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Jellyfish Venom In Our Bodies

According to the National Ocean Service, Chironex Fleckeri—otherwise known as the Australian Box Jellyfish—is considered the world’s most venomous marine animal. Having the ability to target the heart, nervous system, and skin cells, the box jellyfish kills 20-40 people annually in the Philippines (Fox, 2010). Although this may not seem like a large number, many cases and potential deaths are often misdiagnosed. Additionally, experts from Live Science estimate that the world mortality rate is even higher due to the fact that there is no official record for deaths to the box jellyfish. According to John Perritano, 43 species of box jellyfish cause more deaths and injuries than sharks, stingrays, and sea snakes combined. Due to warming oceans and oxygen depleting fertilizers, the population of box jellyfish continues to grow.


As stated by National Geographic, box jellyfish primarily live in coastal waters off Northern Australia and throughout the Indo-Pacific. A fun fact about these animals is that they have two dozen eyes, most of which have lenses, corneas and irises (John Perritano, 2019). They also have more developed nervous systems than their cousins, allowing them to quickly engage with and avoid their surroundings. Unlike other species of jellyfish, which drift upon their meals, box jellyfish are active hunters. Just as John Perritano stated, they propel through the water at 4 miles per hour by expanding and contracting their bell shaped heads (2019). Science Daily states that each jellyfish carries enough venom to kill more than 60 humans.

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As seen in Figure 1, they have a cube shaped bell and are transparent in color. National Geographic observes that up to 15 tentacles, possibly reaching 10 feet in length, can grow from each corner of the bell (n.d.). The tentacles of box jellyfish are covered in small poison loaded dart cells called cnidocytes (National Ocean Service, n.d.). Each tentacle contains up to 5,000 stinging cells which are triggered by the presence of an external chemical on the outer layer of its prey (National Geographic, n.d.). In Figure 2, we can see that within each cnidocyte, a subcellular organelle, nematocyst, resides. When the cnidocyte has been triggered, it activates the nematocyst and releases the coiled structure, which in turn releases venom (Difference Between, n.d.). This occurs at an extremely rapid speed, leaving little to no possibility for escape.


Once the dart pierces the victim’s skin, the cnidocyte releases toxins through the needle and into the victim (Fox, 2010). Dr. Angel Yanagihara, who studies jellyfish venom at the University of Hawaii (UH) in Honolulu, says that when box jellyfish sting, they release some sort of “digestive cocktail” which helps them catch and digest their meals (John Perritano, 2019). Within human bodies, this toxin can create holes in our cells, leading to dysfunction and possibly death. According to Nature.com, the venoms of box jellyfish are mixtures of bioactive proteins that can cause potent haemolytic activity, cytotoxicity, and cardiovascular collapse. The molecular mechanisms involved in these effects are largely unknown, however researchers at the University of Hawaii’s Department of Tropical Medicine found that the venom causes cells to become porous which can cause an elevated level of potassium leaked in the blood (known as hyperkalemia), which can subsequently cause cardiovascular collapse.

Immediate symptoms of a box jellyfish sting on the site are pain and lesions resembling hives, while systematic reactions include diaphoresis, muscle cramps, and possible death (Aquarius Redang Dive Centre n.d.). Other signs and symptoms of a mild sting are immediate pain, presence of adherent tentacles on the skin, and irrational behavior (Queensland Ambulance Service, n.d.). When stung, the tentacles are known to attach themselves onto the victim, causing more pain. It is recommended that victims avoid rubbing the stung area and that they immediately douse the site with vinegar for at least 30 seconds (Queensland Ambulance Service, n.d.). If vinegar is unavailable, removing the tentacles and rinsing with sea water can be an alternative. Continuous CPR is sometimes required to keep the heart’s function active due to hyperkalemia’s effects. Fortunately, more promising remedies may be on the way. According to Science Daily, researchers at the University of Sydney have discovered an antidote utilizing CRISPR techniques. Associate Professor Neely says “We know the drug will stop the necrosis, skin scarring and pain completely when applied to the skin. We don’t know yet if it will stop a heart attack.” Even if this medication becomes widely available, it is important to act fast due to the speed at which box jellyfish venom can be transmitted.



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