A capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for species-specific detection of Bothrops venoms

A direct sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), employing affinity purified antivenom antibodies specifically recognizing the homologous venom, was developed for species-specific detection of bothropic venom. The method is based on a two-step affinity purification of the specific antibodies. A species monovalent antivenom is adsorbed onto a venom adsorbent containing heterologous venoms from the Bothrops, Crotalus and Lachesis genera. The species-specific antibodies obtained, are then adsorbed onto a second venom adsorbent containing only the homologous venom for the removal of non antivenom antibodies. Venom concentrations of 0.1 and 1,000 ng/ml were specifically identified for Bothrops jararacussu and B. alternatus venom respectively.