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Biological product used to treat venomous bites and stings

Antivenom, also known as antivenin, is a biological product used in the treatment of venomous bites or stings. Antivenoms are created by extracting venom from a particular species of snake, spider, or other venomous creature, and then injecting small amounts of it into a domestic animal, such as a horse or sheep. The animal's immune system produces antibodies against the venom, which are then harvested from the animal's blood and purified to create the antivenom.

History

The development of antivenom began in the late 19th century. The first antivenom was developed by French scientist Albert Calmette in 1895 for the treatment of cobra bites. Since then, antivenoms have been developed for a wide range of venomous species.

Production

The production of antivenom involves several steps:

1. Venom Extraction: Venom is extracted from the target species, such as snakes, spiders, or scorpions. This process is often referred to as snake milking.
2. Immunization: The extracted venom is injected into a host animal, typically a horse or sheep, in small, non-lethal doses over a period of time.
3. Antibody Harvesting: The host animal's immune system produces antibodies against the venom. Blood is drawn from the animal, and the antibodies are isolated and purified.
4. Formulation: The purified antibodies are formulated into a usable antivenom product.

Types of Antivenom

Antivenoms are typically species-specific, meaning they are effective against the venom of a particular species or group of related species. There are two main types of antivenom:

• Monovalent Antivenom: Effective against the venom of a single species.
• Polyvalent Antivenom: Effective against the venoms of multiple species.

Administration

Antivenom is usually administered intravenously in a hospital setting. The dosage and type of antivenom depend on the severity of the envenomation and the species involved. It is crucial to administer antivenom as soon as possible after a bite or sting to neutralize the venom and prevent further damage.

Challenges and Limitations

Producing antivenom is a complex and costly process. Some challenges include:

• Species-Specificity: Antivenoms are often specific to certain species, which can limit their availability in regions with diverse venomous fauna.
• Allergic Reactions: Some patients may experience allergic reactions to antivenom, including anaphylaxis.
• Supply and Demand: There is often a mismatch between the supply of antivenom and the demand, particularly in developing countries where snakebites are more common.

Future Directions

Research is ongoing to develop more effective and broadly applicable antivenoms. Advances in biotechnology, such as recombinant DNA technology, may lead to the production of antivenoms that are safer and more effective.

Related pages

• Snakebite
• Venom
• Immunology
• Toxin

Gallery

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  Snake milking for venom extraction