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Murphy K, Tasoulis T, Dunstan N, Isbister GK. Anticoagulant activity in Australasian elapid snake venoms and neutralisation with antivenom and varespladib. Toxicon 2024; 247:107836. [PMID: 38945217 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2024.107836] [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: 04/07/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
The venoms of Australasian elapid snakes are known to possess coagulant activity, including some with strong procoagulant activity and others with anticoagulant activity, although the latter are less well known. This study investigates the anticoagulant activity of Australasian elapid snake venoms, and whether this activity is neutralised by commercial snake antivenom and varespladib (PLA2 inhibiting agent). Clotting assays were completed for 34 species of Australasian elapids. Antivenom neutralisation assays with tiger snake antivenom (TSAV) were performed on five species to determine if there was cross-neutralisation. Varespladib neutralisation assays were also completed for the same five species. All Pseudechis species venoms had anticoagulant activity, except P. porphyriacus, which was procoagulant. Pseudechis species venoms had similar anticoagulant potency ranging from the most potent P. colletti venom to the least potent P. butleri venom. The three Austrelaps (copperhead) species venoms were the next most potent anticoagulants. Six further snakes, Elapognathus coronatus, Acanthophis pyrrhus, A. antarcticus, Suta suta, Denisonia devisi and D. maculata, had weaker anticoagulant activity, except for D. maculata which had similar anticoagulant activity to Pseudechis species. Tiger Snake Antivenom (1200mU/mL) neutralised the anticoagulant effect of P. australis for concentrations up to 1 mg/mL. TSAV (1200mU/mL) also neutralised P. colletti, D. maculata, A. superbus and A. pyrrhus venoms at their EC50, demonstrating cross neutralisation. Varespladib neutralised the anticoagulant effect of P. australis venom at 5 μM and for venoms of P. colletti, D. maculata, A. superbus and A. pyrrhus. We found anticoagulant activity to be present in six genera of Australasian snakes at low concentrations, which can be completely neutralised by both antivenom and varespladib. Anticoagulant activity in Australian elapid venoms was associated with species possessing high PLA2 activity without procoagulant snake venom serine proteases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Murphy
- Clinical Toxicology Research Group, University of Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Theo Tasoulis
- Clinical Toxicology Research Group, University of Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Geoffrey K Isbister
- Clinical Toxicology Research Group, University of Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia; Department of Clinical Toxicology, Calvary Mater Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia.
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2
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A current perspective on snake venom composition and constituent protein families. Arch Toxicol 2023; 97:133-153. [PMID: 36437303 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-022-03420-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Snake venoms are heterogeneous mixtures of proteins and peptides used for prey subjugation. With modern proteomics there has been a rapid expansion in our knowledge of snake venom composition, resulting in the venom proteomes of 30% of vipers and 17% of elapids being characterised. From the reasonably complete proteomic coverage of front-fanged snake venom composition (179 species-68 species of elapids and 111 species of vipers), the venoms of vipers and elapids contained 42 different protein families, although 18 were only reported in < 5% of snake species. Based on the mean abundance and occurrence of the 42 protein families, they can be classified into 4 dominant, 6 secondary, 14 minor, and 18 rare protein families. The dominant, secondary and minor categories account for 96% on average of a snake's venom composition. The four dominant protein families are: phospholipase A2 (PLA2), snake venom metalloprotease (SVMP), three-finger toxins (3FTx), and snake venom serine protease (SVSP). The six secondary protein families are: L-amino acid oxidase (LAAO), cysteine-rich secretory protein (CRiSP), C-type lectins (CTL), disintegrins (DIS), kunitz peptides (KUN), and natriuretic peptides (NP). Venom variation occurs at all taxonomic levels, including within populations. The reasons for venom variation are complex, as variation is not always associated with geographical variation in diet. The four dominant protein families appear to be the most important toxin families in human envenomation, being responsible for coagulopathy, neurotoxicity, myotoxicity and cytotoxicity. Proteomic techniques can be used to investigate the toxicological profile of a snake venom and hence identify key protein families for antivenom immunorecognition.
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Chowdhury A, Youngman NJ, Liu J, Lewin MR, Carter RW, Fry BG. The relative efficacy of chemically diverse small-molecule enzyme-inhibitors against anticoagulant activities of Black Snake (Pseudechis spp.) venoms. Toxicol Lett 2022; 366:26-32. [PMID: 35788045 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2022.06.009] [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: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Snakebite remains a worldwide public health burden and a severely neglected tropical disease. Recent research has begun to focus on the potential use of repurposed small-molecule enzyme-inhibitors as early treatments to neutralise the effects of snake venoms. Black snakes (Pseudechis spp.) are a widespread and dangerously venomous group found throughout Australia and New Guinea. Utilising validated coagulation assays, our study assessed the efficacy of two chemically different small molecule inhibitors, a phospholipase A2 inhibitor (varespladib) and a metalloproteinase inhibitor (prinomastat), in vitro neutralisation of the anticoagulant prothrombinase-inhibiting activity of venom from seven species within the Pseudechis genus (P. australis, P. butleri, P. coletti, P. guttatus, P. papuanus, P.rossignolii, P. sp (NT).). Varespladib was shown to be highly effective at neutralising this anticoagulant activity for all seven species, but with P. coletti notably less so than the others. In contrast, prinomastat showed strong neutralisation for five out of the seven species, but was ineffective at neutralising the activity of P. coletti or P. rossignolii venoms. This suggests that varespladib binds to a highly conserved site but that prinomastat binds to a more variable site. These results build upon recent literature indicating that metalloproteinase inhibitors have cross-neutralising potential towards snake venom phospholipase A2 toxins, but with higher degrees of variability that PLA2-specific inhibitors. An important caveat is that these are in vitro tests and while suggestive of potential clinical utility, in vivo animal testing and clinical trials are required as future work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhinandan Chowdhury
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Science, University of Queensland, St. Lucia QLD, 4072 Australia; Department of Biochemistry & Microbiology, North South University, Dhaka 1229, Bangladesh.
