Poisonous and venomous animals. Selected examples of invertebrales
Journal Title: Medycyna Ogólna i Nauki o Zdrowiu - Year 2014, Vol 20, Issue 1
Abstract
Introduction and purpose. Venoms and poisons are chemical weapons in the animal world. Venomous and poisonous invertebrates produce poisons for defensive purposes or in order to obtain food. These animals have developed morphological and physiological adaptations (venom organs and glands), which enable the penetration of venom or poison into or onto the body of other animals or humans. In humans, these substances cause organ disorders, allergic and toxic reactions, sometimes even leading to death. Knowledge of the places of habitation and ways of behaviour of these animals may protect an individual against the loss of health or even life. The objective of the study is the presentation of selected species of poisonous and venomous animals belonging to invertebrates, which are dangerous for human health and life.Description of the state of knowledge. The article presents the species most dangerous for humans, the venom of which is lethal. Venomous invertebrates include: Cnidaria, scorpions, spiders, shellfish (snails, cephalopods), e.g. scyphozoans of the Chironex species, caracurt (Latrodectus mactans tredecimguttatus). The poisonous invertebrates include some butterflies (monarch butterfly – Danaus plexippus) and beetles (Spanish fly – Lytta vesicatoria).Summary. Knowledge concerning venomous and poisonous animals is very useful for people who travel to tropical countries. Unfortunately, this knowledge is still insufficient, both among tourists and employees of travel agencies.Key words: venomous and poisonous animals, health risk
Authors and Affiliations
Teresa Kłapeć, Grzegorz Kania
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP58352
- DOI -
- Views 168
- Downloads 0
Occurrence of [i]Clostridium tetani[/i] in horse breeding environment
[b]Introduction. [/b] At the age of promoting the spending of an active free time, the risk of tetanus infection among people who have contact with horses by practicing horse riding as a sport, or even recreationally, is...
Obesity as an interdisciplinary medical problem (PART II) Effect on human health
The presented article is the subsequent part of the study concerning obesity complications within various systems and organs. An excessive body mass is the cause of many diseases, also considerably deteriorates prognosi...
Evaluation of selected dietary habits of patients with psoriasis – preliminary study
Introduction: Psoriasis is included in most frequent inflammatory illnesses of the skin. It is supposed that the correct lifestyle, including appropriate, rational diet is a helpful factor in the treatment of this diseas...
Experimental therapies of articular lesions in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
[b]Introduction and purpose. [/b]Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is one of the most common autoimmune diseases affecting connective tissue. It is characterized by inflammation of the joints leading to progressive damage and lo...
Przetrwałe nadciśnienie płucne noworodków – wybrane aspekty opieki pielęgniarskiej w polskich i australijskich oddziałach intensywnej terapii noworodków
Wprowadzenie. Noworodki, u których rozpoznano przetrwałe nadciśnienie płucne (PPHN), są jednymi z „najtrudniejszych” pacjentów Oddziału Intensywnej Terapii Neonatologicznej (OITN). Pomimo ogromnego rozwoju, jaki dokonał...