Antivenom

Antivenom

Milking a snake for venom extraction.

Antivenom, also known as antivenin, is a biological product used in the treatment of venomous bites or stings. It is created by extracting venom from a particular species of snake, spider, or other venomous creature, and then injecting small amounts of this venom into a domestic animal such as a horse, sheep, or goat. 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.

Production

The production of antivenom involves several key steps:

Venom Extraction

The first step in producing antivenom is the extraction of venom from the target species. This process, known as snake milking, involves carefully handling the snake and encouraging it to bite into a container covered with a membrane, allowing the venom to be collected. The venom is then processed and used to immunize host animals.

Immunization

Once the venom is collected, it is injected into a host animal in small, controlled doses. Over time, the animal's immune system responds by producing antibodies specific to the venom. These antibodies are proteins that can neutralize the venom's toxic effects.

Antibody Harvesting

After the host animal has developed a sufficient immune response, blood is drawn from the animal. The blood is then processed to separate the plasma, which contains the antibodies. These antibodies are further purified to produce the final antivenom product.

Types of Antivenom

Antivenoms are typically specific to the type of venom they are designed to neutralize. There are two main types:

• 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 responsible for the bite or sting. It is crucial to administer antivenom as soon as possible after envenomation to prevent serious complications or death.

Challenges and Considerations

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, as it is derived from animal proteins.
• Supply and Demand: The production of antivenom is limited, and there is often a mismatch between supply and demand, especially in developing countries.

Related Pages

• Venom
• Snakebite
• Immunology
• Toxin