Management of Snakebite and Research Management of Snakebite ...
Management of Snakebite and Research Management of Snakebite ...
Management of Snakebite and Research Management of Snakebite ...
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Geographical Variation <strong>of</strong> Biological<br />
Properties <strong>of</strong> Russell’s Viper (Daboia<br />
russelii siamensis) Venom<br />
Tun-Pe 1 , Aye-Aye-Myint 1 , Kyi-May-Htwe 1 , Khin-Aung-Cho 2 <strong>and</strong> Theingi 2<br />
1 Venom <strong>Research</strong> Laboratory, Department <strong>of</strong> Medical <strong>Research</strong>, Yangon<br />
2 Veterinary Division, Myanmar Pharmaceutical Factory,<br />
Ministry <strong>of</strong> Industry 1 ,Yangon<br />
Abstract<br />
Biological properties <strong>of</strong> Russell’s viper (Daboia russelii siamensis) venoms collected<br />
from five snakebite endemic divisions: M<strong>and</strong>alay, Magwe, (Upper Myanmar)<br />
Ayerawaddy, Yangon <strong>and</strong> Bago (Lower Myanmar) were studied by WHO recommended<br />
techniques. It is uncommon to see venom from one locality possessing all potent<br />
different biological properties. It is noted that adult Russell’s viper venom <strong>of</strong> Kyauksae<br />
is devoid <strong>of</strong> capillary permeability increasing activity (CPI) <strong>and</strong> possess poor<br />
defibrinogenating <strong>and</strong> lethal activities. Both young <strong>and</strong> adult Russell’s viper venoms<br />
<strong>of</strong> Tharawaddy possess potent CPI among the venoms studied <strong>and</strong> 92% <strong>of</strong> the colour<br />
<strong>of</strong> the young Russell’s viper venom <strong>of</strong> Danuphyu is white. Biological properties <strong>of</strong><br />
potent young Russell’s viper venoms are comparable to that <strong>of</strong> adult. On the whole,<br />
both young <strong>and</strong> adult Russell’s viper venoms <strong>of</strong> lower Myanmar are comparatively<br />
more potent than that <strong>of</strong> upper Myanmar except in defibrinogenating <strong>and</strong><br />
haemorrhagic activity in adult <strong>and</strong> coagulant in young. Intra <strong>and</strong> inter divisional<br />
variations in the properties <strong>of</strong> Russell’s viper venom may lead to variation in clinical<br />
features <strong>of</strong> the Russell’s viper bite victims <strong>and</strong> also performance <strong>of</strong> antivenom in<br />
these victims. Antivenom manufacturers should consider pooling venom from different<br />
localities in order to raise potent antivenom for common use.<br />
INTRODUCTION<br />
Geographical Variation <strong>of</strong> Biological Properties <strong>of</strong> Russell’s Viper Venom<br />
Russell’s viper (Daboia russelii siamensis) bite is an occupational hazard <strong>of</strong> farmers <strong>and</strong> is<br />
endemic in rice growing divisions. Geographical variation <strong>of</strong> biological properties <strong>of</strong> venom<br />
has been reported from other regions (Minton <strong>and</strong> Weinstein, 1976, Glenn <strong>and</strong> Straight,<br />
1978, Jayanthi <strong>and</strong> Gowda, 1988, Tun-Pe et al., 1993, 2000a). Earlier studies on Russell’s<br />
viper venoms from Ayerawaddy, Magwe <strong>and</strong> Yangon divisions showed variation in the<br />
biological properties <strong>of</strong> the venoms. (Aye-Aye-Myint et al., 1993, 1994, 1995, Sann-Mya<br />
et al., 1994). Underst<strong>and</strong>ing <strong>of</strong> variation in biological properties <strong>and</strong> composition <strong>of</strong> venom<br />
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