Trial Assay for Safe First-Aid Protocol for the Stinging Sea Anemone <em>Anemonia viridis</em> (Cnidaria: Anthozoa) and a Severe Toxic Reaction

• DOI: 10.20944/preprints202112.0108.v1
• Publication Date: 2021-12-09T09:58:50Z
• Authors: Ainara Ballesteros; Janire Salazar; Macarena Marambio; Jose Tena; Jose Rafael Garci...; Diana López; Clara Tellez; Carles Trullàs; Eric Jourdan; Corinne Granger; Josep-Maria Gili
• Keywords: Sea anemone; Sting; Cnidocyte; Anemone; Tentacle (botany); Scyphozoa; Anthozoa

Anemonia viridis is an abundant and widely-distributed temperate sea anemone that can form dense congregations of individuals. Despite the potential severity its sting, few detailed cases have been reported. We report a case severe toxic reaction following A. sting in 35-year-old oceanographer. She developed pain, itching, redness burning sensation, which worsened one week after treatment with anti-inflammatories, antihistamines corticosteroids. Prompted by this event, due to insufficient risk prevention, lack training for marine-environment users research into sting-specific first-aid protocols, we evaluated cnidocyst response five different compounds commonly recommended as rinse solutions protocols (seawater, vinegar, ammonia, baking soda freshwater) means Tentacle Solution Assay. Vinegar ammonia triggered immediate massive discharge their application were classified activator solutions. Baking freshwater also solutions, although lower intensity discharge. Only seawater was neutral solution therefore at least until inhibitory discovered.