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Resiere D, Florentin J, Névière R, Gomez A, Kallel H. Addressing snakebite envenoming as a One Health issue in the Caribbean. Rev Panam Salud Publica 2024; 48:e2. [PMID: 38226152 PMCID: PMC10787522 DOI: 10.26633/rpsp.2024.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Dabor Resiere
- University Hospital of MartiniqueFort-de-FranceMartiniqueFranceUniversity Hospital of Martinique, Fort-de-France, Martinique, France
| | - Jonathan Florentin
- University Hospital of MartiniqueFort-de-FranceMartiniqueFranceUniversity Hospital of Martinique, Fort-de-France, Martinique, France
| | - Rémi Névière
- University Hospital of MartiniqueFort-de-FranceMartiniqueFranceUniversity Hospital of Martinique, Fort-de-France, Martinique, France
| | - Aaron Gomez
- University of Costa RicaSan JoséCosta RicaUniversity of Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Hatem Kallel
- Cayenne General HospitalCayenneFrench GuianaFranceCayenne General Hospital, Cayenne, French Guiana, France
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Werner RM, Soffa AN. Considerations for the development of a field-based medical device for the administration of adjunctive therapies for snakebite envenoming. Toxicon X 2023; 20:100169. [PMID: 37661997 PMCID: PMC10474190 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxcx.2023.100169] [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: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The timely administration of antivenom is the most effective method currently available to reduce the burden of snakebite envenoming (SBE), a neglected tropical disease that most often affects rural agricultural global populations. There is increasing interest in the development of adjunctive small molecule and biologic therapeutics that target the most problematic venom components to bridge the time-gap between initial SBE and the administration antivenom. Unique combinations of these therapeutics could provide relief from the toxic effects of regional groupings of medically relevant snake species. The application a PRISMA/PICO literature search methodology demonstrated an increasing interest in the rapid administration of therapies to improve patient symptoms and outcomes after SBE. Advice from expert interviews and considerations regarding the potential routes of therapy administration, anatomical bite location, and species-specific venom delivery have provided a framework to identify ideal metrics and potential hurdles for the development of a field-based medical device that could be used immediately after SBE to deliver adjunctive therapies. The use of subcutaneous (SC) or intramuscular (IM) injection were identified as potential routes of administration of both small molecule and biologic therapies. The development of a field-based medical device for the delivery of adjunctive SBE therapies presents unique challenges that will require a collaborative and transdisciplinary approach to be successful.
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Vilca-Quispe A, Alvarez-Risco A, Gomes Heleno MA, Ponce-Fuentes EA, Vera-Gonzales C, Zegarra-Aragon HFE, Aquino-Puma JL, Talavera-Núñez ME, Del-Aguila-Arcentales S, Yáñez JA, Ponce-Soto LA. Biochemical and hemostatic description of a thrombin-like enzyme TLBro from Bothrops roedingeri snake venom. Front Chem 2023; 11:1217329. [PMID: 38099189 PMCID: PMC10720248 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2023.1217329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: The current study's objective is to characterize a new throm-bin-like enzyme called TLBro that was obtained from Bothrops roedingeris snake from a biochemical and hemostatic perspective. Methodology: One chromatographic step was used to purify it, producing the serine protease TLBro. Molecular mass was estimated by SDS-PAGE to be between reduced and unreduced by 35 kDa. Tryptic peptide sequencing using Swiss Prot provided the complete amino acid sequence. Expasy.org by conducting a search that is limited to Crotalinae snake serine proteases and displaying a high degree of amino acid sequence. Results: Ser (182) is inhibited by phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride (PMSF), and TLBro demonstrated the presence of Asp (88) residues. It also deduced the positions of His (43) and Ser (182) in the set of three coordinated amino acids in serine proteases. It was discovered that this substrate had high specificity for BANA, Michaelis-Menten behavior with KM 0 point85 mM and Vmax 1 point89 nmoles -NA/L/min, and high stability between temperatures (15 to 70°C) and pHs (2 point0 to 10 point0). According to doses and incubation times, TLBro degraded fibrin preferentially on the B-chain; additionally, its activities were significantly diminished after preincubation with divalent ions (Zn2 and Cd2). When incubated with PMSF, a particular serine protease inhibitor, enzymatic activities and platelet aggregation were inhibited. Conclusion: The findings revealed distinct structural and functional differences between the serine proteases, adding to the information and assisting in the improvement of the structure-function relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Augusto Vilca-Quispe
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biology (IB), State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Aldo Alvarez-Risco
- Facultad de Administración y Negocios, Universidad Tecnológica del Perú, Lima, Perú
| | - Mauricio Aurelio Gomes Heleno
- Centro de Estudos de Venenos e Animais Peçonhentos (CEVAP), Universidade Estadual Paulista “Júlio de Mesquita Filho” (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Corina Vera-Gonzales
- Departamento Académico de Química, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Formales, Universidad Nacional de San Agustín de Arequipa, Arequipa, Perú
| | | | - Juan Luis Aquino-Puma
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional de San Agustín de Arequipa, Arequipa, Perú
| | - María Elena Talavera-Núñez
- Departamento Académico de Química, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Formales, Universidad Nacional de San Agustín de Arequipa, Arequipa, Perú
| | | | - Jaime A. Yáñez
- Facultad de Educación, Carrera de Educación y Gestión del Aprendizaje, Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas, Lima, Perú
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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: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 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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Strand E, Murta F, Tupetz A, Barcenas L, Phillips AJ, Farias AS, Santos AC, Rocha GDS, Staton CA, Ramos FR, Machado VA, Wen FH, Vissoci JR, Sachett J, Monteiro W, Gerardo CJ. Perspectives on snakebite envenoming care needs across different sociocultural contexts and health systems: A comparative qualitative analysis among US and Brazilian health providers. Toxicon X 2023; 17:100143. [PMID: 36578905 PMCID: PMC9791583 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxcx.2022.100143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
With the advancements in therapeutics and available treatment options, almost all deaths and permanent disabilities from snakebite envenoming (SBE) are preventable. The challenge lies in implementing these evidence-based treatments and practices across different settings and populations. This study aims to compare data on provider perceptions of SBE care across health systems and cultural contexts to inform potential implementation science approaches. We hypothesize different health systems and cultural contexts will influence specific perceived needs to provide adequate snakebite care within central tenets of care delivery (e.g., cost, access, human resources). We previously conducted exploratory descriptive studies in the US and Brazil in order to understand the experience, knowledge, and perceptions of health professionals treating SBE. In the US, in-depth interviews were performed with emergency physicians from January 2020 to March 2020. In BR, focus group discussions were conducted with health professionals from community health centers at the end of June 2021. The focus group discussions (BR) were originally analyzed through an inductive thematic analysis approach. We conducted a secondary qualitative analysis in which this codebook was then applied to the interviews (US) in a deductive content analysis. The analysis concluded in August 2022. Brazil participants were physicians (n=5) or nurses (n=20) from three municipalities in the State of Amazonas with an average of three years of professional experience. US participants were emergency physicians (n=16) with an average of 15 years of professional experience. Four main themes emerged: 1) barriers to adequate care on the patient and/or community side and 2) on the health system side, 3) perceived considerations for how to address SBE, and 4) identified needs for improving care. There were 25 subthemes within the four themes. These subthemes were largely the same across the Brazil and US data, but the rationale and content within each shared subtheme varied significantly. For example, the subtheme "role of health professionals in improving care" extended across Brazil and the US. Brazil emphasized the need for task-shifting and -sharing amongst health care disciplines, whereas the US suggested specialized approaches geared toward increasing access to toxicologists and other referral resources. Despite similar core barriers to adequate snakebite envenoming care and factors to consider when trying to improve care delivery, health professionals in different health systems and sociocultural contexts identified different needs. Accounting for, and understanding, these differences is crucial to the success of initiatives intended to strengthen snakebite envenoming care. Implementation science efforts, with explicit health professional input, should be applied to develop new and/or adapt existing evidence-based treatments and practices for SBE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleanor Strand
