Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
8394077 | Toxicon | 2018 | 32 Pages |
Abstract
Snakebite is a public health problem in many countries of world. These accidents are considered a Neglected Tropical Disease and are responsible for a high morbidity and mortality index in the South and Southeast Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. Angolan snake venoms are poorly investigated and no specific antivenom against them is available in the country. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate biochemical and immunogenic properties of male and female venoms from Naja nigricollis, Bitis arietans and Bitis gabonica snakes. These animals were collected during an expedition covering 1350â¯km of Angola, including the Provinces of Cuanza Sul, Benguela, HuÃla and Malanje. Results showed that Angolan snake venoms present distinctive immunogenic properties and large intra-specific variations, associated to the gender and the geographic origin of the animals. Thus, it is possible to suggest that for the preparation of a therapeutic antivenom, intra-species variability should be taken into account, in order to obtain an efficient serum to neutralize the toxic effects of the Angolan snake venoms.
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Authors
Paula Regina Simões de Oliveira, Felipe Silva de França, Isadora Maria Villas Boas, Marisa Maria Teixeira da Rocha, Sávio Stefanini Sant'Anna, Maria de Lourdes Bastos, Denise V. Tambourgi,