Evidence of venom variability associated with venom extraction interval in the monocled cobra (Naja kaouthia)

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  Evidence of venom variability associated with venom extraction interval in the monocled cobra (Naja kaouthia) Abstract Snake venom variability is a critical factor in antivenom production. Although several influencing factors have been studied, the impact of extraction interval on venom properties remains poorly understood. This study evaluated the effects of various extraction intervals on venom yield, the percentage of dry weight (%Dw), and composition in the monocled cobra ( Naja kaouthia ). Twenty-five captive snakes were randomly allocated to five groups, each undergoing a control extraction followed by a repeated extraction at 1, 4, 7, 10, or 14 days. Venom profiles were characterized using reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) and Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Results indicated that while fresh venom yield remained stable across all intervals, %Dw significantly decreased in extractions performed between 1 and 10 days, ...

Medically relevant snakebite envenomation in Brazil (2009–2023): an epidemiological profile and temporal trend analysis

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Medically relevant snakebite envenomation in Brazil (2009–2023): an epidemiological profile and temporal trend analysis

Abstract

Snakebites are a public health issue in Brazil, particularly in rural areas. This study aimed to describe the epidemiological profile and temporal trends of medically relevant snakebites in Brazil from 2009 to 2023. This is an ecological time-series study of snakebites in Brazil, 2009–2023. All reported accidents regarding the genera Bothrops, Crotalus, Lachesis, and Micrurus were included. Descriptive analyses considered sociodemographic (sex, age, education), clinical (severity, antivenom administration, evolution), and regional variables. The Joinpoint Regression Program was used for temporal trend analysis and a significance level of 5% was adopted. During the period, 368,551 cases were reported in Brazil (incidence rate of 12.1/100,000 inhabitants per year). Most cases occurred among men and economically active adults with low levels of education. The genus Bothrops accounted for 86.4% of the accidents. The national trend of snakebites was stationary (AAPC = − 0.6%; p = 0.545). Significant regional disparities were observed. States such as Amapá (AAPC =  + 3.5%; p < 0.05) and Rondônia (AAPC =  + 2.9%; p < 0.05) experienced a growing incidence. The South and Midwest regions showed a decrease, particularly in the states of Santa Catarina (AAPC = − 4.2%; p < 0.05) and Mato Grosso do Sul (AAPC = − 3.7%; p < 0.05). Accidents involving Micrurus showed an upward trend in the North and Southeast, whereas accidents involving Lachesis decreased, especially in the North region (AAPC = − 5.1%; p < 0.01). From 2009 to 2023, snakebite accidents in Brazil were more likely to affect exposed individuals, mostly involving Bothrops snakes. Brazil exhibited a stationary trend in incident rates over the study period, suggesting that the burden of disease has neither increased nor decreased. Targeted interventions, including health education and enhanced surveillance, are warranted to address this persistent trend and mitigate future cases.

Cardoso, L.C., Nunes, H.M.G., da Silva, J.M.R. et al. Medically relevant snakebite envenomation in Brazil (2009–2023): an epidemiological profile and temporal trend analysis. Discov Public Health 23, 326 (2026). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12982-026-01680-0