Preparation of a novel antivenom

[Bushviper]

Preparation of a novel antivenom against Atractaspis and Walterinnesia venoms. M. Ismaila, M.S. Al-Ahaidibb, N. Abdoonb, M.A. Abd-Elsalam

Abstract
The two deadly snakes, Walterinnesia aegyptia (black desert cobra) and Atractaspis microlepidota (mole viper) share a common habitat in the central, eastern and western provinces of Saudi Arabia. Bites by either snake were characterized by rapid death, sometimes before reaching any medical facility. Confusing reports of ‘‘a black snake bite’’ are frequently found. The NAVPC had succeeded in preparing a highly effective antivenom against W. aegyptia venom which is now available in the market, but no antivenom against Atractaspis venom is found worldwide. This is probably because of the low molecular weight of sarafotoxins in the venom and hence their poor antigenic properties. At the NAVPC, sarafotoxins were separated by sequential gel filtration of A. microlepidota venom, while toxin TIII of W. aegyptia venom obtained by cation exchange chromatography and gel filtration. Conjugation of the two toxins was carried out using glutaraldehyde in a two-step procedure followed by exhaustive dialysis. The conjugate was utilized to hyperimmunize 3-years old horses for 10 months, applying a low-dosage protocol and immunostimulants; the crude venoms of both snakes being added during the last 2 months. The F(ab0)2 fraction of the antivenom was obtained by pH-guided salt precipitation, enzyme digestion and tangential desalting and filtration. The bivalent antivenom obtained protected mice and rats against the lethal effects of both venoms and rescued the rats challenged with lethal doses of the venoms in recovery experiments. It also neutralized the haemorrhagic, necrotizing and the cardiotoxic effects of A. microlepidota venom and the neuromuscular blocking effect of W. aegyptia venom. The antivenom offers a good rescue potential to those who are bitten by ‘‘a black snake’’ in Saudi Arabia. r 2006 Published by Elsevier Ltd.

[Bushviper]

I never thought you would not be able to make an antivenom from certain venoms. Luckily they have combined this.

We still have much to learn about snake venoms.

[vuduman]

Very interesting.It's good to know there is an alternate route to follow in some cases.

[michael]

Very interesting BV. Do you by any chance have an electronic copy of the full paper?

[froot]

A rather complicated procedure to isolate the toxins. Newly developed methodology brings us into a new chapter of venom research. Very good news.

[Sico]

Considering the co-morbidity of Actractaspis bibronii bites in SA, as well as the freqeuency, although not considered to be generally fatal, the bites can be debilitating. I wonder if SAVP will look at making one for their bites to limit the destructiveness...

[Bushviper]

Sico they looked at the parts that were the cause of the deaths and isolated that. This was then included just so that it would not cause deaths. I think the morbidity is a matter that does not concern them. I can send you the entire PDF if you want to see it.