1
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Avella I, Schulte L, Hurka S, Damm M, Eichberg J, Schiffmann S, Henke M, Timm T, Lochnit G, Hardes K, Vilcinskas A, Lüddecke T. Proteogenomics-guided functional venomics resolves the toxin arsenal and activity of Deinagkistrodon acutus venom. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 278:135041. [PMID: 39182889 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.135041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2024] [Revised: 08/20/2024] [Accepted: 08/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024]
Abstract
Snakebite primarily impacts rural communities of Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The sharp-nosed viper (Deinagkistrodon acutus) is among the snakes of highest medical importance in Asia. Despite various studies on its venom using modern venomics techniques, a comprehensive understanding of composition and function of this species' venom remains lacking. We combined proteogenomics with extensive bioactivity profiling to present the first genome-level catalogue of D. acutus venom proteins and their exochemistry. Our analysis identified an unusually simple venom containing 45 components from 20 distinct protein families. Relative toxin abundances indicate that C-type lectin and C-type lectin-related protein (CTL), snake venom metalloproteinase (svMP), snake venom serine protease (svSP), and phospholipase A2 (PLA2) constitute 90 % of the venom. Bioassays targeting key aspects of viperid envenomation showed considerable concentration-dependent cytotoxicity, particularly in kidney and lung cells, and potent protease and PLA2 activity. Factor Xa and thrombin activities were minor, and no plasmin activity was observed. Effects on haemolysis, intracellular calcium (Ca2+) release, and nitric oxide (NO) synthesis were negligible. Our analysis provides the first holistic genome-based overview of the toxin arsenal of D. acutus, predicting the molecular and functional basis of its life-threatening effects, and opens novel avenues for treating envenomation by this highly dangerous snake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ignazio Avella
- Animal Venomics Lab, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology (IME), Ohlebergsweg 12, 35392 Giessen, Germany; Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32, 35392 Giessen, Germany; LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE-TBG), Natural Product Genomics, Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
| | - Lennart Schulte
- Animal Venomics Lab, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology (IME), Ohlebergsweg 12, 35392 Giessen, Germany; Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32, 35392 Giessen, Germany; LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE-TBG), Natural Product Genomics, Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Branch for Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology (IME), Ohlebergsweg 12, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Sabine Hurka
- LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE-TBG), Natural Product Genomics, Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Branch for Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology (IME), Ohlebergsweg 12, 35392 Giessen, Germany; BMBF Junior Research Group in Bioeconomy (BioKreativ) "SymBioÖkonomie", Ohlebergsweg 12, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Maik Damm
- Animal Venomics Lab, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology (IME), Ohlebergsweg 12, 35392 Giessen, Germany; Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32, 35392 Giessen, Germany; LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE-TBG), Natural Product Genomics, Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Johanna Eichberg
- Branch for Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology (IME), Ohlebergsweg 12, 35392 Giessen, Germany; BMBF Junior Research Group in Infection Research "ASCRIBE", Ohlebergsweg 12, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Susanne Schiffmann
- LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE-TBG), Natural Product Genomics, Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology (ITMP), 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Marina Henke
- LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE-TBG), Natural Product Genomics, Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology (ITMP), 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Thomas Timm
- Protein Analytics, Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Friedrichstrasse 24, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Günther Lochnit
- Protein Analytics, Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Friedrichstrasse 24, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Kornelia Hardes
- LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE-TBG), Natural Product Genomics, Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Branch for Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology (IME), Ohlebergsweg 12, 35392 Giessen, Germany; BMBF Junior Research Group in Infection Research "ASCRIBE", Ohlebergsweg 12, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Andreas Vilcinskas
- Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32, 35392 Giessen, Germany; LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE-TBG), Natural Product Genomics, Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Branch for Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology (IME), Ohlebergsweg 12, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Tim Lüddecke
- Animal Venomics Lab, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology (IME), Ohlebergsweg 12, 35392 Giessen, Germany; LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE-TBG), Natural Product Genomics, Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Branch for Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology (IME), Ohlebergsweg 12, 35392 Giessen, Germany.
