title: [The threat of snake and scorpion venoms].
abstract: Venoms of snakes and scorpions pose a significant threat to the health and life of humans. The speed and range of their actions causes damage of the organ responsible for the maintenance of vital signs. Venomous snake venoms cause blood clotting disorders, tissue necrosis and hemolysis, and the release of a number of proinflammatory cytokines and impair antibody synthesis. Availability of antitoxins is limited and in the most cases supportive treatment is recommended. In turn, the venom of scorpions beside intestinal symptoms cause significant impairment of neuromuscular conduction, causing severe respiratory disorders. Action venom poses a particular threat to sensitive patients. The degree of threat to life caused by the venom of snakes and scorpions authorizes the treatment of these substances as a potential biological weapon.
authors.affiliation: Military Medical Institute in Warsaw, Poland, Department of Internal Medicine, Pulmonology and Allergology, Central Clinical Hospital of the Ministry of National Defense.
authors.forename: Tadeusz
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Płusa
authors.affiliation: Military Center of Preventive Medicine, Modlin, Poland.
authors.forename: Katarzyna
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Smędzik
mesh_terms: D000743:Anemia, Hemolytic / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D000818:Animals; D054045:Biological Warfare Agents; D001778:Blood Coagulation Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D009468:Neuromuscular Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D012140:Respiratory Tract Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D012604:Scorpion Venoms / Q000633:toxicity*; D012910:Snake Venoms / Q000633:toxicity*
chemical_list: D054045:Biological Warfare Agents; D012604:Scorpion Venoms; D012910:Snake Venoms
keywords: proceedings; scorpions; snakes; venom