Tityus perijanensis González-Sponga (Scorpiones, Buthidae): Molecular assessment of its geographical distribution and venom lethality of Venezuelan populations

Abstract:

An extensive field survey allowed us to expand the geographical distribution of the scorpion Tityus perijanensis in the Perijá range, western Zulia State, Venezuela, including areas where adult cases of severe scorpionism have been reported. 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequencing, DL50 determination, and native PAGE suggest low genetic and venom proteomic divergence across the distribution range. The results also indicate phylogenetic divergence between T. perijanensis and T. discrepans, the species prevalent in northcentral Venezuela. T. perijanensis venom lethality (0.91-0.94 mg/kg) is comparable to that of the Brazilian T. serrulatus and ranks highest among toxic Venezuelan Tityus studied so far. The data indicate that the Perijá range should be included amongst the endemic areas of scorpionism of Venezuela and Colombia. © 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Año de publicación:

2007

Keywords:

• VENEZUELA
• 16S RRNA
• Medium lethal dose
• scorpion venom
• Tityus
• Tityus perijanensis

Fuente:

scopus