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2
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Lakušić M, Damm M, Bjelica V, Anđelković M, Tomović L, Bonnet X, Arsovski D, Süssmuth RD, Calvete JJ, Martínez-Freiría F. Ontogeny, not prey availability, underlies allopatric venom variability in insular and mainland populations of Vipera ammodytes. J Proteomics 2024; 310:105320. [PMID: 39306033 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2024.105320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2024] [Revised: 09/09/2024] [Accepted: 09/17/2024] [Indexed: 09/28/2024]
Abstract
Allopatric populations living under distinct ecological conditions are excellent systems to infer factors underlying intraspecific venom variation. The venom composition of two populations of Vipera ammodytes, insular with a diet based on ectotherms and mainland with a diet based on ectotherms and endotherms, was compared considering the sex and age of individuals. Ten toxin families, dominated by PLA2, svMP, svSP, and DI, were identified through a bottom-up approach. The venom profiles of adult females and males were similar. Results from 58 individual SDS-PAGE profiles and venom pool analysis revealed significant differences between juveniles compared to subadults and adults. Two venom phenotypes were identified: a juvenile svMP-dominated and KUN-lacking phenotype and an adult PLA2/svMP-balanced and KUN-containing phenotype. Despite differences in prey availability (and, therefore, diet) between populations, no significant differences in venom composition were found. As the populations are geographically isolated, the lack of venom diversification could be explained by insufficient time for natural selection and/or genetic drift to act on the venom composition of island vipers. However, substantial differences in proteomes were observed when compared to venoms from geographically distant populations inhabiting different conditions. These findings highlight the need to consider ecological and evolutionary processes when studying venom variability. SIGNIFICANCE: This study provides the first comprehensive analysis of the venom composition of two allopatric populations of Vipera ammodytes, living under similar abiotic (climate) but distinct biotic (prey availability) conditions. The ontogenetic changes in venom composition, coupled with the lack of differences between sex and between populations, shed light on the main determinants of venom evolution in this medically important snake. Seven new proteomes may facilitate future comparative studies of snake venom evolution. This study highlights the importance of considering ecological and evolutionary factors to understand snake venom variation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margareta Lakušić
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Campus de Vairão, Universidade do Porto, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal; Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, 4099-002 Porto, Portugal; BIOPOLIS Program in Genomics, Biodiversity and Land Planning, CIBIO, Campus de Vairão, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal.
| | - Maik Damm
- Animal Venomics Lab, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology (IME), Ohlebergsweg 12, 35392 Giessen, Germany; LOEWE-Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics, Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt, Germany; Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32, Gießen 35392, Germany; Institut für Chemie, Technische Universität Berlin, Straße des 17. Juni 135, 10623 Berlin, Germany
| | - Vukašin Bjelica
- University of Belgrade, Faculty of Biology, Studentski trg 16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Marko Anđelković
- University of Belgrade, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković" - National Institute of Republic of Serbia, Bulevar despota Stefana 142, 11108 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ljiljana Tomović
- University of Belgrade, Faculty of Biology, Studentski trg 16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Xavier Bonnet
- CEBC, UMR-7372, CNRS Université de La Rochelle, 79360 Villiers en Bois, France
| | - Dragan Arsovski
- Macedonian Ecological Society, Arhimedova 5, 1000 Skopje, North Macedonia
| | - Roderich D Süssmuth
- Institut für Chemie, Technische Universität Berlin, Straße des 17. Juni 135, 10623 Berlin, Germany
| | - Juan J Calvete
- Laboratorio de Venómica Evolutiva y Traslacional, Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia, CSIC, Valencia 46010, Spain
| | - Fernando Martínez-Freiría
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Campus de Vairão, Universidade do Porto, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal; BIOPOLIS Program in Genomics, Biodiversity and Land Planning, CIBIO, Campus de Vairão, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal
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3
