A Paradigm Shift in Snakebite Envenoming Therapy: From Conventional Antivenoms to Rationally Designed, Broadly Neutralizing Combination Therapies

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  A Paradigm Shift in Snakebite Envenoming Therapy: From Conventional Antivenoms to Rationally Designed, Broadly Neutralizing Combination Therapies Abstract For over a century, polyclonal antivenom has been the cornerstone of snakebite therapy, saving countless lives. However, the current production method, based on immunizing large animals, has inherent limitations in terms of safety, stability, and supply reliability, thereby creating a pressing need for alternative technologies. This review charts the rise of next-generation antivenoms built on recombinant antibody engineering. We systematically survey the strategies for discovering and developing these molecules, from humanized monoclonal antibodies and VHHs to computationally designed proteins. Our central thesis is that achieving broad-spectrum neutralization against complex venoms requires a shift from single-agent approaches to rationally designed, oligoclonal “cocktail” therapies (defined mixtures of a few select therapeut...

Predation of the Common Lancehead, Bothrops atrox (Linnaeus, 1758), by the tarantula Acanthoscurria geniculata in the Brazilian Amazon

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Predation of the Common Lancehead, Bothrops atrox (Linnaeus, 1758), by the tarantula Acanthoscurria geniculata in the Brazilian Amazon

On 3 February 2022 an adult female A. geniculata (total length ca. 15 cm) was observed preying on a juvenile Common Lancehead, Bothrops atrox (SVL ca. 50 cm) in a private property, in the rural area of Juruti Municipality, western Pará State, in the central Brazilian Amazon (2.3457°S, 56.0485°W, WGS84; elevation 84 m). Predation occurred at ground level around 08:30 h, at a distance of ca. 30 cm from the entrance of the spider’s burrow, when the tarantula was seen attacking the snake (Fig. 1).

Cunha, Fabio Andrew G., Brescovit, Antonio D., Costa-Campos, Carlos E. "Predation of the Common Lancehead, Bothrops Atrox (Linnaeus, 1758), by the Tarantula Acanthoscurria Geniculata in the Brazilian Amazon." Herpetology Notes 17, (2024). Accessed February 21, 2024. https://www.biotaxa.org/hn/article/view/82399.