| | - Nicholas J Youngman
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Science, University of Queensland, St. Lucia QLD, 4072 Australia
| | - Jiaojiao Liu
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Science, University of Queensland, St. Lucia QLD, 4072 Australia
| | - Matthew R Lewin
- California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, CA, 94118, USA; Ophirex, Inc., Corte Madera, CA, 94925, USA
| | | | - Bryan G Fry
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Science, University of Queensland, St. Lucia QLD, 4072 Australia.
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4
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Wun MK, Padula AM, Greer RM, Leister EM. A review of 91 canine and feline red-bellied black snake (Pseudechis porphyriacus) envenomation cases and lessons for improved management. Aust Vet J 2022; 100:318-328. [PMID: 35318641 PMCID: PMC9542610 DOI: 10.1111/avj.13159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Most cases of red‐bellied black snake (RBBS) envenomation in dogs respond favourably to treatment comprising of tiger‐brown snake antivenom (TBAV), intravenous fluid therapy, analgesia and, if indicated, mechanical ventilation and/or blood transfusion. However, there remains a subset of patients who develop fatal complications despite intensive treatment and risk factors for these occurring remain unknown. Here we present a retrospective cross‐sectional survey of 91 canine and feline RBBS envenomation cases. Methods Cases seen between June 2010 and June 2020 were retrieved from the databases of seven practices in South East and coastal Queensland. From the canine case population, logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the impact of potential risk factors at presentation on the likelihood of death. A final multivariable model was developed using a manual backwards elimination approach based on overall likelihood ratio tests and Wald chi‐square P‐values for each variable. Where model convergence failed due to quasi‐complete separation, Firth's penalised maximum likelihood method was implemented. Such separation may occur when an outcome is completely predicted by an explanatory variable in one group. Results Of the 88 canine cases, 7 died (8.0%), all after prognosis‐based euthanasia. Of the three feline cases, one died after unsuccessful resuscitation following cardiopulmonary arrest. Compared to survivors, dogs that died were older, exhibited pigmenturia, received antivenom later and had a higher total plasma protein (TPP), activated clotting time (ACT) and lower packed cell volume (PCV) at presentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- M K Wun
- Veterinary Specialist Services, 1-15 Lexington Rd, Underwood, Queensland, 4119, Australia.,William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, 95616, USA
| | - A M Padula
- Australian Venom Research Unit, Department of Pharmacology and Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia.,Padula Serums, Bairnsdale, Victoria, 3875, Australia
| | - R M Greer
- Torus Research, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - E M Leister
- Pet Intensive Care Unit, 1-15 Lexington Rd, Underwood, Queensland, 4119, Australia
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5
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Youngman NJ, Llinas J, Fry BG. Evidence for Resistance to Coagulotoxic Effects of Australian Elapid Snake Venoms by Sympatric Prey (Blue Tongue Skinks) but Not by Predators (Monitor Lizards). Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13090590. [PMID: 34564595 PMCID: PMC8473410 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13090590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Some Australian elapids possess potently procoagulant coagulotoxic venoms which activate the zymogen prothrombin into the functional enzyme thrombin. Although the activity of Australian elapid prothrombin-activators has been heavily investigated with respect to the mammalian, and in particular, human clotting cascades, very few studies have investigated the activity of their venom upon reptile plasmas. This is despite lizards representing both the primary diet of most Australian elapids and also representing natural predators. This study investigated the procoagulant actions of a diverse range of Australian elapid species upon plasma from known prey species within the genera Tiliqua (blue tongue skinks) as well as known predator species within the genera Varanus (monitor lizards). In addition to identifying significant variation in the natural responses of the coagulation cascade between species from the genera Tiliqua and Varanus relative to each other, as well as other vertebrate lineages, notable differences in venom activity were also observed. Within the genus Tiliqua, both T. rugosa and T. scincoides plasma displayed significant resistance to the procoagulant activity of Pseudechis porphyriacus venom, despite being susceptible to all other procoagulant elapid venoms. These results indicate that T. rugosa and T. scincoides have evolved resistance within their plasma to the coagulotoxic venom activity of the sympatric species P. porphyriacus. Other venoms were able to activate Tiliqua prothrombin, which suggests that the lessened activity of P. porphyriacus venom is not due to modifications of the prothrombin and may instead be due to a serum factor that specifically binds to P. porphyriacus toxins, as has been previously seen for squirrels resistant to rattlesnake venom. In contrast, none of the predatory lizards studied (Varanus giganteus, V. mertensi and V. varius) demonstrated resistance to the venom. This suggests that the mechanical protection afforded by thick osteodermic scales, and prey handling behaviour, removes a selection pressure for the evolution of resistance in these large predatory lizards. These results therefore reveal differential interactions between venoms of snakes with sympatric lizards that are on opposite sides of the predator-prey arms race.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas J. Youngman
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia;
| | | | - Bryan G. Fry
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia;
- Correspondence:
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6
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Pathology of Fatal Australian Black Snake (Pseudechis sp) Envenomation in Two Adult Dogs. J Comp Pathol 2021; 186:1-6. [PMID: 34340798 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2021.04.009] [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: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Black snakes (Pseudechis spp) are a genus of venomous Australian elapid snakes that can cause major clinical envenomation in companion animals, which may be fatal, even with appropriate antivenom treatment. Despite its clinical significance, there is little published information on the pathology of black snake envenomation. We report the gross and microscopic lesions associated with black snake envenomation in two dogs, one with a definitive immunological species identification of red-bellied black snake (RBBS; Pseudechis porphyriacus), the other with a black snake immunotype on a venom detection kit. Both dogs were located in a geographical area where the RBBS is found. The prominent gross findings in both cases included icterus, localized facial oedema in the region of the presumed bite wound, pigmenturia and multicavitary serosanguineous effusions. Histopathology of the confirmed RBBS case revealed acute renal tubular necrosis with haemosiderosis, marked splenic haemosiderosis and centrilobular to midzonal hepatocellular necrosis with severe cholestasis. Defining the spectrum of lesions of elapid snake envenomation improves understanding of the pathogenesis, which may lead to improved patient outcomes and post-mortem diagnosis.