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Qiao Z, Jones L, Bourke LA, Seneci L, Chowdhury A, Violette A, Fourmy R, Soria R, Aldridge M, Fry BG. Tiny but Mighty: Vipera ammodytes meridionalis (Eastern Long-Nosed Viper) Ontogenetic Venom Variations in Procoagulant Potency and the Impact on Antivenom Efficacies. Toxins (Basel) 2024; 16:396. [PMID: 39330854 PMCID: PMC11436208 DOI: 10.3390/toxins16090396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2024] [Revised: 09/01/2024] [Accepted: 09/12/2024] [Indexed: 09/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The Eastern Long-Nosed Viper (Vipera ammodytes meridionalis) is considered one of the most venomous snakes in Europe. However, it is unknown whether ontogenetic variation in venom effects occurs in this subspecies and how this may impact antivenom efficacy. In this study, we compared the procoagulant activities of V. a. meridionalis venom on human plasma between neonate and adult venom phenotypes. We also examined the efficacy of three antivenoms-Viperfav, ViperaTAb, and Inoserp Europe-across our neonate and adult venom samples. While both neonate and adult V. a. meridionalis venoms produced procoagulant effects, the effects produced by neonate venom were more potent. Consistent with this, neonate venom was a stronger activator of blood-clotting zymogens, converting them into their active forms, with a rank order of Factor X >> Factor VII > Factor XII. Conversely, the less potent adult venom had a rank order of FXII marginally more activated than Factor VII, and both much more so than Factor X. This adds to the growing body of evidence that activation of factors besides FII (prothrombin) and FX are significant variables in reptile venom-induced coagulopathy. Although all three examined antivenoms displayed effective neutralization of both neonate and adult V. a. meridionalis venoms, they generally showed higher efficacy on adult venom than on neonate venom. The ranking of antivenom efficacy against neonate venom, from the most effective to the least effective, were Viperfav, Inoserp Europe, ViperaTAb; for adult venom, the ranking was Inoserp Europe, Viperfav, ViperaTAb. Our data reveal ontogenetic variation in V. a meridionalis, but this difference may not be of clinical concern as antivenom was effective at neutralizing both adult and neonate venom phenotypes. Regardless, our results highlight a previously undocumented ontogenetic shift, likely driven by the documented difference in prey preference observed for this species across age classes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zichen Qiao
- Adaptive Biotoxicology Lab, School of the Environment, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; (Z.Q.); (L.J.); (L.A.B.); (L.S.); (A.C.)
| | - Lee Jones
- Adaptive Biotoxicology Lab, School of the Environment, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; (Z.Q.); (L.J.); (L.A.B.); (L.S.); (A.C.)
| | - Lachlan A. Bourke
- Adaptive Biotoxicology Lab, School of the Environment, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; (Z.Q.); (L.J.); (L.A.B.); (L.S.); (A.C.)
| | - Lorenzo Seneci
- Adaptive Biotoxicology Lab, School of the Environment, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; (Z.Q.); (L.J.); (L.A.B.); (L.S.); (A.C.)
| | - Abhinandan Chowdhury
- Adaptive Biotoxicology Lab, School of the Environment, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; (Z.Q.); (L.J.); (L.A.B.); (L.S.); (A.C.)
| | - Aude Violette
- Alphabiotoxine Laboratory Sprl, Barberie 15, 7911 Montroeul-au-Bois, Belgium; (A.V.); (R.F.)
| | - Rudy Fourmy
- Alphabiotoxine Laboratory Sprl, Barberie 15, 7911 Montroeul-au-Bois, Belgium; (A.V.); (R.F.)
| | - Raul Soria
- Inosan Biopharma, 28108 Alcobendas, Madrid, Spain;
| | | | - Bryan G. Fry
- Adaptive Biotoxicology Lab, School of the Environment, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; (Z.Q.); (L.J.); (L.A.B.); (L.S.); (A.C.)
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4
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Schulte L, Uhrig L, Eichberg J, Schwartze M, Auth I, Schulz M, Lindner T, Hien P, Hardes K, Vilcinskas A, Lüddecke T. Comparative venom analysis between melanistic and normally coloured phenotypes of the common adder ( Vipera berus). ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2024; 11:241268. [PMID: 39263452 PMCID: PMC11387060 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.241268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2024] [Revised: 08/05/2024] [Accepted: 08/07/2024] [Indexed: 09/13/2024]
Abstract
