From taxonomy to molecular characterization of brown spider venom: An overview focused on Loxosceles similis

Abstract

Loxosceles spp. (Araneae, Sicariidae), known as brown spiders, are distributed in temperate and tropical regions worldwide. Accidents caused by these spiders are known as loxoscelism and constitute a public health problem, especially in Brazil. The present review describes the taxonomy, distribution, and ecological profile of brown spiders, as well as the molecular and biochemical aspects of Loxosceles venom. Additionally, it presents an overview on L. similis, a species found in the Southeastern region of Brazil. In this region, the number of Loxosceles accidents has been increasing in the past few years, thus calling attention to its raising importance as a medically relevant spider species in Brazil.

Keywords: Brazil; Brown spider; Loxosceles; Loxoscelism; Venom.