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

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  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 , ...

A proactive multidisciplinary approach to Naja atra envenomation reduces surgical burden and length of hospital stay

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A proactive multidisciplinary approach to Naja atra envenomation reduces surgical burden and length of hospital stay

Abstract

We report that the implementation of a multidisciplinary team (MDT) protocol - integrating early ultrasound surveillance, prompt surgical intervention, targeted antimicrobial therapy, and optimized antivenom administration - was associated with a marked reduction the length of hospital stay and surgical burden among patients with Naja atra envenomation at a tertiary medical center in Taiwan. This approach shifts management from a reactive to a proactive strategy by enabling the early detection of tissue involvement and timely intervention.

Huang, H.-P., Yeh, T.-K., Huang, P.-H., Lai, K.-L., Lai, C.-S., Liu, P.-Y., & Mao, Y.. (2026). A proactive multidisciplinary approach to Naja atra envenomation reduces surgical burden and length of hospital stay. Journal of Venomous Animals and Toxins Including Tropical Diseases, 32, e20260029. https://doi.org/10.1590/1678-9199-JVATITD-2026-0029