In vitro evaluation of venom activity as a tool to develop first-aid treatments of jellyfish sting

5th International Jellyfish Bloom Symposium, 30 May to 3 June 2016, Barcelona.-- 1 pageFirst aid treatments of jellyfish envenomation lack general agreement on their efficacy. Based on its experience on emergency response to chemical contamination, Prevor started a research effort to understand jellyfish venom toxicity, and to develop new products in response to jellyfish stings.In association with the jellyfish team of the ICM in Barcelona, specimens of jellyfish were collected in the Mediterranean Sea. Two species were used: Pelagia noctiluca and Rhizostoma pulmo. Nematocyst isolation was performed in Barcelona. The isolation protocol was adapted to each jellyfish species. Lyophilized nematocysts were then transferred to Prevor and venom was extracted by bead mill homogenization. The toxicity was evaluated on culture of keratinocyte (HaCaT cell line). This in vitro model was used to assess the ability of a molecule designed by Prevor to prevent venom toxicity. A simple model to test jellyfish venom activity and potential antidotes in vitro has been established in our lab. Models closer to the configuration of human envenomation are necessary to fully validate first aid treatmentsPeer Reviewe