![]() Īdditional reports have suggested that hot water (40 C to 50 C) may be effective for pain relief after cone snail envenomation. It is suggested that these bandages should be removed for 90 seconds and reapplied every 10 minutes, but this should in no way impact the speed of transport to a hospital. There should be a frequent examinations to ensure that the most distal parts (i.e., fingers, toes) remain pink. The wrapping should be tight but not to the point that circulation is affected. This technique has been suggested to prevent further injury following envenomation. Pressure immobilization involves bandaging the limb starting at the distal end (fingers or toes) and moving toward the axial joints. While in transport, some additional methods can be utilized to prevent venom spread. Once the patient arrives at the hospital, mechanical ventilation and supportive therapies are enacted. The most important intervention after cone snail envenomation is to seek urgent hospital-based therapy and to ensure that the patient’s airway, breathing, and circulation remain intact. Due to the wide range of molecular targets and the variation in the venom of each Conus species, it is virtually impossible to create effective anti-venom. Alpha-conotoxins block nicotinic receptors, which results in paralysis that may eventually involve the diaphragm. This mechanism is similar to botulinum toxin in that they act on the same pathway. These toxins specifically act on nicotinic receptors, which are responsible for skeletal muscle contraction. Another integral part of cone snail venom is various alpha-conotoxins. Additionally, more obscure targets exist, such as toxins that act on hormonal receptors, simulating the effects of oxytocin and vasopressin (conopressins). Some conotoxins exert their effects on sodium (delta conotoxin), potassium, and calcium ion channels. These toxins have a variety of neuromuscular effects through glutamate, adrenergic (chi conotoxin), serotonin, and cholinergic pathways. Within the snail venom, there are various “conotoxins” in combinations specific to the species. Once a harpoon is engaged, it is discarded. At any time, a cone snail has about twenty harpoons in various stages of growth and development. The second method of hunting also involves a venom-covered harpoon, but instead, the snail opens its mouth to catch fish and the harpoon is released within the mouth. Only a certain part of the cone does not protect from envenomation. This proboscis can extend to all parts of the shell and handling. Within the proboscis is a tooth or harpoon, coated with species-specific venom. The species that utilize the hook-and-line method use an additional appendage called a proboscis. ![]() Within piscivorous snails, two primary methods of hunting have been documented: hook and line versus net hunting. Unsurprisingly, envenomation occurs most often on the palms and fingers. Humans are not typical cone snail prey and envenomation is most likely to occur during handling. The geographic cone is the most toxic of the known species, and several human deaths have resulted from envenomation. Knowing these specific feeding patterns make differentiation of deadly Conus species easier though all cone snails are capable of envenomation. Some feed on worms (vermivores), others on mollusks (molluscivores), and those most toxic to humans feed on fish (piscivores). There is variability in the prey each Conus species tends to hunt. While some species do have eyestalks, the siphon provides a more sensitive method of locating prey, as well as performing additional respiratory functions. These snails sense prey within their environment using an appendage called a siphon. Cone snails range in size from a few centimeters up to 29 cm long. All members of the genus appear similar, but many different Conus species fall under this umbrella, some of which pose a greater threat to humans than others. As the snail continues to grow, it builds upon its patterned shell. ![]() The spiral shells of the snail are the life-long habitat for the indwelling predator. The Conus genus, within the Conidae family, is a group of predatory gastropod mollusks. The venom from one cone snail has a hypothesized potential of killing up to 700 people. The handful of humans that are stung by a cone snail is often subject to a venom potent enough to immediately paralyze and eventually kill its prey. While humans are not the intended prey for these mollusks, naive divers may inadvertently pick up cones with the intention of keeping them as souvenirs. One example is the Conus genus, which includes over 500 different species of predatory snails. Both experienced and novice scuba divers are drawn to warm, tropical seas, but when traveling to these areas, divers must practice additional cautionary measures to avoid predators specific to these environments. ![]()
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