[Venomous snake bites]

Although venomous snakebites are not a serious world wide problem from the epidemiological point of view and are rare under our conditions, it is frequently a very serious and life threatening matter. The patient's prognosis depends among others also on early adequate and comprehensive therapeutic measures. The authors give a list of poisonous snakes and types of toxins and their action on man. Next they describe principles of first aid, specific and non-specific therapy of snakebites and complications resulting from intoxication. The article is supplemented by a special chapter on Viper berus and several clinical cases of snakebites by tropical poisonous snakes.