Intrageneric cross-reactivity of monospecific rabbit antisera against venoms of mamba (Elapidae: Dendroaspis spp.) snakes.

ABSTRACT: Snakebite envenomation is a neglected tropical disease posing a high toll of mortality and morbidity in sub-Saharan Africa. Polyspecific antivenoms of broad effectiveness and specially designed for this region require a detailed understanding of the immunological features of the mamba snake (Dendroaspis spp.) venoms for the selection of the most appropriate antigen combination to produce antivenoms of wide neutralizing scope. Monospecific antisera were generated in rabbits against the venoms of the four species of mambas. The toxic effects of the immunization scheme in the animals were evaluated, antibody titers were estimated using immunochemical assays, and neutralization of lethal activity was assessed. By the end of the immunization schedule, rabbits showed normal values of the

SUBMITTER: Gomez A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10808963 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature