Differential Hematotoxic Activity of Southeast Asian Pit Viper Venoms: The Cross-Neutralizing Effect of Available Antivenoms

Posted by
  Image Credit: Creative Commons (some rights reserved) CC BY-NC Photo 111998430, (c) Nicholas Hess Differential Hematotoxic Activity of Southeast Asian Pit Viper Venoms: The Cross-Neutralizing Effect of Available Antivenoms Abstract Background/Objectives : Pit vipers (subfamily Crotalinae) are responsible for a large proportion of snakebite envenoming cases in Southeast Asia. Envenomation by these snakes commonly causes hematotoxic effects, including platelet dysfunction and coagulation disturbances. Although antivenom remains the mainstay of treatment, species-specific antivenoms are not available for several regional pit viper species. This study evaluated the hematotoxic activities of selected Southeast Asian pit viper venoms and the cross-neutralizing capacity of commercially available antivenoms.  Methods : Venoms from five medically important pit viper species— Calloselasma rhodostoma ,  Trimeresurus albolabris ,  T. hageni ,  T. purpureomaculatus , ...

Preliminary evaluation of a monovalent antivenom targeting Cerastes cerastes envenomation in North Africa: feasibility and specificity assessment

Posted by

 


Preliminary evaluation of a monovalent antivenom targeting Cerastes cerastes envenomation in North Africa: feasibility and specificity assessment

Abstract

In 2017, the World Health Organization (WHO) recognized snakebite envenomation as a neglected disease yet the therapeutic effectiveness efficacy of available antivenoms remains insufficiently explored. This study offers a detailed analysis of Cerastes cerastes venom, focusing its toxicological properties and the development of specific targeted neutralizing antibodies. Through rigorous quality control and comprehensive efficacy testing, the antivenom demonstrated significant neutralizing activity against critical venom components, including hemorrhagic, edema-forming, and myotoxic effects while also mitigating tissue damage. Histological investigations further corroborated the antivenom’s protective capacity. These findings not only underscore the potential of the developed antivenom for clinical use but also provide essential insights for advancing antivenom production, refining its specificity, and enhancing its therapeutic efficacy in managing snake envenomations.

Mesmoudi, N., Chakir, S., Ammouch, K., Chahir, R., Aassila, H., Moustaghfir, A., Karkouri, M., & Oukkache, N. (2026). Preliminary evaluation of a monovalent antivenom targeting Cerastes cerastes envenomation in North Africa: Feasibility and specificity assessment. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 17, 1719611. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2026.1719611