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Felipe Murta
- Escola Superior de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas, Manaus, Brazil
- Diretoria de Ensino e Pesquisa, Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Enfermagem, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Anna Tupetz
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Loren Barcenas
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Ashley J. Phillips
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Altair Seabra Farias
- Escola Superior de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas, Manaus, Brazil
- Diretoria de Ensino e Pesquisa, Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus, Brazil
| | - Alícia Cacau Santos
- Escola Superior de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas, Manaus, Brazil
- Diretoria de Ensino e Pesquisa, Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus, Brazil
| | - Gisele dos Santos Rocha
- Escola Superior de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas, Manaus, Brazil
- Diretoria de Ensino e Pesquisa, Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus, Brazil
| | - Catherine A. Staton
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Flávia Regina Ramos
- Escola Superior de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas, Manaus, Brazil
- Diretoria de Ensino e Pesquisa, Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Enfermagem, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Vinícius Azevedo Machado
- Escola Superior de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas, Manaus, Brazil
- Diretoria de Ensino e Pesquisa, Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus, Brazil
| | - Fan Hui Wen
- Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - João R.N. Vissoci
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Jacqueline Sachett
- Escola Superior de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas, Manaus, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Enfermagem, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
- Diretoria de Ensino e Pesquisa, Fundação Alfredo da Matta, Manaus, Brazil
| | - Wuelton Monteiro
- Escola Superior de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas, Manaus, Brazil
- Diretoria de Ensino e Pesquisa, Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Enfermagem, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Charles J. Gerardo
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
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Patiño RSP, Salazar-Valenzuela D, Robles-Loaiza AA, Santacruz-Ortega P, Almeida JR. A retrospective study of clinical and epidemiological characteristics of snakebite in Napo Province, Ecuadorian Amazon. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2023; 117:118-127. [PMID: 35917814 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trac071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Snakebite envenoming remains a relevant public health problem in tropical and subtropical countries. In Ecuador, this is particularly true in an area of great diversity like the Amazon region. Nevertheless, there is scarce information about epidemiological and clinical characteristics of these accidents in this area. METHODS This was a descriptive and retrospective study of snakebite cases treated at a tertiary hospital in the Napo Province, Ecuadorian Amazon, from 2015 to 2019. We collected sociodemographic and snakebite-related information, clinical aspects and the use of antivenom and antibiotics from medical records. RESULTS Information from 133 snakebite accidents was reviewed in this time period. Reports of snakebite envenoming decreased over the years. In total, 67% of those bitten were from nearby indigenous communities, which were the most affected groups. When a species was identified, Bothrops atrox was responsible for the highest number of cases registered. Local clinical manifestations were more frequent than systemic signs, in keeping with the typical effects produced by bothropic venoms. Additionally, data showed that more antivenom vials were given than those suggested by the protocol of the Ecuadorian Ministry of Health, in proportion to the grade of severity. Finally, we identified a low incidence of adverse reactions with antivenom administration, as well as a frequent use of antibiotics. CONCLUSIONS The profile of snakebite accidents in the Napo Province is very similar to that described for other localities in the Amazon region of Ecuador and neighboring countries, with its challenges and limitations. Such aspects underlie the importance of establishing a robust and science-based public health program to respond to this frequent, but neglected, tropical disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo S P Patiño
- Universidad Regional Amazónica Ikiam, Km 7 Via Muyuna, Tena, Napo 150150, Ecuador.,Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral (ESPOL), Centro Nacional de Acuicultura e Investigaciones Marinas (CENAIM), Guayaquil 090211, Ecuador
| | - David Salazar-Valenzuela
- Centro de Investigación de la Biodiversidad y Cambio Climático (BioCamb) e Ingeniería en Biodiversidad y Recursos Genéticos, Facultad de Ciencias de Medio Ambiente, Universidad Tecnológica Indoamérica, Quito 170103, Ecuador
| | | | - Paola Santacruz-Ortega
- Escola de Educação Permanente, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05403010, Brasil
| | - José R Almeida
- Universidad Regional Amazónica Ikiam, Km 7 Via Muyuna, Tena, Napo 150150, Ecuador
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Avella I, Wüster W, Luiselli L, Martínez-Freiría F. Toxic Habits: An Analysis of General Trends and Biases in Snake Venom Research. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14120884. [PMID: 36548781 PMCID: PMC9783912 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14120884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Biases in snake venom research have been partially identified but seldomly quantified. Using the Google Scholar web search engine, we collected a total of 267 articles published between 1964 and 2021, and reviewed them to assess the main trends in this field of study. We developed a 4-category classification of the harmful potential of each of the 298 snake species retrieved from the analysed publications, and tested whether taxonomy, realm of origin, and/or assigned hazard category could affect how often each of them appeared in the articles considered. Overall, viperids were significantly more represented than any other snake taxon retrieved. The Neotropics were the most represented biogeographic realm for number of studied species, whereas information about the country of origin of the analysed specimens was often incomplete. The vast majority of the publications focused on snake venom characterisation, whereas more ecology-related topics were rarely considered. Hazard category and biogeographic realm of origin of each species had a significant effect on the number of articles dedicated to it, suggesting that a snake's harmful potential and place of origin influence its popularity in venom studies. Our analysis showed an overall positive trend in the number of snake venom studies published yearly, but also underlined severe neglect of snake families of supposedly minor medical relevance (e.g., Atractaspididae), underrepresentation of some of the areas most impacted by snakebite (i.e., Indomalayan and Afrotropic realms), and limited interest in the ecological and functional context of snake venom.
