Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Anna Tupetz, Loren K. Barcenas, Ashley J. Phillips, Joao Ricardo Nickenig Vissoci, Charles J. Gerardo
Summary: This study examined physicians' perceptions of antivenom use and experience with snake envenomation treatment to identify factors influencing treatment decisions and willingness to administer.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Christopher I. Johnston, Theo Tasoulis, Geoffrey K. Isbister
Summary: Sea snake envenoming in Australia, although rare, is associated with significant morbidity and risk of mortality. Early antivenom therapy appears to play a role in preventing severe myotoxicity and should be a treatment goal.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Jeong-Min Lee, Joong-Hyun Song, Kun-Ho Song
Summary: This study retrospectively examined venomous snakebites in dogs in South Korea. The study found that snakebites mostly occurred between April and October, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Grassland was the most common location for snakebite incidents, and walking dogs on a leash was the most frequent activity during snakebite occurrences. The main symptoms of snakebite included edema, hemorrhage, erythema, ulceration, and necrosis. The study also found that prompt treatment improved prognosis.
Article
Toxicology
Jeong Mi Moon, Byeong Jo Chun, Yong Soo Cho
Summary: This retrospective study describes the clinical features and antivenom response of Gloydius snake envenomation in South Korea, finding that rhabdomyolysis is a major effect although not associated with the same risk of clinical deterioration as coagulopathy. Additionally, further investigation is needed to determine the ability of antivenom to ameliorate local swelling and prevent unnecessary antivenom administration in South Korea.
CLINICAL TOXICOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Suchaya Sanhajariya, Stephen B. Duffull, Geoffrey K. Isbister
Summary: This study investigated the occurrence of myotoxicity following red-bellied black snake envenomation and found that early antivenom administration could reduce the incidence of myotoxicity. The venom concentration profile does not seem to be the main driver for myotoxicity, indicating that additional factors affecting patient sensitivity to snake venom/toxins need to be explored further.
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Emily Chen, Sarah Dotters-Katz, Jeffrey A. Kuller, Megan Varvoutis
Summary: Venomous snake and spider bites are rare in pregnant women in the United States. Antivenom therapy may be safe and effective in this population, but risks of adverse reactions need to be carefully considered. Understanding indications for antivenom therapy and proper care escalation is essential for optimal outcomes.
OBSTETRICAL & GYNECOLOGICAL SURVEY
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Choo Hock Tan, Praneetha Palasuberniam, Kae Yi Tan
Summary: The venom proteomes of Ovophis species in Asia are characterized by high abundance of snake venom serine proteases, which exhibit procoagulant activities in human plasma. Consumptive coagulopathy underlies the pathophysiology of Ovophis pit viper envenomation. Hetero-specific antivenoms show limited efficacy in cross-neutralizing the procoagulant activities of the venoms, suggesting they may be useful in treating coagulotoxic envenomation in their respective regions in the absence of species-specific antivenom.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Kathleen Maxwell, Brittney Fraser, Michael Schaer, Ashley Allen
Summary: This study identified thirty cats suspected of potential coral snake envenomation, with thirteen presenting clinical signs and seventeen treated for possible asymptomatic envenomation. Treatment strategies included antivenom administration, recumbency care, and mechanical ventilation if necessary as the mainstays of therapy.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Anurag S. Rathore, Ramesh Kumar, Om Shanker Tiwari
Summary: Snakebite envenoming (SBE), a neglected tropical disease, is responsible for approximately 138,000 deaths globally each year, with antivenom being the only approved treatment. However, existing antivenom therapy has limitations and improving it is crucial for reducing the global SBE burden.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Richard Nduwayezu, Hilary Kinney, Janetrix Hellen Amuguni, Janna M. Schurer
Summary: Snakebite envenomation is a neglected One Health issue that mainly affects rural and impoverished regions of Africa and Asia. The study in Rwanda aimed to describe the demographics of snakebite envenomation patients seeking hospital care, evaluate physician adherence to national treatment guidelines, and assess availability of antivenom at hospitals. Results showed that snakebites were the second leading cause of animal bites among patients seeking hospital care, with children and young adults being the most affected groups. Physician adherence to treatment guidelines was moderate, and antivenom availability was low in hospitals throughout the study period.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND HYGIENE
(2021)
Article
Primary Health Care
Joel Herness, Matthew J. Snyder, Raquelle Suzanne Newman
Summary: Arthropods, including insects and arachnids, play a significant role in transmitting infectious diseases to humans. Spider bites, scorpion envenomation, and stings from bees and wasps can cause various symptoms and complications that require prompt treatment and preventive measures. Additionally, flies and mosquitoes act as vectors for numerous infectious diseases.
AMERICAN FAMILY PHYSICIAN
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Angeline Mei Feng Oh, Kae Yi Tan, Nget Hong Tan, Choo Hock Tan
Summary: The study analyzed the venom proteomes of Many-banded Krait specimens from China and Taiwan, finding similarities in toxin families. Antivenom products from both regions varied in their effectiveness against the venom, with the Chinese-produced BMMAV showing higher potency.
COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY C-TOXICOLOGY & PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Ferhat Icme, Akkan Avci, Nurettin Yilmaz, Ahmet Burak Urfalioglu, Begum Seyda Avci, Onder Yesiloglu, Mustafa Oguz Tugcan, Hilmi Erdem Sumbul, Hasan Yesilagac, Ekrem Sapmaz
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the usefulness of procalcitonin in predicting the clinical severity and the necessity of antivenom therapy in patients with snake bites. The results showed that elevated procalcitonin levels may indicate the formation of blisters, higher clinical severity, and increased requirement for antivenom administration.
TOHOKU JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Steven A. Seifert, James O. Armitage, Elda E. Sanchez
Summary: Snakebites are a global health problem that can lead to thromboses and neuromuscular paralysis. Antivenoms made from horses and sheep are the preferred treatments, but accurate identification of the bite source is necessary and they can cause anaphylaxis and serum sickness.
NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Stephen Thornton, Michael Darracq
Summary: This study examines the trends and outcomes of North American pit viper bites using data from the National Poison Data System. The findings suggest that crotalid bites are increasing over time and can lead to significant morbidity, although mortality remains low.
SOUTHERN MEDICAL JOURNAL
(2022)
