Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 1, 2026

Author Spotlight: Optimizing Scorpion Venom Extraction for Antivenom Production
Published on: October 6, 2023
First report of death due to Hemiscorpius acanthocercus envenomation in Iran: Case report
Mehran Shahi1, Javad Rafinejad2, Leyla Az-Khosravi3
1Ph.D. of Infectious and tropical Diseases, Student, Infectious & Tropical Diseases Research Center, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran.
Abstract:
Scorpion stings are significant causes of death in the western and southern regions of Iran. To date, reports have indicated that the H. lepturus species is the main cause of mortality due to scorpion stings. One of the species that belongs to this genus is Hemiscorpius acanthocercus (H. acanthocercus). This scorpion's venom is cytotoxic, and it causes pathological changes in the blood and can cause severe damage to the kidneys. The pain of Hemiscorpius' sting is mild and asymptomatic in the early hours. Delays in the treatment of these victims can cause hemolysis, hematuria, kidney failure, and even death. In this paper, we report the first known death due to an H. acanthocercus' sting in Iran.