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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
- 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
- Correspondence:
| | - Wolfgang Wüster
- Molecular Ecology and Evolution at Bangor, School of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor LL57 2UW, UK
| | - Luca Luiselli
- Institute for Development, Ecology, Conservation & Cooperation, Via G. Tomasi di Lampedusa 33, I-00144 Rome, Italy
- Department of Zoology, University of Lomé, Lomé 01BP1515, Togo
- Department of Environmental and Applied Biology, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt P.M.B. 5080, Nigeria
| | - 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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Romo E, Torres M, Martin-Solano S. Current situation of snakebites envenomation in the Neotropics: Biotechnology, a versatile tool in the production of antivenoms. BIONATURA 2022. [DOI: 10.21931/rb/2022.07.04.54] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Snakebite envenomation is a neglected tropical disease that affects millions of people around the world with a great impact on health and the economy. Unfortunately, public health programs do not include this kind of disease as a priority in their social programs. Cases of snakebite envenomations in the Neotropics are inaccurate due to inadequate disease management from medical records to the choice of treatments. Victims of snakebite envenomation are primarily found in impoverished agricultural areas where remote conditions limit the availability of antivenom. Antivenom serum is the only Food and Drug Administration-approved treatment used up to date. However, it has several disadvantages in terms of safety and effectiveness. This review provides a comprehensive insight dealing with the current epidemiological status of snakebites in the Neotropics and technologies employed in antivenom production. Also, modern biotechnological tools such as transcriptomic, proteomic, immunogenic, high-density peptide microarray and epitope mapping are highlighted for producing new-generation antivenom sera. These results allow us to propose strategic solutions in the Public Health Sector for managing this disease.
Keywords: antivenom, biotechnology, neglected tropical disease, omics, recombinant antibody.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Romo
- Carrera de Ingeniería en Biotecnología, Departamento de Ciencias de la Vida y la Agricultura, Universidad de las Fuerzas Armadas-ESPE, Sangolquí, Ecuador
| | - Marbel Torres
- Carrera de Ingeniería en Biotecnología, Departamento de Ciencias de la Vida y la Agricultura, Universidad de las Fuerzas Armadas-ESPE, Sangolquí, Ecuador, Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Humana (GISAH), Carrera de Ingeniería en Biotecnología, Departamento de Ciencias de la Vida y la Agricultura, Universidad de las Fuerzas Armadas-ESPE, Immunology and Virology Laboratory, Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Center, Universidad de las Fuerzas Armadas, ESPE, Sangolquí, Ecuador
| | - Sarah Martin-Solano
- Carrera de Ingeniería en Biotecnología, Departamento de Ciencias de la Vida y la Agricultura, Universidad de las Fuerzas Armadas-ESPE, Sangolquí, Ecuador, Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Humana (GISAH), Carrera de Ingeniería en Biotecnología, Departamento de Ciencias de la Vida y la Agricultura, Universidad de las Fuerzas Armadas-ESPE, Grupo de Investigación en Biodiversidad, Zoonosis y Salud Pública, Universidad Central del Ecuador
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Michael GC, Bala AA, Mohammed M. Snakebite knowledge assessment and training of healthcare professionals in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East: A review. Toxicon X 2022; 16:100142. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxcx.2022.100142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Revised: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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Favourable climatic niche in low elevations outside the flood zone characterises the distribution pattern of venomous snakes in Bangladesh. JOURNAL OF TROPICAL ECOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1017/s0266467422000359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Snakes are sensitive to both environmental and climate gradients. To design conservation plans, a scientific understanding of snake habitats in light of environmental and climatic variables is an essential prerequisite. For venomous snakes, denoting favourable habitats should also be relevant for snakebite management. We have considered 18 spatial variables to portray the range of terrestrial venomous snake distribution in Bangladesh. Our results indicate that the distribution of 29 studied venomous snakes in this country is primarily driven by climatic and environmental variables. We found that especially low elevation and flood risk constrain the distribution of those terrestrial snakes, i.e. regular floods in central Bangladesh push venomous snakes towards the edges of the country. Moreover, none of these species occupies the whole of its anticipated climatically favourable area. Projections into the future indicated that 11 studied species, Amphiesma platyceps, Boiga siamensis, Chrysopelea ornata, Pseudoxenodon macrops, Rhabdophis himalayanus, Rhabdophis subminiatus, Bungarus lividus, Ophiophagus hannah, Daboia russelii, Ovophis monticola and Trimeresurus popeiorum will lose their entire climatically suitable area within the country. Therefore, we suggest establishing more protected areas in the hilly ecosystems in the eastern part and in the mangrove forests in the south-western corner of Bangladesh to mitigate future extinction risks, such as climate change, sea-level rise and increase in flood severity. Conserving village forests and croplands, which are subject to rapid change, will also need to be addressed equally, as these are inhabited by almost one-third of the studied species. The occurrence of the cobras and kraits in village forests and cropland dominant habitats demands more attention to minimise snakebite related mortality and morbidity.