Snake venom is an ecologically relevant functional trait directly linked with a snake's fitness and survival, facilitating predation and defence. Snake venom variation occurs at all taxonomic levels, but the study at the intraspecific level is still in its early stages. The common adder (Vipera berus) exhibits considerable variation in colour phenotypes across its distribution range. Melanistic (fully black) individuals are the subject of myths and fairytales, and in German folklore such 'hell adders' are considered more toxic than their normally coloured conspecifics despite any formal investigation. Here, we provide the first comparative analysis of venoms from melanistic and normally coloured common adders. Specifically, we compared the venom profiles by sodium dodecylsulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography and tested the venoms' protease, phospholipase A2 and cytotoxic activities. Phospholipase A2 activity was similar in both phenotypes, whereas general protease activity was higher in the melanistic venom, which was also more cytotoxic at two concentrations (6.25 and 12.5 µg ml-1). These minor differences between the venoms of melanistic and normally coloured adders are unlikely to be of clinical relevance in the context of human envenomation. In light of our results, the claim that melanistic adders produce more toxic venom than their normally coloured conspecifics appears rooted entirely in folklore.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lennart Schulte
- Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Faculty 09 Agricultural Sciences, Nutritional Sciences and Environmental Management, Giessen, Hessen, Germany
- Department of Biodiversity Research, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME Branch for Bioresources, Gießen, Hessen, Germany
- LOEWE Center for Translational Biodiversity Genomics, Frankfurt, Hessen, Germany
| | - Lilien Uhrig
- Department of Biodiversity Research, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME Branch for Bioresources, Gießen, Hessen, Germany
| | - Johanna Eichberg
- Department of Biodiversity Research, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME Branch for Bioresources, Gießen, Hessen, Germany
| | - Michael Schwartze
- Institute for Landscape Ecology, University of Münster, Munster, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany
| | - Ingve Auth
- Institute for Landscape Ecology, University of Münster, Munster, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany
| | - Miriam Schulz
- Institute for Landscape Ecology, University of Münster, Munster, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany
| | - Thomas Lindner
- Institute for Zoology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Bayern, Germany
| | - Paul Hien
- Venture for Interconnection, Protection, Education and Research in Adders (VIPERA) e.V., Velburg, Bavaria, Germany
| | - Kornelia Hardes
- Department of Biodiversity Research, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME Branch for Bioresources, Gießen, Hessen, Germany
| | - Andreas Vilcinskas
- Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Faculty 09 Agricultural Sciences, Nutritional Sciences and Environmental Management, Giessen, Hessen, Germany
| | - Tim Lüddecke
- Department of Biodiversity Research, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME Branch for Bioresources, Gießen, Hessen, Germany
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5
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Damm M, Karış M, Petras D, Nalbantsoy A, Göçmen B, Süssmuth RD. Venomics and Peptidomics of Palearctic Vipers: A Clade-Wide Analysis of Seven Taxa of the Genera Vipera, Montivipera, Macrovipera, and Daboia across Türkiye. J Proteome Res 2024; 23:3524-3541. [PMID: 38980134 PMCID: PMC11301686 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.4c00171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
Snake venom variations are a crucial factor to understand the consequences of snakebite envenoming worldwide, and therefore it is important to know about toxin composition alterations between taxa. Palearctic vipers of the genera Vipera, Montivipera, Macrovipera, and Daboia have high medical impacts across the Old World. One hotspot for their occurrence and diversity is Türkiye, located on the border between continents, but many of their venoms remain still understudied. Here, we present the venom compositions of seven Turkish viper taxa. By complementary mass spectrometry-based bottom-up and top-down workflows, the venom profiles were investigated on proteomics and peptidomics level. This study includes the first venom descriptions of Vipera berus barani, Vipera darevskii, Montivipera bulgardaghica albizona, and Montivipera xanthina, as well as the first snake venomics profiles of Turkish Macrovipera lebetinus obtusa, and Daboia palaestinae, including an in-depth reanalysis of M. bulgardaghica bulgardaghica venom. Additionally, we identified the modular consensus sequence pEXW(PZ)1-2P(EI)/(KV)PPLE for bradykinin-potentiating peptides in viper venoms. For better insights into variations and potential impacts of medical significance, the venoms were compared against other Palearctic viper proteomes, including the first genus-wide Montivipera venom comparison. This will help the risk assessment of snakebite envenoming by these vipers and aid in predicting the venoms' pathophysiology and clinical treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maik Damm
- Institut
für Chemie, Technische Universität Berlin, Straße des 17. Juni 135, 10623 Berlin, Germany
- LOEWE-Centre
for Translational Biodiversity Genomics, Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Institute
for Insect Biotechnology, Justus-Liebig