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7
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Ryan RYM, Lutzky VP, Herzig V, Smallwood TB, Potriquet J, Wong Y, Masci P, Lavin MF, King GF, Lopez JA, Ikonomopoulou MP, Miles JJ. Venom of the Red-Bellied Black Snake Pseudechis porphyriacus Shows Immunosuppressive Potential. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:toxins12110674. [PMID: 33114591 PMCID: PMC7693913 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12110674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Venoms act with remarkable specificity upon a broad diversity of physiological targets. Venoms are composed of proteins, peptides, and small molecules, providing the foundation for the development of novel therapeutics. This study assessed the effect of venom from the red-bellied black snake (Pseudechis porphyriacus) on human primary leukocytes using bead-based flow cytometry, mixed lymphocyte reaction, and cell viability assays. We show that venom treatment had a significant immunosuppressive effect, inhibiting the secretion of interleukin (IL)-2 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) from purified human T cells by 90% or greater following stimulation with mitogen (phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate and ionomycin) or via cluster of differentiation (CD) receptors, CD3/CD28. In contrast, venom treatment did not inhibit TNF or IL-6 release from antigen-presenting cells stimulated with lipopolysaccharide. The reduced cytokine release from T cells was not associated with inhibition of T cell proliferation or reduction of cell viability, consistent with an anti-inflammatory mechanism unrelated to the cell cycle. Deconvolution of the venom using reverse-phase HPLC identified four fractions responsible for the observed immunosuppressive activity. These data suggest that compounds from P. porphyriacus venom may be potential drug leads for T cell-associated conditions such as graft versus host disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachael Y. M. Ryan
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD 4878, Australia;
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD 4870, Australia
- School of Environment and Sciences, Griffith University, Nathan, QLD 4111, Australia;
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia; (V.P.L.); (T.B.S.); (M.P.I.)
- Correspondence: (R.Y.M.R.); (J.J.M.)
| | - Viviana P. Lutzky
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia; (V.P.L.); (T.B.S.); (M.P.I.)
| | - Volker Herzig
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; (V.H.); (G.F.K.)
- GeneCology Research Centre, School of Science, Technology and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD 4556, Australia
| | - Taylor B. Smallwood
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia; (V.P.L.); (T.B.S.); (M.P.I.)
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | | | - Yide Wong
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD 4878, Australia;
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD 4870, Australia
- Centre for Tropical Bioinformatics and Molecular Biology, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD 4878, Australia
| | - Paul Masci
- Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia;
| | - Martin F. Lavin
- Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4029, Australia;
| | - Glenn F. King
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; (V.H.); (G.F.K.)
| | - J. Alejandro Lopez
- School of Environment and Sciences, Griffith University, Nathan, QLD 4111, Australia;
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia; (V.P.L.); (T.B.S.); (M.P.I.)
| | - Maria P. Ikonomopoulou
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia; (V.P.L.); (T.B.S.); (M.P.I.)
- Madrid Institute for Advanced Studies (IMDEA) in Food, CEI UAM+CSIC, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - John J. Miles
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD 4878, Australia;
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD 4870, Australia
- Centre for Tropical Bioinformatics and Molecular Biology, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD 4878, Australia
- Correspondence: (R.Y.M.R.); (J.J.M.)