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Seneci L, Zdenek CN, Chowdhury A, Rodrigues CFB, Neri-Castro E, Bénard-Valle M, Alagón A, Fry BG. A Clot Twist: Extreme Variation in Coagulotoxicity Mechanisms in Mexican Neotropical Rattlesnake Venoms. Front Immunol 2021; 12:612846. [PMID: 33815366 PMCID: PMC8011430 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.612846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Rattlesnakes are a diverse clade of pit vipers (snake family Viperidae, subfamily Crotalinae) that consists of numerous medically significant species. We used validated in vitro assays measuring venom-induced clotting time and strength of any clots formed in human plasma and fibrinogen to assess the coagulotoxic activity of the four medically relevant Mexican rattlesnake species Crotalus culminatus, C. mictlantecuhtli, C. molossus, and C. tzabcan. We report the first evidence of true procoagulant activity by Neotropical rattlesnake venom in Crotalus culminatus. This species presented a strong ontogenetic coagulotoxicity dichotomy: neonates were strongly procoagulant via Factor X activation, whereas adults were pseudo-procoagulant in that they converted fibrinogen into weak, unstable fibrin clots that rapidly broke down, thereby likely contributing to net anticoagulation through fibrinogen depletion. The other species did not activate clotting factors or display an ontogenetic dichotomy, but depleted fibrinogen levels by cleaving fibrinogen either in a destructive (non-clotting) manner or via a pseudo-procoagulant mechanism. We also assessed the neutralization of these venoms by available antivenom and enzyme-inhibitors to provide knowledge for the design of evidence-based treatment strategies for envenomated patients. One of the most frequently used Mexican antivenoms (Bioclon Antivipmyn®) failed to neutralize the potent procoagulant toxic action of neonate C. culminatus venom, highlighting limitations in snakebite treatment for this species. However, the metalloprotease inhibitor Prinomastat substantially thwarted the procoagulant venom activity, while 2,3-dimercapto-1-propanesulfonic acid (DMPS) was much less effective. These results confirm that venom-induced Factor X activation (a procoagulant action) is driven by metalloproteases, while also suggesting Prinomastat as a more promising potential adjunct treatment than DMPS for this species (with the caveat that in vivo studies are necessary to confirm this potential clinical use). Conversely, the serine protease inhibitor 4-(2-aminoethyl)benzenesulfonyl fluoride hydrochloride (AEBSF) inhibited the direct fibrinogen cleaving actions of C. mictlantecuhtli venom, thereby revealing that the pseudo-procoagulant action is driven by kallikrein-type serine proteases. Thus, this differential ontogenetic variation in coagulotoxicity patterns poses intriguing questions. Our results underscore the need for further research into Mexican rattlesnake venom activity, and also highlights potential limitations of current antivenom treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Seneci
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia.,Institute of Biology Leiden (IBL), Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Christina N Zdenek
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Abhinandan Chowdhury
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia.,Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, North South University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Caroline F B Rodrigues
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia.,Laboratório de Herpetologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Edgar Neri-Castro
- Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Melisa Bénard-Valle
- Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Alejandro Alagón
- Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Bryan G Fry
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
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12
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Nina-Cueva O, Olazabal-Chambilla D, Quispe-Arpasi J, Alzamora-Sánchez A, Gomes-Heleno M, Huancahuire-Vega S. Biochemical characterization of Bothrops roedingeri Mertens, 1942 snake venom and its edematogenic, hemorrhagic, and myotoxic activities. BIOMEDICA : REVISTA DEL INSTITUTO NACIONAL DE SALUD 2020; 40:682-692. [PMID: 33275347 PMCID: PMC7808785 DOI: 10.7705/biomedica.5228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Snakebite envenoming is considered by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a neglected tropical disease. Currently, Bothrops snake venoms are being studied intensively, but there is little knowledge about Bothrops roedingeri venom. Objectives: To biochemically characterize B. roedingeri total venom and evaluate its myotoxic, edematogenic, and hemorrhagic activity. Materials and methods: We characterized B. roedingeri venom enzymatic activity by determining the phospholipase A2 and the proteolytic and fibrinogenolytic action using SDSPAGE electrophoresis while we characterized its venom toxicity by determining the minimum hemorrhagic dose, the minimum edema dose, and the local and systemic myotoxic effects. Results: Bothrops roedingeri venom showed a PLA2 activity of 3.45 ± 0.11 nmoles/min, proteolytic activity of 0.145 ± 0.009 nmoles/min, and a fibrinogen coagulation index of 6.67 ± 1.33 seconds. On the other hand, it produced an minimum hemorrhagic dose of 24.5 μg, an minimum edema dose of 15.6 μg, and a pronounced local myotoxic effect evidenced by the elevation of plasma creatine kinase levels after intramuscular inoculation. The venom showed no systemic myotoxicity. Conclusions: Bothrops roedingeri venom has local hemorrhagic, edematogenic, and myotoxic activity. Enzymatically, it has high PLA2 activity, which would be responsible for the myotoxic and edematogenic effects. It also has proteolytic activity, which could affect coagulation given its ability to degrade fibrinogen, and it causes bleeding through the metalloproteases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oswaldo Nina-Cueva
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Biología Molecular, Escuela de Medicina, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Peruana Unión, Lima, Perú.
| | - Derly Olazabal-Chambilla
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Biología Molecular, Escuela de Medicina, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Peruana Unión, Lima, Perú.
| | - Jair Quispe-Arpasi
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Biología Molecular, Escuela de Medicina, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Peruana Unión, Lima, Perú.
| | - Adell Alzamora-Sánchez
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Biología Molecular, Escuela de Medicina, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Peruana Unión, Lima, Perú.
| | - Mauricio Gomes-Heleno
- Laboratorio de Química de Proteínas, Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Biología, Universidad Estatal de Campinas, Sao Paulo, Brasil.
| | - Salomón Huancahuire-Vega
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Biología Molecular, Escuela de Medicina, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Peruana Unión, Lima, Perú.
