26/06/2025
Snake Venom Antiserum (SAV) — also known as Anti-Snake Venom (ASV) — is a life-saving treatment used to neutralize the effects of snake venom in humans or animals. Here’s a comprehensive overview:
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🔬 What Is Snake Venom Antiserum?
Snake venom antiserum is a biological product containing antibodies that are specifically designed to neutralize the toxins found in the venom of certain snakes.
Derived by injecting small, controlled doses of venom into animals like horses or sheep.
These animals produce antibodies, which are harvested, purified, and processed into antiserum.
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🧪 Types of Antiserum
1. Monovalent ASV:
Made against the venom of a single snake species.
Used when the snake is positively identified.
2. Polyvalent ASV (most commonly used in India):
Effective against venom from multiple snake species.
Example in India: Effective against Cobra, Krait, Russell’s viper, and Saw-scaled viper (the “Big Four”).
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🩺 Indications for Use
Antivenom is administered when a person shows systemic or severe local symptoms of envenomation, such as:
Difficulty breathing
Blurred vision
Bleeding or coagulation issues
Rapid swelling or tissue damage at the bite site
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💉 Administration
Given intravenously (IV), typically in a hospital setting.
Dosage depends on:
Type of snake
Severity of symptoms
Time since the bite
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⚠️ Precautions & Side Effects
Because it's derived from animal proteins, ASV can cause allergic reactions, including:
Fever, chills
Rash or itching
Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction)
Serum sickness (delayed immune reaction, 5–10 days after treatment)
Doctors often perform a sensitivity test or co-administer antihistamines/steroids.
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🧭 Storage & Shelf Life
Stored at 2°C to 8°C, not to be frozen.
Should be used within its expiration period.
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🧬 Recent Advances
Research is ongoing into synthetic and recombinant antivenoms that are:
More effective
Less allergenic
Stable without refrigeration
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