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Zdenek CN, Youngman NJ, Hay C, Dobson J, Dunstan N, Allen L, Milanovic L, Fry BG. Anticoagulant activity of black snake (Elapidae: Pseudechis) venoms: Mechanisms, potency, and antivenom efficacy. Toxicol Lett 2020; 330:176-184. [PMID: 32442717 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2020.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Revised: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Venoms from Pseudechis species (Australian black snakes) within the Elapidae family are rich in anticoagulant PLA2 toxins, with the exception of one species (P. porphyriacus) that possesses procoagulant mutated forms of the clotting enzyme Factor Xa. Previously the mechanism of action of the PLA2 toxins' anticoagulant toxicity was said to be due to inhibition of Factor Xa, but this statement was evidence free. We conducted a series of anticoagulation assays to elucidate the mechanism of anticoagulant action produced by P. australis venom. Our results revealed that, rather than targeting FXa, the PLA2 toxins inhibited the prothrombinase complex, with FVa-alone or as part of the prothrombinase complex-as the primary target; but with significant thrombin inhibition also noted. In contrast, FXa, and other factors inhibited only to a lesser degree were minor targets. We quantified coagulotoxic effects upon human plasma caused by all nine anticoagulant Pseudechis species, including nine localities of P. australis across Australia, and found similar anticoagulant potency across all Pseudechis species, with greater potency in P. australis and the undescribed Pseudechis species in the NT. In addition, the northern localities and eastern of P. australis were significantly more potent than the central, western, and southern localities. All anticoagulant venoms responded well to Black Snake Antivenom, except P. colletti which was poorly neutralised by Black Snake Antivenom and also Tiger Snake Antivenom (the prescribed antivenom for this species). However, we found LY315920 (trade name: Varespladib), a small molecule inhibitor of PLA2 proteins, exhibited strong potency against P. colletti venom. Thus, Varespladib may be a clinically viable treatment for anticoagulant toxicity exerted by this species that is not neutralised by available antivenoms. Our results provide insights into coagulotoxic venom function, and suggest future in vivo work be conducted to progress the development of a cheaper, first-line treatment option to treat PLA2-rich snake venoms globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina N Zdenek
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Nicholas J Youngman
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Chris Hay
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia; Australian School of Herpetology, Southport, QLD, Australia
| | - James Dobson
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Nathan Dunstan
- Venom Supplies Pty Ltd, Stonewell Rd, Tanunda, SA, 5352, Australia
| | - Luke Allen
- Venom Supplies Pty Ltd, Stonewell Rd, Tanunda, SA, 5352, Australia
| | - Leontina Milanovic
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Bryan G Fry
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia.
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9
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Finney ER, Padula AM, Leister EM. Red-bellied black snake (Pseudechis porphyriacus) envenomation in 17 dogs: clinical signs, coagulation changes, haematological abnormalities, venom antigen levels and outcomes following treatment with a tiger-brown snake antivenom. Aust Vet J 2020; 98:319-325. [PMID: 32390184 DOI: 10.1111/avj.12953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Revised: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This report describes 17 cases of red-bellied black snake envenomation (RBBS; Pseudechis porphyriacus) in dogs in south-eastern Queensland. Patients were prospectively enrolled for the treatment with a new tiger-brown snake antivenom 8000 units, (TBAV; Padula Serums Pty Ltd, VIC, Australia). CASE REPORT Clinical diagnosis of RBBS envenomation was made by either snake venom detection kit, snake identification using scale counting, or owner observed dog-snake interaction in patients with clinical signs of envenomation. An RBBS venom antigen sandwich ELISA was used to retrospectively quantify venom levels in frozen serum and urine. Mechanical ventilation was required in 11% (2/17) patients, whole blood transfusion in 12% (2/17), tissue swelling at the bite site occurred in 53% (9/17) and facial palsy in 12% (2/17). One dog was euthanised, and overall, 94% (16/17) survived to hospital discharge. Clinicopathological changes pre-TBAV included variable haemolysis, increased CK, pigmenturia and mildly prolonged active clotting time with a median of 134 s (n = 13, range 91-206 s). Haematological profiles post envenomation revealed anaemia (6/6) and spherocytosis (5/5), which resolved without the use of corticosteroids. Pre-TBAV, median RBBS venom antigen concentration was 22.6 ng/mL (n = 15, range 2-128) in serum and 58 ng/mL (range 1-452) in urine; RBBS venom antigen was undetectable in serum post-TBAV in all patients. CONCLUSION Some RBBS envenomed dogs required, critical care including mechanical ventilation, blood transfusion, additional antivenom and prolonged hospitalisation. TBAV was effective with excellent prognosis despite stated specificity for tiger and brown snake.
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Affiliation(s)
- E R Finney
- Pet Intensive Care Unit, Underwood, Queensland, Australia
| | - A M Padula
- Australian Venom Research Unit, Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Padula Serums Pty Ltd, Bairnsdale, Victoria, Australia
| | - E M Leister
- Pet Intensive Care Unit, Underwood, Queensland, Australia
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10
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Tasoulis T, Lee MSY, Ziajko M, Dunstan N, Sumner J, Isbister GK. Activity of two key toxin groups in Australian elapid venoms show a strong correlation to phylogeny but not to diet. BMC Evol Biol 2020; 20:9. [PMID: 31931699 PMCID: PMC6958663 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-020-1578-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2018] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The relative influence of diet and phylogeny on snake venom activity is a poorly understood aspect of snake venom evolution. We measured the activity of two enzyme toxin groups – phospholipase A2 (PLA2), and L-amino acid oxidase (LAAO) – in the venom of 39 species of Australian elapids (40% of terrestrial species diversity) and used linear parsimony and BayesTraits to investigate any correlation between enzyme activity and phylogeny or diet. Results PLA2 activity ranged from 0 to 481 nmol/min/mg of venom, and LAAO activity ranged from 0 to 351 nmol/min/mg. Phylogenetic comparative methods, implemented in BayesTraits showed that enzyme activity was strongly correlated with phylogeny, more so for LAAO activity. For example, LAAO activity was absent in both the Vermicella and Pseudonaja/Oxyuranus clade, supporting previously proposed relationships among these disparate taxa. There was no association between broad dietary categories and either enzyme activity. There was strong evidence for faster initial rates of change over evolutionary time for LAAO (delta parameter mean 0.2), but no such pattern in PLA2 (delta parameter mean 0.64). There were some exceptions to the phylogenetic patterns of enzyme activity: different PLA2 activity in the ecologically similar sister-species Denisonia devisi and D. maculata; large inter-specific differences in PLA2 activity in Hoplocephalus and Austrelaps. Conclusions We have shown that phylogeny is a stronger influence on venom enzyme activity than diet for two of the four major enzyme families present in snake venoms. PLA2 and LAAO activities had contrasting evolutionary dynamics with the higher delta value for PLA2 Some species/individuals lacked activity in one protein family suggesting that the loss of single protein family may not incur a significant fitness cost.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theo Tasoulis
- Clinical Toxicology Research Group, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, 2308, Australia
| | - Michael S Y Lee
- Earth Sciences Section, South Australian Museum, North Terrace, Adelaide, S.A, 5000, Australia.,College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, S.A, 5042, Australia
| | - Manon Ziajko
- Clinical Toxicology Research Group, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, 2308, Australia
| | - Nathan Dunstan
- Venom Supplies, Tanunda, South Australia, 5352, Australia
| | - Joanna Sumner
- Museums Victoria, Carlton Gardens, Carlton, VIC, 5053, Australia
| | - Geoffrey K Isbister
- Clinical Toxicology Research Group, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, 2308, Australia.
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11
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Zdenek CN, den Brouw BO, Dashevsky D, Gloria A, Youngman NJ, Watson E, Green P, Hay C, Dunstan N, Allen L, Fry BG. Clinical implications of convergent procoagulant toxicity and differential antivenom efficacy in Australian elapid snake venoms. Toxicol Lett 2019; 316:171-182. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2019.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Revised: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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12
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Mud in the blood: Novel potent anticoagulant coagulotoxicity in the venoms of the Australian elapid snake genus Denisonia (mud adders) and relative antivenom efficacy. Toxicol Lett 2019; 302:1-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2018.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2018] [Revised: 11/23/2018] [Accepted: 11/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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13
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Lenske E, Padula A, Leister E, Boyd S. Severe haemolysis and spherocytosis in a dog envenomed by a red-bellied black snake (Pseudechis porphyriacus) and successful treatment with a bivalent whole equine IgG antivenom and blood transfusion. Toxicon 2018; 151:79-83. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2018.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2018] [Revised: 06/25/2018] [Accepted: 07/05/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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14
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Goldenberg J, Cipriani V, Jackson TNW, Arbuckle K, Debono J, Dashevsky D, Panagides N, Ikonomopoulou MP, Koludarov I, Li B, Santana RC, Nouwens A, Jones A, Hay C, Dunstan N, Allen L, Bush B, Miles JJ, Ge L, Kwok HF, Fry BG. Proteomic and functional variation within black snake venoms (Elapidae: Pseudechis). Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2018; 205:53-61. [PMID: 29353015 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2018.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2017] [Revised: 01/03/2018] [Accepted: 01/10/2018] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Pseudechis (black snakes) is an Australasian elapid snake genus that inhabits much of mainland Australia, with two representatives confined to Papua New Guinea. The present study is the first to analyse the venom of all 9 described Pseudechis species (plus one undescribed species) to investigate the evolution of venom composition and functional activity. Proteomic results demonstrated that the typical Pseudechis venom profile is dominated by phospholipase A2 toxins. Strong cytotoxicity was the dominant function for most species. P. porphyriacus, the most basal member of the genus, also exhibited the most divergent venom composition, being the only species with appreciable amounts of procoagulant toxins. The relatively high presence of factor Xa recovered in P. porphyriacus venom may be related to a predominantly amphibian diet. Results of this study provide important insights to guide future ecological and toxinological investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Goldenberg
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; Evolution and Optics of Nanostructures Group, Department of Biology, University of Ghent, Ledeganckstraat 35, Ghent 9000, Belgium
| | - Vittoria Cipriani
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Timothy N W Jackson
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; Australian Venom Research Unit, Department of Pharmacology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Kevin Arbuckle
- Department of Biosciences, College of Science, Swansea University, Swansea SA2, 8PP, UK
| | - Jordan Debono
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Daniel Dashevsky
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Nadya Panagides
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Maria P Ikonomopoulou
- QIMR Berghofer Institute of Medical Research, Herston, QLD 4049, Australia; School of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston, QLD 4002, Australia; Madrid Institute for Advanced Studies (IMDEA) in Food, CEI UAM+CSIC, Madrid 28049, Spain
| | - Ivan Koludarov
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Bin Li
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macau, China
| | - Renan Castro Santana
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Amanda Nouwens
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Alun Jones
- Institute for Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, Slt Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Chris Hay
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | | | - Luke Allen
- Venom Supplies, Tanunda, SA 5352, Australia
| | - Brian Bush
- Snakes Harmful & Harmless, 9 Birch Place, Stoneville, WA 6081, Australia
| | - John J Miles
- QIMR Berghofer Institute of Medical Research, Herston, QLD 4049, Australia; Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD 4878, Australia
| | - Lilin Ge
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Qixia District, Nanjing, China
| | - Hang Fai Kwok
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macau, China.