University Giessen, Heinrich-Buff-Ring
26-32, 35392 Gießen, Germany
| | - Mert Karış
- Program
of Laboratory Technology, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Process
Technologies, Acıgöl Vocational School of Technical Sciences, Nevşehir Hacı Bektaş Veli University, Acıgöl, 50140 Nevşehir, Türkiye
| | - Daniel Petras
- Department
of Biochemistry, University of California
Riverside, 169 Aberdeen
Dr, Riverside, California 92507, United States
- Interfaculty
Institute of Microbiology and Infection Medicine, University of Tuebingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 24, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Ayse Nalbantsoy
- Department
of Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Ege University, Bornova, 35100 Izmir, Türkiye
| | - Bayram Göçmen
- Zoology
Section, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ege University, Bornova, 35100 Izmir, Türkiye
| | - Roderich D. Süssmuth
- Institut
für Chemie, Technische Universität Berlin, Straße des 17. Juni 135, 10623 Berlin, Germany
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Damm M, Avella I, Merzara R, Lucchini N, Buldain J, Corga F, Bouazza A, Fahd S, Süssmuth RD, Martínez-Freiría F. Venom variation among the three subspecies of the North African mountain viper Vipera monticola Saint Girons 1953. Biochimie 2024:S0300-9084(24)00167-6. [PMID: 39029575 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2024.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/21/2024]
Abstract
The North African mountain viper (Vipera monticola) is a medically relevant venomous snake distributed in Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. Three subspecies of V. monticola, exhibiting differences in morphotypes and dietary regimes, are currently recognised: V. m. monticola, V. m. atlantica, and V. m. saintgironsi. Through the application of snake venomics, we analysed the venoms of specimens of Moroccan origin belonging to each of the three subspecies. Snake venom metalloproteinases (svMP), snake venom serine proteases (svSP), C-type lectin and C-type lectin-related proteins (CTL), and phospholipases A2 (PLA2) were predominant, with PLA2 being the most abundant toxin family overall. Disintegrins (DI) and cysteine-rich secretory proteins (CRISP) were exclusive to V. m. monticola and V. m. atlantica, while l-amino-acid oxidases (LAAO) were only found in V. m. saintgironsi. The differences detected in the venom profiles, as well as in presence/absence and relative abundances of toxin families, indicate the occurrence of intraspecific venom variation within V. monticola. The identified patterns of venom similarity between subspecies seem to align more with their phylogenetic relationships than with the reported differences in their feeding habits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maik Damm
- Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32, 35392, Gießen, Germany; LOEWE-Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics, Senckenberganlage 25, 60325, Frankfurt Am Main, Germany; Institut für Chemie, Technische Universität Berlin, Straße des 17. Juni 135, 10623, Berlin, Germany; Animal Venomics Lab, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology (IME), Ohlebergsweg 12, 35392 Gießen, Germany.
| | - Ignazio Avella
- Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32, 35392, Gießen, Germany; LOEWE-Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics, Senckenberganlage 25, 60325, Frankfurt Am Main, Germany; Animal Venomics Lab, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology (IME), Ohlebergsweg 12, 35392 Gießen, Germany
| | - Reema Merzara
- Institut für Chemie, Technische Universität Berlin, Straße des 17. Juni 135, 10623, Berlin, Germany
| | - Nahla Lucchini
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Campus de Vairão, Universidade do Porto, 4485-661, Vairão, Portugal; BIOPOLIS Program in Genomics, Biodiversity and Land Planning, CIBIO, Campus de Vairão, 4485-661, Vairão, Portugal; Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Jon Buldain
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Campus de Vairão, Universidade do Porto, 4485-661, Vairão, Portugal; Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Frederico Corga
- Departamento de Biologia, Universidade de Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Abdellah Bouazza
- Equipe de recherche Exploration, Gestion des Ressources naturelles et Environnementales, Polydisciplinary Faculty of Taroudant, Ibn Zohr University, Morocco
| | - Soumia Fahd
- Laboratoire Ecologie, Systématique, Conservation de la Biodiversité, LESCB URL-CNRST N°18, FS, Abdelmalek Essaadi University, Tétouan, Morocco
| | - Roderich D Süssmuth
- Institut für Chemie, Technische Universität Berlin, Straße des 17. Juni 135, 10623, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Fernando Martínez-Freiría
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Campus de Vairão, Universidade do Porto, 4485-661, Vairão, Portugal; BIOPOLIS Program in Genomics, Biodiversity and Land Planning, CIBIO, Campus de Vairão, 4485-661, Vairão, Portugal.