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13
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Diniz-Sousa R, Moraes JDN, Rodrigues-da-Silva TM, Oliveira CS, Caldeira CADS. A brief review on the natural history, venomics and the medical importance of bushmaster ( Lachesis) pit viper snakes. Toxicon X 2020; 7:100053. [PMID: 32793880 PMCID: PMC7408722 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxcx.2020.100053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Snakes of the genus Lachesis, commonly known as bushmasters, are the largest venomous snakes in the Americas. Because these snakes have their habitats in areas of remote forests they are difficult to find, and consequently there are few studies of Lachesis taxa in their natural ecosystems. Bushmasters are distributed in tropical forest areas of South and Central America. In Brazil they can be found in the Amazon Rainforest and the Atlantic Forest. Despite the low incidence of cases, laquetic envenoming causes severe permanent sequelae due to the high amount of inoculated venom. These accidents are characterized by local pain, hemorrhage and myonecrosis that can be confused with bothropic envenomings. However, victims of Lachesis bites develop symptoms characteristic of Lachesis envenoming, known as vagal syndrome. An important message of this bibliographic synthesis exercise is that, despite having the proteomic profiles of all the taxa of the genus available, very few structure-function correlation studies have been carried out. Therefore the motivation for this review was to fill a gap in the literature on the genus Lachesis, about which there is no recent review. Here we discuss data scattered in a number of original articles published in specialized journals, spanning the evolutionary history and extant phylogeographic distribution of the bushmasters, their venom composition and diet, as well as the pathophysiology of their bites to humans and the biological activities and possible biotechnological applicability of their venom toxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafaela Diniz-Sousa
- Center for the Study of Biomolecules Applied to Health (CEBio), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation Rondônia, Porto Velho, RO, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Experimental Biology (PGBIOEXP), Federal University of Rondônia (UNIR), Porto Velho, RO, Brazil
- Sao Lucas University Center (UniSL), Porto Velho, RO, Brazil
| | - Jeane do N. Moraes
- Center for the Study of Biomolecules Applied to Health (CEBio), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation Rondônia, Porto Velho, RO, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Experimental Biology (PGBIOEXP), Federal University of Rondônia (UNIR), Porto Velho, RO, Brazil
| | | | - Cláudia S. Oliveira
- Center for the Study of Biomolecules Applied to Health (CEBio), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation Rondônia, Porto Velho, RO, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Experimental Biology (PGBIOEXP), Federal University of Rondônia (UNIR), Porto Velho, RO, Brazil
| | - Cleópatra A. da S. Caldeira
- Center for the Study of Biomolecules Applied to Health (CEBio), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation Rondônia, Porto Velho, RO, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Experimental Biology (PGBIOEXP), Federal University of Rondônia (UNIR), Porto Velho, RO, Brazil
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14
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Fan HW, Natal Vigilato MA, Augusto Pompei JC, Gutiérrez JM. [Situation of public laboratories manufacturing antivenoms in Latin AmericaA situação dos laboratórios públicos produtores de soros antivenenos na América Latina]. Rev Panam Salud Publica 2019; 43:e92. [PMID: 31772565 PMCID: PMC6863067 DOI: 10.26633/rpsp.2019.92] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Se analiza la situación de los laboratorios públicos productores de antivenenos en América Latina, con base a los resultados de en un taller coordinado por el Centro Panamericano de Fiebre Aftosa (PANAFTOSA) de la Organización Panamericana de la Salud (OPS). Nueve países en la región poseen doce laboratorios públicos que producen y distribuyen antivenenos contra venenos de diferentes animales ponzoñosos. Se discutió la situación de cada laboratorio, se analizó el escenario actual caracterizado por las crecientes demandas regulatorias y la heterogeneidad de estos en términos de infraestructura y capacidad productiva y se planteó la necesidad de concertar procesos de cooperación regional dirigidos a mejorar la disponibilidad de antivenenos, incluyendo proyectos de investigación y desarrollo para el mejoramiento de los procesos y las tecnologías; estudios del perfil de la capacidad neutralizante de los antivenenos contra diferentes venenos, y programas de capacitación técnica de profesionales y personal técnico. En el contexto actual, en el que la Organización Mundial de la Salud elaboró una estrategia global para la prevención y el control de los envenenamientos ofídicos, el Centro PANAFTOSA de la OPS ha asumido la coordinación de estas acciones en las Américas, mejorar la disponibilidad de antivenenos es prioritaria. Como resultado de ese taller, se creó la Red de Laboratorios Públicos Productores de Antivenenos de América Latina (RELAPA), con el objetivo de fortalecer estos laboratorios y de aumentar la disponibilidad y accesibilidad de antivenenos eficaces y seguros a toda América Latina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Wen Fan
- Instituto Butantan Instituto Butantan São Paulo Brazil Instituto Butantan, São Paulo. Brazil
| | - Marco Antonio Natal Vigilato
- Centro Panamericano de Fiebre Aftosa Organización Panamericana de la Salud Rio de Janeiro Brasil Centro Panamericano de Fiebre Aftosa, Organización Panamericana de la Salud, Rio de Janeiro. Brasil
| | - Julio Cesar Augusto Pompei
- Centro Panamericano de Fiebre Aftosa Organización Panamericana de la Salud Rio de Janeiro Brasil Centro Panamericano de Fiebre Aftosa, Organización Panamericana de la Salud, Rio de Janeiro. Brasil
| | - José María Gutiérrez
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología Universidad de Costa Rica San José Costa Rica Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
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15
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Chen X, He H, Cai H. Clinical and epidemiologic profile of venomous snakebites in Chongqing Wuling mountainous area, western China. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2019; 113:587-589. [PMID: 31294805 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trz061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2019] [Revised: 02/23/2019] [Accepted: 03/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In China, venomous snakebites are an important medical emergency and cause of hospital admission, but few studies have looked at the clinical and epidemiologic profile of human snakebite victims. METHODS We conducted a retrospective study of 440 snakebite cases encountered at a single hospital in the Chongqing Wuling mountainous area of western China from July 2004 to August 2018. Data were collected from the electronic medical record system. RESULTS The majority of bite victims were male (58.4%), 41-60 y of age (37.9%) and the bites occurred during the daytime (51.1%) in July-September (62.5%). The lower limbs were the most vulnerable sites to snakebites (73.9%). The most common local toxicity consisted of pain (86.1%), oedema (78.4%) and bleeding (35.9%). Of the systemic toxicities, haematuria (14.3%) and ophthalmoplegia (9.5%) were common. The majority (86.4%) of individuals presented to the hospital within 6 h. CONCLUSIONS This study describes the clinical and epidemiologic profile of venomous snakebites in the Chongqing Wuling mountainous area of western China. Multicentre prospective studies were needed in the entire country of China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Chen
