Abstract

Objective: To identify the caught samples of Latrodectus tredecimguttatus (L. tredecimguttatus) to the species level and to compare the obtained sequences with those of them that have been submitted in GenBank in Bojnurd district, located in north-east part of Iran. Methods: Samples were collected from different places of Bojnurd district using direct search method and were transferred to insectary. After then, by using valid morphological keys, samples were identified to the species level. Moreover, the DNA related to some samples was extracted by the use of different methods such as Collins, phenol-chloroform, salting-out and G-Spin kit. Finally, COI gene was studied by PCR amplification. Results: Totally, two egg sacs were collected as well as two mature female spiders. According to the lab results, by the use of molecular methods, 50 spiderlings belonging to an egg sac was evaluated. The results of PCR assay revealed that the best way for DNA extraction was saltingout method. Finally, the sequence of the partial mtDNA-COI of Latrodectus tredecimguttatus (L. tredecimguttatus) sample was submitted to GenBank. The results showed an identity of 99% of the studied samples with those of GenBank. Conclusions: Widow spiders are widely spread in different parts of the world and their bites cause death. It is important to study these samples by the use of molecular methods and then to produce them in a mass volume in order to fight and extract their venom for provision of anti-serum. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first molecular survey on spiders in Iran. Finally, the assessment of the human protection against the specific Iranian L. tredecimguttatus anti-venom is suggested.

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