Redi award lecture: Clinical studies of snake-bite in four tropical continents

► Clinical studies of snake-bite carried out in four tropical continents are reviewed. ► Results of a recent study in India indicate about 50,000 snake-bite deaths each year. ► Clinical manifestations of elapid bites that are at variance with textbook accounts are presented. ► Understanding pathophysiological mechanisms can lead to improved care of envenomed patients. ► Prevention of snake-bites through community education is a priority.