- Department of Pathology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
| | - Hongmei He
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
| | - Hongke Cai
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
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16
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White J, Mahmood MA, Alfred S, Thwin KT, Kyaw KM, Zaw A, Warrell D, Cumming R, Moody J, Eagles D, Ragas K, Dunstan N, Bacon D, Hurtado P, Peh CA. A comprehensive approach to managing a neglected, neglected tropical disease; The Myanmar Snakebite Project (MSP). Toxicon X 2018; 1:100001. [PMID: 32831344 PMCID: PMC7285917 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxcx.2018.100001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2018] [Revised: 11/21/2018] [Accepted: 11/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Snakebite is predominantly an occupational disease affecting poor rural farmers in tropical regions and was recently added to the World Health Organisation list of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD). We document an overview of methodologies developed and deployed in the Myanmar Snakebite Project, a foreign aid project largely funded by the Australian Government, with the core aim to “improve outcomes for snakebite patients”. A multidisciplinary team of experts was assembled that worked in a collaborative manner with colleagues in Myanmar, first to identify problems related to managing snakebite and then develop interventions aimed to improve selected problem areas. A broad approach was adopted, covering antivenom production, antivenom distribution and health system management of snakebite. Problems identified in antivenom production included poor snake husbandry resulting in poor survival of captive specimens, lack of geographical diversity; poor horse husbandry, resulting in high mortality, inadequate stock acquisition protocols and data collection, and inappropriate immunisation and bleeding techniques; and inadequate production capacity for freeze dried antivenoms and quality control systems. These problems were addressed in various ways, resulting in some substantial improvements. Antivenom distribution is being reorganised to achieve better availability and utilisation of stock. Health system management of snakebite was assessed across all levels within the area selected for the study, in Mandalay region. A comprehensive community survey indicated that hospital statistics substantially underestimated the snakebite burden, and that access to care by local villagers was delayed by transport and cost issues compounded by lack of antivenom at the most peripheral level of the health service. A health system survey confirmed under-resourcing at the local village level. Prospective case data collection initiated at tertiary hospitals indicated the extent of the snakebite burden on health resources. Interventions initiated or planned include training of health staff, development of a core of senior trainers who can “train the trainers” nationwide in a sustainable way, development and deployment of management guidelines and algorithms for snakebite and a distribution of solar powered fridges to remote health facilities to allow storage of antivenom and prompt treatment of snakebite cases before transfer to major hospitals, thereby reducing the “bite to needle” time. Documents an international aid project in Myanmar to improve outcomes for snakebite patients. 3 focus areas; improving antivenom production, availability, and care of snakebite patients. Emphasizes a broad approach and importance of inter-ministerial government collaboration. Emphasizes sustainable improvements through health services strengthening and training. Community involvement, education and use of local community surveys are described and advocated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian White
- Toxinology Dept., Women's & Children's Hospital, North Adelaide, SA 5006, Australia.,University of Adelaide, Adelaide SA 5000, Australia
| | | | - Sam Alfred
- University of Adelaide, Adelaide SA 5000, Australia.,Emergency Department, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide SA 5000, Australia
| | | | | | - Aung Zaw
- Burma Pharmaceutical Industry, Ministry of Industry, Myanmar
| | - David Warrell
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, UK
| | | | - John Moody
- Seqirus Ltd, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Debbie Eagles
- CSIRO Australian Animal Health Laboratory, Geelong, Australia
| | | | | | - David Bacon
- Myanmar Snakebite Project Mandalay Office, Mandalay, Myanmar
| | - Plinio Hurtado
- University of Adelaide, Adelaide SA 5000, Australia.,Department of Renal Medicine, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide SA 5000, Australia
| | - Chen Au Peh
- University of Adelaide, Adelaide SA 5000, Australia.,Department of Renal Medicine, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide SA 5000, Australia
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17
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Fan HW, Monteiro WM. History and perspectives on how to ensure antivenom accessibility in the most remote areas in Brazil. Toxicon 2018; 151:15-23. [PMID: 29908262 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2018.06.070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2018] [Revised: 05/30/2018] [Accepted: 06/12/2018] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
A plan to achieve self-sufficiency in manufacturing biologicals for public health has been structured for the last 40 years in Brazil, in the context of a reform in the health system. Industrial plants of the national public laboratories have been modernized, and a program for reducing morbidity and mortality of venomous snakebite has been created, as part of the National Epidemiological Surveillance System. The epidemiological data are essential to plan for the antivenom production of 400,000 vials of snake antivenoms per year, and the acquisition by the Ministry of Health, which is the exclusive purchaser in the country. Distribution is decentralized to reach hospitals in almost 3000 municipalities, and to provide free of charge antivenom treatment. The National Sanitary Surveillance Agency organized the regulatory environment to implement rules and supervise compliance of GMP procedures, elevating the quality of the biologicals that are produced, as well as reducing the costs in production. Despite all the advances in the health system, antivenom availability and accessibility is not uniform in regards to the most vulnerable parts of the populations, which inhabit remote areas in the Brazilian Amazon region. Better logistics and transportation of liquid form antivenoms is an issue to be addressed and realistic and comprehensive health programs for indigenous groups should be effectively structured, in order to reduce the high morbidity and mortality rates associated with snakebite envenoming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Wen Fan
