Paraspecific neutralization capacity of polyvalent snake antivenom against Montivipera wagneri venom.

PURPOSE

This study aims to measure the paraspecific neutralization capacity of nationally produced HSGM polyvalent snake antivenom (HSGM-PSAV), produced using Macrovipera lebetina obtusa, Montivipera xanthina, and Vipera ammodytes montandoni venom, against the lethal effect of the venom of Montivipera wagneri, which is endemic to the Eastern Black Sea and Eastern Anatolia regions of Turkey.

METHODS

The neutralization capacity of HSGM-PSAV against the lethal effect of M. wagneri venom was studied using the potency determination testing method specified in the Turkish and European Pharmacopoeia. Lethal dose 50 (LD) values of the venoms used in immunization, M. wagneri venom in mice, and effective dose 50 (ED) values of HSGM-PSAV against four types of venoms were calculated using two-fold dilutions.

RESULTS

HSGM-PSAV neutralized the lethal effect of M. wagneri venom in mice. The ED of the HSGM-PSAV against M. wagneri venom was calculated as 304.42 LD/mL.

CONCLUSION

As a result of this in-vivo study, it was determined that HSGM-PSAV neutralized M.wagneri venom above the antivenom neutralization capacity threshold values (≥50 LD/mL) specified in the Turkish and European Pharmacopoeia. This result is important preclinical data regarding the usability of HSGM-PSAV in the treatment of poisoning due to M. wagneri bites.