| | - Bryan G Fry
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
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Weinstein SA, Mirtschin PJ, Tristram H, Lawton L, White J. Local morbidity from red-bellied black snake (Pseudechis porphyriacus, Elapidae) envenoming: Two cases and a brief review of management. Toxicon 2018; 142:34-41. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2017.12.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2017] [Revised: 12/14/2017] [Accepted: 12/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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16
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Padula AM, Ong HM, Kelers K. Snake Envenomation in Domestic Animal Species in Australia. CLINICAL TOXINOLOGY IN AUSTRALIA, EUROPE, AND AMERICAS 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/978-94-017-7438-3_66] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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17
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Severe neurotoxicity requiring mechanical ventilation in a dog envenomed by a red-bellied black snake (Pseudechis porphyriacus) and successful treatment with an experimental bivalent whole equine IgG antivenom. Toxicon 2017; 138:159-164. [PMID: 28877511 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2017.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2017] [Revised: 08/31/2017] [Accepted: 09/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Snakebite in dogs from Pseudechis porphyriacus (red-bellied black snake; RBBS) is a common envenomation treated by veterinarians in Australia where this snake occurs. This case report describes the successful treatment of a clinically severe RBBS envenomation in a dog with an experimental bivalent equine whole IgG antivenom and mechanical ventilation, following its presentation in a cyanotic state. The cause of the cyanosis and respiratory distress was considered due to paralysis from neurotoxins in RBBS venom. The dog was treated with two vials of bivalent antivenom, each containing sufficient antivenom to neutralise the lethal effects of 40 mg of tiger snake (Notechis sp) and 40 mg of brown snake (Pseudonaja sp) venom. Hypoxaemia (Sp02 of 75%) and hypercapnia (PaCO2 of 61 mmHg) indicated the need for mechanical ventilation (MV) to prevent imminent death. The dog was anaesthetised using total intravenous anaesthesia and MV used for 18 h. Following discontinuation of MV, it resumed spontaneous breathing thereafter and made a complete recovery. Serum biochemistry revealed a significant myopathy with elevated CK and AST levels, peaking approximately 48 h post-treatment. Elevated liver enzymes, suggestive of hypoxic liver injury, were detected during the period of hospitalisation. The dog represented approximately one week after hospital discharge because of inappetence and mild hepatopathy, which resolved spontaneously by 30 d post-treatment. A mild coagulopathy was initially present which resolved within 24 h following antivenom treatment. At initial presentation, RBBS venom antigen was detected by sandwich ELISA in urine and serum. Free RBBS venom antigen was not detected post-antivenom treatment. Human cases of RBBS requiring ventilatory support are rare. This unusual case of RBBS envenomation in a dog highlights its potential clinical severity in dogs, and the need for early, aggressive, MV to achieve a successful outcome in cyanosed and clinically severe cases.
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Pla D, Bande BW, Welton RE, Paiva OK, Sanz L, Segura Á, Wright CE, Calvete JJ, Gutiérrez JM, Williams DJ. Proteomics and antivenomics of Papuan black snake (Pseudechis papuanus) venom with analysis of its toxicological profile and the preclinical efficacy of Australian antivenoms. J Proteomics 2016; 150:201-215. [PMID: 27650695 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2016.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2016] [Revised: 09/15/2016] [Accepted: 09/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The Papuan black snake (Pseudechis papuanus Serpentes: Elapidae) is endemic to Papua New Guinea, Indonesian Papua and Australia's Torres Strait Islands. We have investigated the biological activity and proteomic composition of its venom. The P. papuanus venom proteome is dominated by a variety (n≥18) of PLA2s, which together account for ~90% of the venom proteins, and a set of low relative abundance proteins, including a short-neurotoxic 3FTx (3.1%), 3-4 PIII-SVMPs (2.8%), 3 cysteine-rich secretory proteins (CRISP; 2.3%) 1-3 l-amino acid oxidase (LAAO) molecules (1.6%). Probing of a P. papuanus cDNA library with specific primers resulted in the elucidation of the full-length nucleotide sequences of six new toxins, including vespryn and NGF not found in the venom proteome, and a calglandulin protein involved in toxin expression with the venom glands. Intravenous injection of P. papuanus venom in mice induced lethality, intravascular haemolysis, pulmonary congestion and oedema, and anticoagulation after intravenous injection, and these effects are mainly due to the action of PLA2s. This study also evaluated the in vivo preclinical efficacy of Australian black snake and polyvalent Seqirus antivenoms. These antivenoms were effective in neutralising the lethal, PLA2 and anticoagulant activities of P. papuanus venom in mice. On the other hand, all of the Seqirus antivenoms tested using an antivenomic approach exhibited strong immunorecognition of all the venom components. These preclinical results suggest that Australian Seqirus1 antivenoms may provide paraspecific protection against P. papuanus venom in humans. SIGNIFICANCE PARAGRAPH The toxicological profile and proteomic composition of the venom of the Papuan black snake, Pseudechis papuanus, a large diurnal snake endemic to the southern coast of New Guinea and a handful of close offshore islands, were investigated. Intravenous injection of P. papuanus venom in mice induced intravascular hemolysis, pulmonary congestion and edema, anticoagulation, and death. These activities could be assigned to the set of PLA2 molecules, which dominate the P. papuanus venom proteome. This study also showed that Australian Seqirus black snake or polyvalent antivenoms were effective in neutralising the lethal, PLA2 and anticoagulant activities of the venom. These preclinical results support the continued recommendation of these Seqirus antivenoms in the clinical management of P. papuanus envenoming in Australia, Papua New Guinea or Indonesian Papua Province.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davinia Pla
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Valencia, Spain
| | - Benjamin W Bande
- Charles Campbell Toxinology Centre, School of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Papua New Guinea, Boroko, NCD, Papua New Guinea
| | - Ronelle E Welton
- Australian Venom Research Unit, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Owen K Paiva
- Charles Campbell Toxinology Centre, School of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Papua New Guinea, Boroko, NCD, Papua New Guinea
| | - Libia Sanz
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Valencia, Spain
| | - Álvaro Segura
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Christine E Wright
- Australian Venom Research Unit, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia; Cardiovascular Therapeutics Unit, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Juan J Calvete
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Valencia, Spain.
| | - José María Gutiérrez
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica.
| | - David J Williams
- Charles Campbell Toxinology Centre, School of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Papua New Guinea, Boroko, NCD, Papua New Guinea; Australian Venom Research Unit, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia.
