Exploring the antibacterial potential of venoms from Argentinian animals.

The resistance to antimicrobials developed by several bacterial species has become one of the main health problems in recent decades. It has been widely reported that natural products are important sources of antimicrobial compounds. Considering that animal venoms are under-explored in this line of research, in this study, we screened the antibacterial activity of venoms of eight snake and five lepidopteran species from northeastern Argentina.

Unraveling the distinctive venomous features of the saturniid Hylesia sp.: An integrative approach of a public health concern in Argentina.

The saturniid genus Hylesia is well known for the cutaneous lepidopterism induced by airborne setae on contact with the skin. Although several cases of such dermatitis have been reported in Argentina, no information about their venoms and toxicological implications on human health is available yet. Thus, we conducted a morphological analysis of the setae/spines and a toxinological characterization (through biological assays and proteomic techniques) of the bristle extract from caterpillars and moths of Hylesia sp.

First insights into the biochemical and toxicological characterization of venom from the Banded Cat-eyed Snake Leptodeira annulata pulchriceps.

With the aim to widen the current knowledge of toxinological implications of bites from rear-fanged snakes and biological roles of their venoms, this study focuses on the biochemical composition and toxic effects of the venom of Leptodeira annulata pulchriceps from Argentina. We analyzed the protein composition by electrophoresis and mass spectrometry, and enzymatic properties by quantitative assays on different substrates. Additionally, we evaluated local and systemic toxicity in mice, and tested its cross-reactivity with elapid and viperid antivenoms used in Argentina.