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7
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Di Nicola MR, Crevani M, Avella I, Cerullo A, Dorne JLCM, Paolino G, Zattera C. A Guide to the Clinical Management of Vipera Snakebite in Italy. Toxins (Basel) 2024; 16:255. [PMID: 38922149 PMCID: PMC11209566 DOI: 10.3390/toxins16060255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The genus Vipera encompasses most species of medically significant venomous snakes of Europe, with Italy harbouring four of them. Envenomation by European vipers can result in severe consequences, but underreporting and the absence of standardised clinical protocols hinder effective snakebite management. This study provides an updated, detailed set of guidelines for the management and treatment of Vipera snakebite tailored for Italian clinicians. It includes taxonomic keys for snake identification, insights into viper venom composition, and recommendations for clinical management. Emphasis is placed on quick and reliable identification of medically relevant snake species, along with appropriate first aid measures. Criteria for antivenom administration are outlined, as well as indications on managing potential side effects. While the protocol is specific to Italy, its methodology can potentially be adapted for other European countries, depending on local resources. The promotion of comprehensive data collection and collaboration among Poison Control Centres is advocated to optimise envenomation management protocols and improve the reporting of epidemiological data concerning snakebite at the country level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Riccardo Di Nicola
- Unit of Dermatology and Cosmetology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico San Raffaele Hospital, Via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milan, Italy
- Department of Pathobiology, Pharmacology and Zoological Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Wildlife Health Ghent, Ghent University, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
- Asociación Herpetológica Española, Apartado de correos 191, 28911 Leganés, Spain
| | - Marta Crevani
- Poison Control Centre, Azienda Socio-Sanitaria Territoriale Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, 20162 Milan, Italy
| | - Ignazio Avella
- Landes-Offensive zur Entwicklung Wissenschaftlich-ökonomischer Exzellenz-Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics, Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt Am Main, Germany
- Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Anna Cerullo
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, L.go Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Jean-Lou C. M. Dorne
- Methodological and Scientific Support Unit, European Food Safety Authority, Via Carlo Magno 1A, 43100 Parma, Italy
| | - Giovanni Paolino
- Unit of Dermatology and Cosmetology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico San Raffaele Hospital, Via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Caterina Zattera
- Unit of Emergency Medicine, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Policlinico San Matteo University Hospital, University of Pavia, P.Le Golgi, 19, 27100 Pavia, Italy
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McFarlane LO, Pukala TL. Proteomic Investigation of Cape Cobra ( Naja nivea) Venom Reveals First Evidence of Quaternary Protein Structures. Toxins (Basel) 2024; 16:63. [PMID: 38393141 PMCID: PMC10892407 DOI: 10.3390/toxins16020063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Naja nivea (N. nivea) is classed as a category one snake by the World Health Organization since its envenomation causes high levels of mortality and disability annually. Despite this, there has been little research into the venom composition of N. nivea, with only one full venom proteome published to date. Our current study separated N. nivea venom using size exclusion chromatography before utilizing a traditional bottom-up proteomics approach to unravel the composition of the venom proteome. As expected by its clinical presentation, N. nivea venom was found to consist mainly of neurotoxins, with three-finger toxins (3FTx), making up 76.01% of the total venom proteome. Additionally, cysteine-rich secretory proteins (CRISPs), vespryns (VESPs), cobra venom factors (CVFs), 5'-nucleotidases (5'NUCs), nerve growth factors (NGFs), phospholipase A2s (PLA2), acetylcholinesterases (AChEs), Kunitz-type serine protease inhibitor (KUN), phosphodiesterases (PDEs), L-amino acid oxidases (LAAOs), hydrolases (HYDs), snake venom metalloproteinases (SVMPs), and snake venom serine protease (SVSP) toxins were also identified in decreasing order of abundance. Interestingly, contrary to previous reports, we find PLA2 toxins in N. nivea venom. This highlights the importance of repeatedly profiling the venom of the same species to account for intra-species variation. Additionally, we report the first evidence of covalent protein complexes in N. nivea venom, which likely contribute to the potency of this venom.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tara L. Pukala
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia;
