Faunal data and envenomation emergency first aid of cone snails (Conus spp.) in Qeshm Island, the Persian Gulf
10.1016/j.apjtm.2017.10.024
- Author:
Mehdi KHOOBDEL
1
;
Mohammad GHASEMI
1
;
Mohsen REZAIE-ATAGHOLIPOUR
1
;
Hadi DEHGHANI
2
;
Ali Mehrabi TAVANA
3
;
Seyyed Mohammad DAKHTEH
4
;
Majid Askari HESNI
5
Author Information
1. Health Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences
2. Department of Marine Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Hormozgan
3. Health Management Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences
4. Environmental Management Office, Qeshm Free Area Organization
5. Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Envenomation symptoms;
Sandy shores;
Subtropical coastal waters;
Venom
- From:
Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine
2017;10(12):1167-1171
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Objective To investigate the fauna of a highly venomous marine species group, the cone snails (Family Conidae), in the shores of Qeshm Island, of evaluating the possibility of envenomation in the area and summarize recommendations for emergency first aid. Methods Shores surrounding Qeshm Island were surveyed to collect cone snails during cold (February and March) and warm (May and June) seasons of 2017. Collected snails were identified to the species level. Abundance and species richness were estimated in shores of different structures, including muddy and sandy-rocky shores. Also, the most updated medical literature was reviewed to summarize related emergency first aid. Results Three cone snail species were recorded from southern sandy-rocky shores of the Island, in decreasing order of abundance, included crowned cone (Conus coronatus) (65%), feathered cone (Conus pennaceus) (28%), and frigid cone (Conus frigidus) (7%). Abundance of these species were significantly higher in cold season compared to the warm season (P < 0.05). No cone snails were recorded along the northern muddy shores of the Island. Conclusions Envenomation can cause various symptoms ranging from minor local pain to systemic paralysis and death due to respiratory failure. We recommend an awareness programme for the seashore visiting public.