- Divisão Bioindustrial, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Wuelton Marcelo Monteiro
- Escola Superior de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas, Manaus, Brazil; Instituto de Pesquisa Clínica Carlos Borborema, Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus, Brazil; Pró-Reitoria de Pós-Graduação e Pesquisa, Universidade Nilton Lins, Manaus, Brazil
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18
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Roriz KRPS, Zaqueo KD, Setubal SS, Katsuragawa TH, Silva RRD, Fernandes CFC, Cardoso LAP, Rodrigues MMDS, Soares AM, Stábeli RG, Zuliani JP. Epidemiological study of snakebite cases in Brazilian Western Amazonia. Rev Soc Bras Med Trop 2018; 51:338-346. [DOI: 10.1590/0037-8682-0489-2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2017] [Accepted: 05/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Kayena Delaix Zaqueo
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Brazil; Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia de Mato Grosso, Brazil
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19
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Julve Parreño JM, Huet E, Fernández‐del‐Carmen A, Segura A, Venturi M, Gandía A, Pan W, Albaladejo I, Forment J, Pla D, Wigdorovitz A, Calvete JJ, Gutiérrez C, Gutiérrez JM, Granell A, Orzáez D. A synthetic biology approach for consistent production of plant-made recombinant polyclonal antibodies against snake venom toxins. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2018; 16:727-736. [PMID: 28850773 PMCID: PMC5814581 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.12823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2017] [Revised: 08/03/2017] [Accepted: 08/23/2017] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Antivenoms developed from the plasma of hyperimmunized animals are the only effective treatment available against snakebite envenomation but shortage of supply contributes to the high morbidity and mortality toll of this tropical disease. We describe a synthetic biology approach to affordable and cost-effective antivenom production based on plant-made recombinant polyclonal antibodies (termed pluribodies). The strategy takes advantage of virus superinfection exclusion to induce the formation of somatic expression mosaics in agroinfiltrated plants, which enables the expression of complex antibody repertoires in a highly reproducible manner. Pluribodies developed using toxin-binding genetic information captured from peripheral blood lymphocytes of hyperimmunized camels recapitulated the overall binding activity of the immune response. Furthermore, an improved plant-made antivenom (plantivenom) was formulated using an in vitro selected pluribody against Bothrops asper snake venom toxins and has been shown to neutralize a wide range of toxin activities and provide protection against lethal venom doses in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose Manuel Julve Parreño
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas (IBMCP)Agencia Estatal Consejo Superior de Investigaciones CientíficasUniversidad Politécnica de ValenciaValenciaSpain
| | - Estefanía Huet
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas (IBMCP)Agencia Estatal Consejo Superior de Investigaciones CientíficasUniversidad Politécnica de ValenciaValenciaSpain
| | - Asun Fernández‐del‐Carmen
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas (IBMCP)Agencia Estatal Consejo Superior de Investigaciones CientíficasUniversidad Politécnica de ValenciaValenciaSpain
| | - Alvaro Segura
- Instituto Clodomiro PicadoFacultad de MicrobiologíaUniversidad de Costa RicaSan JoséCosta Rica
| | - Micol Venturi
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas (IBMCP)Agencia Estatal Consejo Superior de Investigaciones CientíficasUniversidad Politécnica de ValenciaValenciaSpain
| | - Antoni Gandía
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas (IBMCP)Agencia Estatal Consejo Superior de Investigaciones CientíficasUniversidad Politécnica de ValenciaValenciaSpain
| | - Wei‐song Pan
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas (IBMCP)Agencia Estatal Consejo Superior de Investigaciones CientíficasUniversidad Politécnica de ValenciaValenciaSpain
| | - Irene Albaladejo
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas (IBMCP)Agencia Estatal Consejo Superior de Investigaciones CientíficasUniversidad Politécnica de ValenciaValenciaSpain
| | - Javier Forment
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas (IBMCP)Agencia Estatal Consejo Superior de Investigaciones CientíficasUniversidad Politécnica de ValenciaValenciaSpain
| | - Davinia Pla
- Instituto de Biomedicina de ValenciaAgencia Estatal Consejo Superior de Investigaciones CientíficasValenciaSpain
| | | | - Juan J. Calvete
- Instituto de Biomedicina de ValenciaAgencia Estatal Consejo Superior de Investigaciones CientíficasValenciaSpain
| | - Carlos Gutiérrez
- Research Institute of Biomedical and Health SciencesUniversity of Las Palmas de Gran CanariaArucasLas PalmasCanary IslandsSpain
| | - José María Gutiérrez
- Instituto Clodomiro PicadoFacultad de MicrobiologíaUniversidad de Costa RicaSan JoséCosta Rica
| | - Antonio Granell
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas (IBMCP)Agencia Estatal Consejo Superior de Investigaciones CientíficasUniversidad Politécnica de ValenciaValenciaSpain
| | - Diego Orzáez
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas (IBMCP)Agencia Estatal Consejo Superior de Investigaciones CientíficasUniversidad Politécnica de ValenciaValenciaSpain
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20
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Engmark M, Lomonte B, Gutiérrez JM, Laustsen AH, De Masi F, Andersen MR, Lund O. Cross-recognition of a pit viper (Crotalinae) polyspecific antivenom explored through high-density peptide microarray epitope mapping. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2017; 11:e0005768. [PMID: 28708892 PMCID: PMC5529020 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0005768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2017] [Revised: 07/26/2017] [Accepted: 07/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Snakebite antivenom is a 120 years old invention based on polyclonal mixtures of antibodies purified from the blood of hyper-immunized animals. Knowledge on antibody recognition sites (epitopes) on snake venom proteins is limited, but may be used to provide molecular level explanations for antivenom cross-reactivity. In turn, this may help guide antivenom development by elucidating immunological biases in existing antivenoms. In this study, we have identified and characterized linear elements of B-cell epitopes from 870 pit viper venom protein sequences by employing a high-throughput methodology based on custom designed high-density peptide microarrays. By combining data on antibody-peptide interactions with multiple sequence alignments of homologous toxin sequences and protein modelling, we have determined linear elements of antibody binding sites for snake venom metalloproteases (SVMPs), phospholipases A2s (PLA2s), and snake venom serine proteases (SVSPs). The studied antivenom antibodies were found to recognize linear elements in each of the three enzymatic toxin families. In contrast to a similar study of