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Schulte L, Damm M, Avella I, Uhrig L, Erkoc P, Schiffmann S, Fürst R, Timm T, Lochnit G, Vilcinskas A, Lüddecke T. Venomics of the milos viper ( Macrovipera schweizeri) unveils patterns of venom composition and exochemistry across blunt-nosed viper venoms. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1254058. [PMID: 37719269 PMCID: PMC10500195 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1254058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Snakebite is a neglected tropical disease and a globally important driver of death and morbidity. Vipers of the genus Macrovipera (Viperidae: Viperinae) are among the snakes of higher medical importance in the Old World. Despite the medical relevance of Macrovipera venoms, the knowledge regarding them is heterogeneously distributed with virtually all works conducted so far focusing on subspecies of Macrovipera lebetinus, while other species within the genus are largely overlooked. Here we present the first proteomic evaluation of the venom from the Greek endemic Milos viper (Macrovipera schweizeri). In line with clinical symptoms typically elicited by Macrovipera envenomations, Milos viper venom primarily comprises coagulotoxic and cytotoxic protein families, such as metalloproteinases (svMP) and serine proteases (svSP). Methods: We conducted comparative bioactivity assays on venoms from M. schweizeri and the M. lebetinus subspecies M. lebetinus cernovi, M. lebetinus obtusa, and M. lebetinus turanica, and showed that they all exhibit similarities in levels of cytotoxicity proteolytic activity, and inhibition of prokaryotic growth. Lastly, we compared Macrovipera venom profiles by 1D-SDS-PAGE and RP-HPLC, as well as our proteomic data with previously published Macrovipera venom proteomes. Results and discussion: The analyzes performed to reveal that a general venom profile seems to be conserved across blunt-nosed vipers, and that, M. schweizeri envenomations, similarly to those caused by other blunt-nosed vipers, are able to cause significant tissue damage. The present work represents an important starting point for the development of comparative studies across the full taxonomic range of the genus Macrovipera and can potentially help optimize the treatment of envenomations caused by M. schweizeri.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lennart Schulte
- Department of Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Giessen, Germany
- Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
- LOEWE-Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Maik Damm
- LOEWE-Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Ignazio Avella
- CIBIO, Research Centre in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources, InBIO Associated Laboratory, University Port, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- CIBIO, BIOPOLIS Program in Genomics, Biodiversity and Land Planning, Vairão, Portugal
| | - Lilien Uhrig
- Department of Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Giessen, Germany
| | - Pelin Erkoc
- LOEWE-Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics, Frankfurt, Germany
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Biology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Susanne Schiffmann
- LOEWE-Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics, Frankfurt, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology (ITMP), Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Robert Fürst
- LOEWE-Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics, Frankfurt, Germany
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Biology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Thomas Timm
- Institute of Biochemistry, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Günter Lochnit
- Institute of Biochemistry, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Andreas Vilcinskas
- Department of Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Giessen, Germany
- Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
- LOEWE-Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Tim Lüddecke
- Department of Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Giessen, Germany
- LOEWE-Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics, Frankfurt, Germany
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Kazemi SM, Hosseinzadeh MS, Weinstein SA. Identifying the geographic distribution pattern of venomous snakes and regions of high snakebite risk in Iran. Toxicon 2023; 231:107197. [PMID: 37321410 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2023.107197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
We describe species richness patterns of venomous snakes in Iran in order to produce snakebite risk prediction maps and identify gaps in regional health care centers capable of managing snakebites. We digitized distribution maps from the literature, Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF), and the results of our own field studies of 24 terrestrial venomous snake species (including 4 endemic to Iran). Species richness patterns were associated with eight environmental factors. The variables have been extracted from the WorldClim dataset (bio12 = annual precipitation, bio15 = precipitation seasonality, bio17 = precipitation of the driest quarter, bio2 = mean diurnal range, bio3 = isothermality (bio2/bio7), bio4 = temperature seasonality, bio9 = mean temperature of the driest quarter and slope). Based on spatial analyses, species richness in Iran is highly affected by three environmental variables (bio12, 15, and 17) associated with precipitation. The relationship patterns among these predictors and species richness were strong and linear. The hotspot regions for venomous snakes species are concentrated on the western to southwestern and north to northeastern regions of Iran, which is partially consistent with the known Irano-Anatolian biodiversity hotspot. Because of the high number of endemic species and climatic conditions on the Iranian Plateau, the venoms of snakes distributed in those areas may contain novel properties and components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyed Mahdi Kazemi
- Zagros Herpetological Institute, 37156-88415, P. O. No 12, Somayyeh 14 Avenue, Qom, Iran
| | | | - Scott A Weinstein
- Playford Family Medicine, 297 Peachey Rd., Munno Para, South Australia, 5115, Australia; Young Adult Institute, 220 E. 42nd St., 8th Floor, NY, NY, 10017, USA; Premier Health Care, 227 E. 41st St., 8th Floor, NY, NY, 10017, USA.