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19
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Isbister GK, Gault A, Tasoulis T, O'Leary MA. A definite bite by the Ornamental Snake (Denisonia maculata) causing mild envenoming. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2016; 54:241-4. [PMID: 26852775 DOI: 10.3109/15563650.2015.1128545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Many bites from mildly venomous elapids occur but identification or presence of systemic envenoming is rarely confirmed. OBJECTIVE To confirm systemic envenoming and binding of venom components to a commercial antivenom in a definite bite by the Ornamental Snake (Denisonia maculata) using enzyme immunoassays. CASE A 9-year old boy was bitten by an identified Ornamental Snake. He developed nausea, vomiting, local pain, and swelling. He had a leucocytosis (white cell count, 20.8 × 10(9)/L), an elevated international normalised ratio (INR) of 1.6, but otherwise normal blood tests including D-Dimer and activated partial thromboplastin time. He was treated with Australian Black Snake antivenom because the commercial venom detection kit was positive for Black snake. He was admitted for 36 h with continuing local pain and swelling requiring parenteral analgesia. MATERIALS AND METHODS Blood samples were collected with informed consent for measurement of venom and antivenom concentrations. Venom-specific enzyme immunoassays were developed using the closely related D. devisi venom with Rabbit anti-Notechis (Tiger Snake) and anti-Tropidechis (Rough-scaled Snake) IgG antibodies to detect venom in serum. Standard curves for measured venom versus actual venom concentrations were made to interpolate Denisonia venom concentrations. In vitro procoagulant and anticoagulant activity of venom was assayed. RESULTS Denisonia venom was detected in the pre-antivenom sample as 9.6 ng/mL D. devisi venom. No antigenic venom components were detected in post-antivenom samples and there were high antivenom concentrations. D. devisi venom had mild in vitro procoagulant activity with a minimum concentration required to clot after 5 min of 2.5-5 μg/mL and even weaker anticoagulant activity. CONCLUSIONS Denisonia bites appear to cause local effects and possibly mild systemic envenoming (with only non-specific systemic symptoms and leucocytosis), confirmed by detection of antigenic venom components in blood. A significant coagulopathy does not appear to occur.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey K Isbister
- a Clinical Toxicology Research Group , University of Newcastle , NSW , Australia ;,b New South Wales Poison Information Centre , The Children's Hospital Westmead , Sydney , Australia
| | - Alan Gault
- b New South Wales Poison Information Centre , The Children's Hospital Westmead , Sydney , Australia ;,c Emergency Department , Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital , Perth , Western Australia , Australia
| | - Theo Tasoulis
- a Clinical Toxicology Research Group , University of Newcastle , NSW , Australia
| | - Margaret A O'Leary
- a Clinical Toxicology Research Group , University of Newcastle , NSW , Australia
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Chaisakul J, Isbister GK, O'Leary MA, Parkington HC, Smith AI, Hodgson WC, Kuruppu S. Prothrombin activator-like toxin appears to mediate cardiovascular collapse following envenoming by Pseudonaja textilis. Toxicon 2015; 102:48-54. [PMID: 25959508 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2015.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2014] [Revised: 05/04/2015] [Accepted: 05/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Brown snake (Pseudonaja spp.)-induced early cardiovascular collapse is a life-threatening medical emergency in Australia. We have previously shown that this effect can be mimicked in animals and is mediated via the release of endogenous mediators. In the present study, we aimed to purify and characterize the component in Pseudonaja textilis venom which induces cardiovascular collapse following envenoming. The component (fraction 3) was isolated using a combination of techniques including hydroxyapatite and reverse phase chromatography. Fraction 3 (10 or 20 μg/kg, i.v.) produced a rapid decrease in mean arterial pressure (MAP) followed by cardiovascular collapse. Fraction 3-induced early collapse was abolished by prior administration of smaller priming doses of fraction 3 (i.e. 2 and 5 μg/kg, i.v.) or heparin (300 units/kg, i.v.). P. textilis whole venom (1 and 3 μg/ml), but not fraction 3 (1 or 3 μg/ml), induced endothelium-dependent relaxation in isolated rat mesenteric arteries. SDS-PAGE gel indicated the presence of 9-10 protein bands of fraction 3. Using proteomic based analysis some protein bands of fraction 3 were identified as subunits of venom prothrombin activator, pseutarin C of P. textilis venom. Our results conclude that prothrombin activator-like toxin is likely to be a contributor to the rapid collapse induced by P. textilis venom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janeyuth Chaisakul
- Monash Venom Group, Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, VIC, 3800, Australia; Department of Pharmacology, Phramongkutklao College of Medicine, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Geoffrey K Isbister
- Monash Venom Group, Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, VIC, 3800, Australia; Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Calvary Mater, NSW, 2298, Australia
| | - Margaret A O'Leary
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Calvary Mater, NSW, 2298, Australia
| | | | - A Ian Smith
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Wayne C Hodgson
- Monash Venom Group, Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Sanjaya Kuruppu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, VIC, 3800, Australia.
