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Hypersensitivity to airborne spitting cobra snake venom
Ruth A Prescott1, Paul C Potter
1Department of Immunology, Groote Schuur Hospital, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa. rprescot@uctgshl.uct.ac.za
Summary
Inhaled airborne snake venom from spitting cobras can cause asthma and severe allergic reactions in snake handlers. This study identifies airborne venom as a new potential allergen, highlighting risks for those working with these species.
Area of Science:
- Allergy and Immunology
- Toxicology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- While snake venom's toxic effects are known, its role in inducing asthma via inhalation has not been previously reported.
- Spitting cobras can aerosolize venom, posing an inhalation risk to handlers.
- Asthma development in snake handlers exposed to airborne venom was investigated.
Observation:
- A snake handler developed rapid-onset wheezing upon inhalation exposure to airborne cobra venom.
- The patient exhibited increasing hypersensitivity to airborne venom despite no prior snakebites.
- Symptoms were reversed with salbutamol, indicating an asthmatic response.
Findings:
- The patient developed immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies against venom from nine different snake species.
- Major IgE binding proteins were identified between 59-63 kDa and 8-15 kDa.
- Cross-reactivity between venoms of different species was confirmed, suggesting common allergenic epitopes.
Implications:
- Aerosolized snake venom should be recognized as a novel potential allergen.
- Exposure can lead to anaphylaxis and sensitization in susceptible individuals.
- Further research is needed on IgE sensitization risks in snake handlers, especially those working with spitting cobras.