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11
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Avella I, Damm M, Freitas I, Wüster W, Lucchini N, Zuazo Ó, Süssmuth RD, Martínez-Freiría F. One Size Fits All-Venomics of the Iberian Adder ( Vipera seoanei, Lataste 1878) Reveals Low Levels of Venom Variation across Its Distributional Range. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:371. [PMID: 37368672 PMCID: PMC10301717 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15060371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
European vipers (genus Vipera) are medically important snakes displaying considerable venom variation, occurring at different levels in this group. The presence of intraspecific venom variation, however, remains understudied in several Vipera species. Vipera seoanei is a venomous snake endemic to the northern Iberian Peninsula and south-western France, presenting notable phenotypic variation and inhabiting several diverse habitats across its range. We analysed the venoms of 49 adult specimens of V. seoanei from 20 localities across the species' Iberian distribution. We used a pool of all individual venoms to generate a V. seoanei venom reference proteome, produced SDS-PAGE profiles of all venom samples, and visualised patterns of variation using NMDS. By applying linear regression, we then assessed presence and nature of venom variation between localities, and investigated the effect of 14 predictors (biological, eco-geographic, genetic) on its occurrence. The venom comprised at least 12 different toxin families, of which five (i.e., PLA2, svSP, DI, snaclec, svMP) accounted for about 75% of the whole proteome. The comparative analyses of the SDS-PAGE venom profiles showed them to be remarkably similar across the sampled localities, suggesting low geographic variability. The regression analyses suggested significant effects of biological and habitat predictors on the little variation we detected across the analysed V. seoanei venoms. Other factors were also significantly associated with the presence/absence of individual bands in the SDS-PAGE profiles. The low levels of venom variability we detected within V. seoanei might be the result of a recent population expansion, or of processes other than directional positive selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ignazio Avella
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Campus de Vairão, Universidade do Porto, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal; (I.F.); (N.L.)
- Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, 4099-002 Porto, Portugal
- BIOPOLIS Program in Genomics, Biodiversity and Land Planning, CIBIO, Campus de Vairão, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal
| | - Maik Damm
- Institut für Chemie, Technische Universität Berlin, Straße des 17. Juni 124, 10623 Berlin, Germany; (M.D.)
| | - Inês Freitas
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Campus de Vairão, Universidade do Porto, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal; (I.F.); (N.L.)
- Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, 4099-002 Porto, Portugal
- BIOPOLIS Program in Genomics, Biodiversity and Land Planning, CIBIO, Campus de Vairão, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal
| | - Wolfgang Wüster
- Molecular Ecology and Evolution at Bangor, School of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor LL57 2UW, UK;
| | - Nahla Lucchini
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Campus de Vairão, Universidade do Porto, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal; (I.F.); (N.L.)
- Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, 4099-002 Porto, Portugal
- BIOPOLIS Program in Genomics, Biodiversity and Land Planning, CIBIO, Campus de Vairão, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal
| | - Óscar Zuazo
- Calle La Puebla 1, 26250 Santo Domingo de la Calzada, Spain
| | - Roderich D. Süssmuth
- Institut für Chemie, Technische Universität Berlin, Straße des 17. Juni 124, 10623 Berlin, Germany; (M.D.)
| | - Fernando Martínez-Freiría
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Campus de Vairão, Universidade do Porto, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal; (I.F.); (N.L.)
- BIOPOLIS Program in Genomics, Biodiversity and Land Planning, CIBIO, Campus de Vairão, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal
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Warrell DA, Williams DJ. Clinical aspects of snakebite envenoming and its treatment in low-resource settings. Lancet 2023; 401:1382-1398. [PMID: 36931290 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(23)00002-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 11/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/18/2022] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
There is increasing recognition of the public health importance of snakebite envenoming. Worldwide annual incidence is likely to be 5 million bites, with mortality exceeding 150 000 deaths, and the resulting physical and psychological morbidity leads to substantial social and economic repercussions. Prevention through community education by trained health workers is the most effective and economically viable strategy for reducing risk of bites and envenoming. Clinical challenges to effective treatment are most substantial in rural areas of low-resource settings, where snakebites are most common. Classic skills of history taking, physical examination, and use of affordable point-of-care tests should be followed by monitoring of evolving local and systemic envenoming. Despite the profusion of new ideas for interventions, hyperimmune equine or ovine plasma-derived antivenoms remain the only specific treatment for snakebite envenoming. The enormous interspecies and intraspecies complexity and diversity of snake venoms, revealed by modern venomics, demands a radical redesign of many current antivenoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Warrell
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Experimental Medicine Division, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, UK.
| | - David J Williams
- Regulation and Prequalification Department, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
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