elapid (non-enzymatic) neurotoxins, these enzymatic toxins were generally not recognized at the catalytic active site responsible for toxicity, but instead at other sites, of which some are known for allosteric inhibition or for interaction with the tissue target. Antibody recognition was found to be preserved for several minor variations in the protein sequences, although the antibody-toxin interactions could often be eliminated completely by substitution of a single residue. This finding is likely to have large implications for the cross-reactivity of the antivenom and indicate that multiple different antibodies are likely to be needed for targeting an entire group of toxins in these recognized sites. Although snakebite antivenom is a 120-year-old invention, saving lives and limbs of thousands of snakebite victims every year, little is known about the mechanisms and molecular interactions of how antivenoms neutralize snake toxins. Antivenoms are produced by immunizing large animals with cocktails of snake venoms resulting in antibodies recognizing toxic as well as non-toxic venom proteins to variable degrees. As a result, high doses of antivenom are needed for treating a snakebite victim, causing more severe adverse reactions due to a high burden of heterologous antivenom proteins. For the first time, we have characterized the antibody recognition sites on hundreds of pit viper toxins using high-throughput peptide microarray technology and an antivenom specific for three pit vipers inflicting a high number of bites in Central America. Most pit viper toxins are enzymes known to have a catalytic site important for toxicity. However, our results suggest that the employed antivenom generally does not target such sites, but instead inhibits toxicity by binding to alternative sites, possibly causing conformational shifts in the toxin structures or interference with toxin-target recognition. The identification of these toxin-specific recognition sites may explain why the antivenom is effective against certain snakebites from pit vipers whose venoms are not part of the immunization mixture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikael Engmark
- Department of Bio and Health Informatics, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
- * E-mail:
| | - Bruno Lomonte
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - José María Gutiérrez
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Andreas H. Laustsen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Federico De Masi
- Department of Bio and Health Informatics, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Mikael R. Andersen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Ole Lund
- Department of Bio and Health Informatics, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
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21
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Estevao-Costa MI, Gontijo SS, Correia BL, Yarleque A, Vivas-Ruiz D, Rodrigues E, Chávez-Olortegui C, Oliveira LS, Sanchez EF. Neutralization of toxicological activities of medically-relevant Bothrops snake venoms and relevant toxins by two polyvalent bothropic antivenoms produced in Peru and Brazil. Toxicon 2016; 122:67-77. [PMID: 27641748 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2016.09.010] [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: 07/08/2016] [Revised: 08/29/2016] [Accepted: 09/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Snakebite envenoming is a neglected public pathology, affecting especially rural communities or isolated areas of tropical and subtropical Latin American countries. The parenteral administration of antivenom is the mainstay and the only validated treatment of snake bite envenoming. Here, we assess the efficacy of polyspecific anti-Bothrops serum (α-BS) produced in the Instituto Nacional de Salud (INS, Peru) and at the Fundação Ezequiel Dias (FUNED, Brazil), to neutralize the main toxic activities induced by five medically-relevant venoms of: Bothrops atrox, B. barnetti, and B. pictus from Peru, and the Brazilian B. jararaca and B. leucurus, all of them inhabiting different geographical locations. Protein electrophoretic patterns of these venoms showed significant differences in composition, number and intensity of bands. Another goal was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of lyophilized α-BS developed at INS to neutralize the detrimental effects of these venoms using in vivo and in vitro assays. The availability of lyophilized α-BS has relevant significance in its distribution to distant rural communities where the access to antivenom in health facilities is more difficult. Despite the fact that different antigen mixtures were used for immunization during antivenom production, our data showed high toxin-neutralizing activity of α-BS raised against Bothrops venoms. Moreover, the antivenom cross-reacted even against venoms not included in the immunization mixture. Furthermore, we have evaluated the efficacy of both α-BS to neutralize key toxic compounds belonging to the predominant protein families of Bothrops snakes. Most significantly, both α-BS cross-specifically neutralized the main toxicological activities e.g. lethality and hemorrhage induced by these venoms. Thus, our data indicate that both α-BS are equally effective to treat snake bite victims inflicted by Bothrops snakes particularly B. atrox, responsible for the largest numbers of human envenomations in the Amazon regions of some South American countries including Peru and Brazil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria I Estevao-Costa
- Research and Development Center, Ezequiel Dias Foundation, 30510-010, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Silea S Gontijo
- Research and Development Center, Ezequiel Dias Foundation, 30510-010, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Barbara L Correia
- Research and Development Center, Ezequiel Dias Foundation, 30510-010, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Armando Yarleque
- Laboratorio de Biologia Molecular, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru
| | - Dan Vivas-Ruiz
- Laboratorio de Biologia Molecular, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru
| | - Edith Rodrigues
- Laboratorio de Biologia Molecular, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru
| | - Carlos Chávez-Olortegui
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Luciana S Oliveira
- Research and Development Center, Ezequiel Dias Foundation, 30510-010, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Eladio F Sanchez
- Research and Development Center, Ezequiel Dias Foundation, 30510-010, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil; Laboratorio de Biologia Molecular, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru.
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22
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Hay SI, McHugh G. Measuring progress in global health. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2014; 108:521-2. [PMID: 25122731 PMCID: PMC4131733 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/tru125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Simon I Hay
- Spatial Ecology and Epidemiology Group, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3PS, UK
| | - Gerri McHugh
- Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, Northumberland House, 303-306 High Holborn, London, WC1V 7JZ, UK
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