Desert death adder (Acanthophis pyrrhus) a species with a strong postsynaptic toxin component. |
Antivenom comes in two forms;
Polyvalent antivenoms are a fantastic idea conceptually. The idea of having a wide-ranging effective antivenom to cover most if not all species would truly change the medicinal treatment of bites. This level of effectiveness however, has not been reached (White & Meier, 1995). Polyvalents are often used as a last alternative as reactions, often worse than the response to the venom, are common (White & Meier, 1995). Many other side effects are common and effectively counteracting all components of the venom is far from certain.
Monovalent antivenoms are highly specific and are produced to counteract the venom from one species. These serums may still cause reaction but are far less common. Due to their specific nature they also target most if not all of the venom component. These factors make monovalent a much safer option to treat a patient with a known envenomation (White & Meier, 1995).
Red-headed krait (Bungarus flaviceps baluensis) a species with strong presynaptic neurotoxin components. |
References
White, J. and Meier, J., 1(995). Handbook of clinical toxicology of animal venoms and poisons (Vol. 236). CRC Press.
Images by Nick Weigner
So, you’re saying that, if I get bitten by a snake, I should hope it’s got postsynaptic neurotoxin? What kinds of reactions to anti-venoms are seen because, while I don’t want to get bitten by a snake, I’d prefer to at least know what I’m up against with the potential reactions to anti-venoms :)
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