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Comparative sensitivity of commercially available aPTT reagents to mulga snake (Pseudechis australis) venom. Pathology 2014; 46:444-9. [DOI: 10.1097/pat.0000000000000120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Chaisakul J, Isbister GK, Tare M, Parkington HC, Hodgson WC. Hypotensive and vascular relaxant effects of phospholipase A2 toxins from Papuan taipan (Oxyuranus scutellatus) venom. Eur J Pharmacol 2013; 723:227-33. [PMID: 24296315 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2013.11.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2013] [Revised: 11/13/2013] [Accepted: 11/22/2013] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Phospholipase A2 (PLA2) toxins are common and abundant components of Australasian elapid venoms. These toxins are associated with a range of activities including neurotoxicity, myotoxicity and coagulation disturbances. We have recently reported that sudden cardiovascular collapse induced by Papuan taipan (Oxyuranus scutellatus) venom involves a combination of the release of dilator autacoids and a direct effect on the smooth muscle. In this study, we aimed to isolate PLA2 components from Papuan taipan venom and investigate their contribution to the hypotensive action of this venom. O. scutellatus venom was fractionated using size-exclusion high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and fractions screened for activity in anaesthetized rats. Fraction three from O. scutellatus venom (i.e. OSC3, 14.2±1.0% of whole venom) produced a 64% decrease in mean arterial pressure. Reverse-phase HPLC indicated that OSC3 consisted of two major components (i.e. OSC3a and OSC3b). OSC3a and OSC3b produced a significant hypotensive response in anaesthetized rats which were attenuated by prior administration of indomethacin or the combination of mepyramine and heparin. N-terminal analysis indicated that OSC3a and b displayed sequence homology to PLA2 toxins isolated from coastal taipan (O. scutellatus scutellatus) venom. These findings indicate that PLA2 components may play an important role in the development of hypotension and vascular relaxation which may contribute to the effects observed after envenoming by these Australasian elapids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janeyuth Chaisakul
- Monash Venom Group, Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Victoria 3800, Australia; Department of Pharmacology, Phramongkutklao College of Medicine, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Geoffrey K Isbister
- Monash Venom Group, Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Victoria 3800, Australia; School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, New South Wales 2300, Australia
| | - Marianne Tare
- Department of Physiology, Monash University, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | | | - Wayne C Hodgson
- Monash Venom Group, Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Victoria 3800, Australia.
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Use of immunoturbidimetry to detect venom–antivenom binding using snake venoms. J Pharmacol Toxicol Methods 2013; 67:177-81. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vascn.2013.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2012] [Revised: 01/31/2013] [Accepted: 02/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Johnston CI, Brown SGA, O'Leary MA, Currie BJ, Greenberg R, Taylor M, Barnes C, White J, Isbister GK. Mulga snake (Pseudechis australis) envenoming: a spectrum of myotoxicity, anticoagulant coagulopathy, haemolysis and the role of early antivenom therapy - Australian Snakebite Project (ASP-19). Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2013; 51:417-24. [PMID: 23586640 DOI: 10.3109/15563650.2013.787535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Mulga snakes (Pseudechis australis) are venomous snakes with a wide distribution in Australia. Objective. The objective of this study was to describe mulga snake envenoming and the response of envenoming to antivenom therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS Definite mulga bites, based on expert identification or venom-specific enzyme immunoassay, were recruited from the Australian Snakebite Project. Demographics, information about the bite, clinical effects, laboratory investigations and antivenom treatment are recorded for all patients. Blood samples are collected to measure the serum venom concentrations pre- and post-antivenom therapy using enzyme immunoassay. RESULTS There were 17 patients with definite mulga snake bites. The median age was 37 years (6-70 years); 16 were male and six were snake handlers. Thirteen patients had systemic envenoming with non-specific systemic symptoms (11), anticoagulant coagulopathy (10), myotoxicity (7) and haemolysis (6). Antivenom was given to ten patients; the median dose was one vial (range, one-three vials). Three patients had systemic hypersensitivity reactions post-antivenom. Antivenom reversed the coagulopathy in all cases. Antivenom appeared to prevent myotoxicity in three patients with high venom concentrations, given antivenom within 2 h of the bite. Median peak venom concentration in 12 envenomed patients with samples was 29 ng/mL (range, 0.6-624 ng/mL). There was a good correlation between venom concentrations and the area under the curve of the creatine kinase for patients receiving antivenom after 2 h. Higher venom concentrations were also associated with coagulopathy and haemolysis. Venom was not detected after antivenom administration except in one patient who had a venom concentration of 8.3 ng/ml after one vial of antivenom, but immediate reversal of the coagulopathy. DISCUSSION Mulga snake envenoming is characterised by myotoxicity, anticoagulant coagulopathy and haemolysis, and has a spectrum of toxicity that is venom dose dependant. This study supports a dose of one vial of antivenom, given as soon as a systemic envenoming is identified, rather than waiting for the development of myotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- C I Johnston
- School of Medicine Sydney, University of Notre Dame Australia, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia
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25
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Anticoagulation factor I, a snaclec (snake C-type lectin) from Agkistrodon acutus venom binds to FIX as well as FX: Ca2+ induced binding data. Toxicon 2012; 59:718-23. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2012.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2011] [Revised: 02/23/2012] [Accepted: 03/06/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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