Clinical, epidemiological and faunistic characterization of scorpionism in Azilal, Central High Atlas (Morocco)

Abstract

The province of Azilal is one of the most scorpion-infested areas in Morocco. The current study aims to investigate the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of scorpion envenomation in the Azilal province, as well as to contribute to the study of its scorpio-faunistic diversity. We examined clinical and epidemiological data from 5684 scorpion stings recorded between 2017 and 2021. Prospections on the ground were carried out in the study area. The species were identified using the taxonomic keys. Distribution maps of inventoried species have been created using SIG. 5684 scorpions stings were reported in the study area, with 18 cases of deaths. Most of the cases was reported in the summer especially at night (64%). A positive significant correlation was found between scorpion stings incidence and season (P < 0.005; r = 0.56). A positive correlation was found between scorpion stings incidence and mortality (r = 0.09). Pediatric mortality was higher compared to lethality in adults (P < 0.05). A positive correlation was found between the number of stung children (Age <15 years) and the number of patients presenting clinical signs of severe envenomation (Class III) (r = 0.40). The percentage of patients that use traditional remedies was significantly higher in the rural areas (P < 0.05). Most scorpion stings occurred in human habitat (54.5%) or in their neighbourhood (24.5%). Six species were identified in the study area. The findings of this study have highlighted the extent of scorpion envenomation and have elucidated certain characteristics of the scorpio-faunistic biodiversity in the Azilal province.