First report of death due to Hemiscorpius acanthocercus envenomation in Iran

Case report

Authors

  • Seyed Hamid Moosavy M.D., Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist, Associate Professor, Department of Internal Medicine, Hormozgan University of Medical Science, Bandar Abbas, Iran

Keywords:

death, scorpion envenomation, Hemiscorpius, Iran

Abstract

Scorpion stings are significant causes of death in the western and southern regions of Iran. To date, reports have indicated that the H. lepturus species is the main cause of mortality due to scorpion stings. One of the species that belongs to this genus is Hemiscorpius acanthocercus (H. acanthocercus). This scorpion's venom is cytotoxic, and it causes pathological changes in the blood and can cause severe damage to the kidneys. The pain of Hemiscorpius’ sting is mild and asymptomatic in the early hours. Delays in the treatment of these victims can cause hemolysis, hematuria, kidney failure, and even death. In this paper, we report the first known death due to an H. acanthocercus’ sting in Iran.

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Published

2022-03-08