Scorpion envenomation: a deadly illness requiring an effective therapy

Abstract

In many countries around the world, and especially in rural tropical areas, scorpion envenomation is a life-threatening hazard and medical emergency, particularly for children and the elderly. Advances in immunotherapy have resulted from new, in-depth knowledge of peptide synthesis. Nanotechnology and especially biocompatible nanoparticles have been used to induce active, protective immunity against venom toxins, based on their size and shape, making them specific vectors antigen-presenting cells. This review provides an overview of traditional and new therapies for the treatment of scorpion envenomation and discusses current technical issues and perspectives on specific serotherapy and nano-vectorization.

Keywords:

• Buthidae
• scorpion envenomation
• toxins
• immunotherapy
• vaccines

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).