bite to hospital admission. A significant association was verified between gingival bleeding and abnormal blood coagulability. In accidents caused by adult snakes, necrosis was more frequent (7.2%) compared to accidents caused by juvenile snakes (1%). In this work, the association between certain epidemiological data and the evolution of biological parameters in the clinical course of Bothrops sensu latu accidents were highlighted, contributing to the improvement of snake bite assistance.

Modification of composition of a nanoemulsion with different cholesteryl ester molecular species: Effects on stability, peroxidation, and cell uptake

Use of lipid nanoemulsions as carriers of drugs for therapeutic or diagnostic purposes has been increasingly studied. Here, it was tested whether modifications of core particle constitution could affect the characteristics and biologic properties of lipid nanoemulsions. Three nanoemulsions were prepared using cholesteryl oleate, cholesteryl stearate, or cholesteryl linoleate as main core constituents. Particle size, stability, pH, peroxidation of the nanoemulsions, and cell survival and uptake by different cell lines were evaluated. It was shown that cholesteryl stearate nanoemulsions had the greatest particle size and all three nanoemulsions were stable during the 237-day observation period. The pH of the three nanoemulsion preparations tended to decrease over time, but the decrease in pH of cholesteryl stearate was smaller than that of cholesteryl oleate and cholesteryl linoleate. Lipoperoxidation was greater in cholesteryl linoleate than in cholesteryl oleate and cholesteryl stearate. After four hours' incubation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) with nanoemulsions, peroxidation was minimal in the presence of cholesteryl oleate and more pronounced with cholesteryl linoleate and cholesteryl stearate. In contrast, macrophage incubates showed the highest peroxidation rates with cholesteryl oleate. Cholesteryl linoleate induced the highest cell peroxidation rates, except in macrophages. Uptake of cholesteryl oleate nanoemulsion by HUVEC and fibroblasts was greater than that of cholesteryl linoleate and cholesteryl stearate. Uptake of the three nanoemulsions by monocytes was equal. Uptake of cholesteryl oleate and cholesteryl linoleate by macrophages was negligible, but macrophage uptake of cholesteryl stearate was higher. In H292 tumor cells, cholesteryl oleate showed the highest uptakes. HUVEC showed higher survival rates when incubated with cholesteryl stearate and smaller survival with cholesteryl linoleate. H292 survival was greater with cholesteryl stearate. Although all three nanoemulsion types were stable for a long period, considerable differences were observed in size, oxidation status, and cell survival and nanoemulsion uptake in all tested cell lines. Those differences may be helpful in protocol planning and interpretation of data from experiments with lipid nanoemulsions.

Bites by the colubrid snake Philodryas patagoniensis: A clinical and epidemiological study of 297 cases

We retrospectively analyzed 297 proven cases of Philodryas patagoniensis bites admitted to Hospital Vital Brazil (HVB), Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil, between 1959 and 2008. Only cases in which the causative animal was brought and identified were included. Part of the snakes brought by the patients was still preserved in the collection maintained by the Laboratory of Herpetology. Of the 297 cases, in 199 it was possible to describe the gender of the snake, and seventy three (61.3%) of them were female. The length of snakes (snout-vent length) ranged from 160 to 1080 mm. In 117 snakes their state of preservation enabled the dissection and examination of their stomach contents. The stomach was empty in 106 snakes (89.1%). Most bites occurred in the seasons of spring and summer ( n = 196, 66.0%) and during warmer periods of the day. The mean age of the victims was 24.1 ± 15.1 years old and 206 (69.4%) patients were men. Around 92% of the patients sought medical care within 6 h after the bite. Both lower ( n = 188, 63.3%) and upper limbs ( n = 102, 34.3%) were most frequently bitten, especially the feet and hands ( n = 205, 69.0%). The local clinical manifestations were pain ( n = 151, 50.8%), transitory bleeding ( n = 106, 35.7%), erythema ( n = 47, 15.8%) and edema ( n = 39, 13.1%). Ecchymosis was not observed. Only 7 (2.4%) patients reported systemic symptoms characterized by mild dizziness and 88 patients (29.6%) showed no evidence of envenoming. The whole blood clotting time was performed in 76 (25.6%) patients on admission and all of them had coagulable blood. Supportive treatment was offered to only 13.4% of patients, namely administration of antihistamines ( n = 19, 6.4%) and analgesics ( n = 12, 4.1%). Eight patients (2.7%) were mistreated with Bothrops antivenom before their admission to HVB. No sequels or relevant complications were observed in patients, and the prognostic was benign. Therefore, although P. patagoniensis accidents can cause mild local symptomatology, it is very important that health professionals know how to make the correct diagnosis to avoid unnecessary use of antivenom.

A blow to the fight against snakebite

A fire on May 15 at the Butantan Institute in São Paulo, Brazil, destroyed over 80 000 preserved snakes, as well as about 450 000 specimens of spiders and scorpions.1 The Institute housed one of the world's largest collections, which included many rare or extinct species. This “loss for humanity”, as reportedly described by the archive's curator,1 is a tragedy for Brazil and for the greater scientific and medical research community, because the centre not only researches snake evolution and biodiversity but also produces a wide range of vaccines and antivenoms.

Medicaments: Gifts from the jungle

Medicaments: Gifts from the jungle