Scorpion envenomation: from a neglected to a helpful disease?

Excerpt

Scorpion envenomation is a life-threatening accident encountered in tropical and subtropical areas. It remains an under-reported disease but around 1.2 million stings are yearly recorded around the world, ensuing in 3250 deaths as a consequence of acute heart and respiratory failure) [1]. The great majority (> 90%) of stings by the Old World scorpions (North Africa, India, and the Middle East) are so-called dry stings, resulting in localized discomfort. When systemic envenomation occurs, several systems may be affected, including the gastrointestinal, neurological, inflammatory systems, etc. [2]. Life-threatening presentations with acute heart failure features occur in less than 1% of cases. In what follows, we will strive to show how the little research dedicated to this neglected disease has led to significant scientific advances both through the derived experimental model of the widespread Takotsubo syndrome and by the proliferation of venom-derived drugs. …