Management of Snakebite and Research Management of Snakebite ...

variations in venom properties account for variation in clinical features of Russell’s viper
bite cases from different localities (Kyaw-Than et al., 1997, Myint-Lwin et al., 1985, Sann-
Mya et al., 1998, Tun-Pe et al., 2000b) and also variable performance of a batch of
antivenom in neutralizing biological properties of venoms collected from five localities
(Tun-Pe et al., 1999).
Since potent biological properties of venom of young vipers from five divisions are
comparable to that of adults (Table 8) both venoms could be used in raising antivenom for
common use. Young viper venoms were found to be as potent as those of adults (Tun-Pe et
al., 1995). It has been reported that an effective bite of a young viper produced a clinical
picture comparable to that of an adult’s bite (Myint-Lwin et al., 1985, Sann-Mya et al.,
1998).
Since the venom of both young and adult vipers of Tharawaddy possess potent capillary
permeability increasing activity among all, (this property is mainly observed in our Russell’s
viper bite cases only), it is suggested that these venoms should be included in the venom
pool used for raising antivenom for common use (Kornalik and Taborska, 1985).
Venoms collected from lower Myanmar are found to possess potent biological activities,
except defibrinogenating, haemorrhagic and coagulant. The venoms used for raising
antivenoms by Myanmar Pharmaceutical Factory are mainly derived from pooling of locally
available venoms from lower Myanmar. This may explain why 2-40 times more antivenom
was needed to neutralize different biological activities of venom of Taungdwingyi (Upper
Myanmar) compared to that of venom of Daedaye (Lower Myanmar) (Tun-Pe et al., 1994).
It is envisaged that widely pooled potent venoms will be ideal for raising antivenom for
common use. These findings will be useful for antivenom manufacturers as well as clinicians
or medical officers who are looking after snakebite patients throughout the country.
References
Geographical Variation of Biological Properties of Russell’s Viper Venom
Aye-Aye-Myint, Tun-Pe, Kyi-May-Htwe and Khin-Aung-Cho (1993). Variation in biological properties of venoms
from different localities of Ayeyarwaddy division. Myanmar Health Science Research Journal, 5: 121-124.
Aye-Aye-Myint, Tun-Pe, Kyi-May-Htwe, Khin-Aung-Cho and Theingie (1994). Geographical variation of biological
properties of Russell’s viper (Daboia russelli siamensis) venom; Yangon division. Myanmar Health Science Research
Journal, 6:87-89.
Aye-Aye-Myint, Tun-Pe, Kyi-May-Htwe, Khin-Aung-Cho and Theingie (1995). Geographical variation of biological
properties of Russell’s viper venom: Bago division. Myanmar Health Sciences Research Journal, 7: 92-94.
Aye-Aye-Myint, Tun-Pe, Kyi-May-Htwe, Khin-Aung-Cho and Theingie (1997). A comparative study of biological
and biochemical properties of white, pale yellow and yellow venoms of Russell’s viper (Daboia russelii siamensis).
Myanmar Health Research Congress abstract, p 40.
Glenn JL and Straight R (1978). Mojave rattlesnake Crotalus scutulatus scutulatus venom: variation in toxicity
with geographical origin. Toxicon, 16: 81-84.
Jayanthi, G.P. and Gowda, T.V (1988). Geographical variation in India in the composition and lethality potency
of Russell’s viper (vipera russelii) venom. Toxicon, 26:257-264.
Kornalik, F and Taborska, E (1985). Correlation between the neutralizing activity of monovalent antivenom and
the quality of venoms used for immunization. Toxicon, 23:584.
Kyaw-Than, Tun-Pe, Aye-Aye-Myint, and Nu-Nu-Aung (1997). Clinical features and response to antivenom of
Russell’s viper bite cases of Danuphyu, Ayerawaddy division. Myanmar Health Sciences Research Journal, 9:93-
96.
71