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Development of a species-specific ELISA for Brazilian pit-viper venoms
L G Heneine1, D Catty, R D Theakston
1Department of Immunology, University of Birmingham, England.
Antigenic cross-reactivity between venoms of the genus Bothrops has been shown to be an extensive problem. However, some venom components are species-specific. In this study we have produced species-specific antivenoms against some members of the genus Bothrops. Monospecific rabbit antivenoms (IgG) were absorbed on venom affinity adsorbents. The species-specificity was tested by ELISA assays and immunoblots. The results of both assays showed complete species-specificity in some cases and highly increased species-specificity in others. These reagents can be used to determine the envenomating species in snake bite patients as an aid to improved serotherapy.
Antigenic cross-reactivity between venoms of the genus Bothrops has been shown to be an extensive problem. However, some venom components are species-specific. In this study we have produced species-specific antivenoms against some members of the genus Bothrops. Monospecific rabbit antivenoms (IgG) were absorbed on venom affinity adsorbents. The species-specificity was tested by ELISA assays and immunoblots. The results of both assays showed complete species-specificity in some cases and highly increased species-specificity in others. These reagents can be used to determine the envenomating species in snake bite patients as an aid to improved serotherapy.