Antivenom
Antivenom
Antivenom (pronounced: an-ti-ven-uhm), also known as antivenin or venom antiserum, is a medication used to treat venomous bites or stings. The term is derived from the Latin words "anti" meaning against, and "venom" meaning poison.
History
The concept of antivenom dates back to the late 19th century, when French scientist Albert Calmette developed the first antivenom for snakebite. This was achieved by injecting small amounts of snake venom into animals to stimulate an immune response, and then harvesting the resulting antibodies for use in humans.
Production
Antivenom is produced by injecting a small amount of the relevant venom into a domestic animal, such as a horse or sheep. The animal's immune system responds by producing antibodies which are then harvested from the animal's blood and used to create the antivenom. This process is known as immunization.
Usage
Antivenom is used to treat bites or stings from a variety of venomous creatures, including snakes, spiders, scorpions, and some types of marine life. The specific type of antivenom needed depends on the species that caused the bite or sting. In some cases, a broad-spectrum antivenom may be used if the exact species is unknown.
Effectiveness
The effectiveness of antivenom varies depending on the type of venom and the time elapsed since the bite or sting. In general, antivenom is most effective when administered as soon as possible after the bite or sting. However, it can still be beneficial if administered several hours later.
Side Effects
Like all medications, antivenom can have side effects. These can include allergic reactions, serum sickness, and in rare cases, anaphylaxis. To minimize these risks, antivenom is usually administered in a hospital setting under the supervision of a healthcare professional.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Antivenom
- Wikipedia's article - Antivenom
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