Two snakebite antivenoms have potential to reduce Eswatini’s dependency upon a single, increasingly unavailable product: Results of preclinical efficacy testing

Abstract

BackgroundSnakebite is a major public health concern in Eswatini, where treatment relies upon one antivenom-SAIMR Polyvalent. Although effective in treating snakebite, SAIMR Polyvalent is difficult to source outside its manufacturing country (South Africa) and is dauntingly expensive. We compared the preclinical venom-neutralising efficacy of two alternative antivenoms and SAIMR Polyvalent against the lethal and tissue-destructive effects of venoms from five species of medically important snakes using in vivo murine assays. The test antivenoms were 'Panafrican' manufactured by Instituto Clodomiro Picado and 'PANAF' manufactured by Premium Serums & Vaccines.

Venom diversity inNaja mossambica: Insights from proteomic and immunochemical analyses reveal intraspecific differences

“…In this case, the differences are evident, and for a dilution of 1:500 in the affinity ELISA test, the highest efficiency in binding venom proteins was demonstrated by EchiTAb+ICP, Antivipmyn Africa and SAIMR polyvalent, respectively (Fig 7b). Recently, Menzies et al similarly reported higher titre values of EchiTAB+ICP compared to SAIMR polyvalent in the affinity ELISA analysis [17]. Our results also showed higher OD values for Antivipmyn Africa than SAIMR, however, in this case it is essential to note that the experiment was carried out with standardized concentration values, and Antivipmyn Africa was significantly less prediluted than the other two antivenoms.…”

“…Additionally, in relation to proteins containing the Ig-like domain, a member of this group was identified in spot #A104, with a monomer mass of approximately 37 kDa.We also used affinity and avidity ELISAs to measure and compare how reactive various N.EchiTAb+ICP, Antivipmyn Africa and SAIMR polyvalent, respectively (Fig 7b). Recently,Menzies et al similarly reported higher titre values of EchiTAB+ICP compared to SAIMR polyvalent in the affinity ELISA analysis[17]. Our results also showed higher OD values for Antivipmyn Africa than SAIMR, however, in this case it is essential to note that the experiment was carried…”

“…Currently, the treatment of Naja mossambica snakebites in Sub-Saharan Africa relies solely on the SAIMR polyvalent antivenom, posing significant challenges and risks for the local population. However, recent preclinical findings by Menzies et al suggest that other antivenoms also hold the potential for neutralizing the venom of this snake, offering a chance to improve the situation and reduce reliance on a single antivenom [17]. However, further data in this area are needed to better understand the effectiveness of alternative antivenoms.…”

Venom diversity in Naja mossambica: Insights from proteomic and immunochemical analyses reveal intraspecific differences

“…In this case, the differences are evident, and for a dilution of 1:500 in the affinity ELISA test, the highest efficiency in binding venom proteins was demonstrated by EchiTAb+ICP, Antivipmyn Africa and SAIMR polyvalent, respectively ( Fig 8B ). Recently, Menzies et al similarly reported higher titre values of EchiTAB+ICP compared to SAIMR polyvalent in the affinity ELISA analysis [ 17 ]. Our results also showed higher OD values for Antivipmyn Africa than SAIMR, however, in this case it is essential to note that the experiment was carried out with standardized concentration values, and Antivipmyn Africa was significantly less prediluted than the other two antivenoms.…”

“…Currently, the treatment of Naja mossambica snakebites in Sub-Saharan Africa relies solely on the SAIMR polyvalent antivenom, posing significant challenges and risks for the local population. However, recent preclinical findings by Menzies et al suggest that other antivenoms also hold the potential for neutralizing the venom of this snake, offering a chance to improve the situation and reduce reliance on a single antivenom [ 17 ]. Nevertheless, further data in this area are needed to better understand the effectiveness of alternative antivenoms.…”