Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 10, 2026
10:25
Extraction of Venom and Venom Gland Microdissections from Spiders for Proteomic and Transcriptomic Analyses
Published on: November 3, 2014
Envenoming and antivenom use in Australia
1Toxinology Department, Women's and Children's Hospital, North Adelaide, SA, Australia.
Summary
Australia
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Clinical Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Australia possesses a diverse venomous fauna, necessitating effective antivenom therapies.
- Antivenom is the primary treatment for significant envenomings, supplied by a single manufacturer.
- Poisons Information Centre (PIC) calls reveal spider bites and insect stings dominate, with marine and snakebites being less frequent.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review antivenom usage in Australia for various envenomings.
- To analyze snakebite incidence, mortality, and antivenom utilization.
- To assess redback spider antivenom efficacy and usage patterns.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of reported envenoming cases to Australian Poisons Information Centres (PICs).
- Review of antivenom usage data, including specific antivenoms for snakebites and spider bites.
- Examination of data from 1995 and 1996 concerning antivenom usage and complications.
Main Results:
- Snakebites affect 1,000–3,000 people annually, with brown snakes causing most fatalities; approximately 500 cases require antivenom.
- Snake venom detection kits are underutilized, with polyvalent antivenom still used in 30% of cases.
- Redback spider antivenom is the most frequently used, with high reported efficacy, though clinical experience suggests overuse.
Conclusions:
- While snakebites are under-represented in PIC calls, they pose a significant mortality risk, particularly from brown snakes.
- Improved utilization of snake venom detection kits could optimize antivenom therapy.
- Redback spider antivenom appears effective but may be administered more frequently than necessary.
Related Concept Videos
02:06Allergic Reactions
Overview
01:17Antidotes
Antidotes are medicinal substances used to counteract the harmful effects of toxins or drugs in the body. They function in various ways, each uniquely designed to combat specific toxic compounds.
Specific antidotes operate by inhibiting the enzymes that control biochemical pathways, reducing the production of harmful metabolites.
An example of an antidote is atropine, which counteracts the detrimental effects of cholinesterase inhibitors. It achieves this by deactivating muscarinic receptors,...
Specific antidotes operate by inhibiting the enzymes that control biochemical pathways, reducing the production of harmful metabolites.
An example of an antidote is atropine, which counteracts the detrimental effects of cholinesterase inhibitors. It achieves this by deactivating muscarinic receptors,...
01:14Prevention of Further Absorption of Poison
In cases of acute poisoning, the primary objective is to prevent further absorption of the toxic substance into the body. Immediate interventions using various decontamination techniques targeting the gastrointestinal (GI) tract can achieve this. Decontamination is crucial to prevent poison from entering the systemic circulation, which involves washing affected areas with water and mild soap and removing contaminated clothing. Once external decontamination is done, attention must be turned to...
01:30Allergic Reactions: Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening hypersensitivity reaction mediated by Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies. When IgE binds to allergens, it triggers the release of mediators– histamine, leukotrienes, and prostaglandins from mast cells and basophils. These mediators cause vasodilation, edema, and inflammation, leading to various symptoms.The primary allergens causing anaphylaxis include food items (e.g., peanuts, shellfish), drugs (e.g., penicillin, asparaginase, corticotropin, heparin),...
01:26Pharmaceutical Poisoning: Treatment Strategies
Treatment strategies for poisoning are a critical aspect of emergency medicine, focusing on preventing the absorption of toxins and enhancing their elimination. When a poisoning incident occurs, the first response is to halt exposure and decontaminate the patient, particularly through gastrointestinal (GI) methods if the poison was ingested.Gastrointestinal Decontamination Techniques:Activated charcoal is the cornerstone of GI decontamination. It works through adsorption, binding the toxin to...
01:29Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care
Venous thrombosis requires effective prevention and treatment strategies to improve patient outcomes and reduce potential complications.Prevention StrategiesHealthcare providers must prioritize preventing venous thromboembolism (VTE) for all adult patients upon admission. Interventions depend on bleeding and thrombosis risk, medical history, current medications, diagnoses, planned procedures, and patient preferences. Patients on bed rest should change positions every two hours and, if not...