P-Scorpion envenomation in pygmies from Democratic Republic of Congo, the example of Pelenge Center, Lomela, DRC

Full text

J. Venom. Anim. Toxins incl. Trop. Dis.

V.18, n.4, p.451-454, 2012.

Short communication - ISSN 1678-9199.

Scorpion envenomation in pygmies from Democratic Republic of Congo, the example of Pelenge Center, Lomela, DRC

Biezakala Mudiandambu E (1), Odio Wobin T (1), Kabele Ngiefu C (2), Tati Kinkela R (2), Mbanzulu Makola K (1)

(1) Antivenom Center, Department of Tropical Medicine, Medical School, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo; (2) Antivenom Center, Department of Chemistry, School of Sciences, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Abstract: In a survey among the pygmies of central Democratic Republic of Congo, the incidence of scorpion stings seemed very high with a severity greater than expected. Species responsible were not identified. Specific studies are needed to clarify the risk emerging in the equatorial African forest.

Key words: Arothron hispidus, tetrodotoxin, bioassay, ATPase and AchE enzymatic activities, anticancer activity.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

We wish to thank the Management Committee of the CAV for its financial support during this study. Our gratitude also goes to the tireless guides J. Kabata, R. Nkinda, J. Kapinga, and J. Ingondja. It would be wrong to conclude without thinking of Baby Kasongo for its sacrifices and determination during the work. Finally, we are grateful to Dr. Jean-Philippe Chippaux, director of researches at the Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), France, for its support and assistance in the preparation of this manuscript.

SUBMISSION STATUS

Received: September 28, 2012.

Accepted: November 8, 2012.

Abstract published online: November 9, 2012.

Full paper published online: November 30, 2012.

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

FINANCIAL SOURCE

Institute of Research for the Development (IRD) and Center for the Study and Research on Malaria Associated with Pregnancy and Childhood provided the financial grants.

CORRESPONDENCE TO

Erasme Biezakala Mudiandambu, Université de Kinshasa, Faculté de Médecine, Département de Médecine Tropicale, BP: 747 KIN X, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. Email: biezaerasme@yahoo.fr.