Use of liposomes for protective immunisation in sheep against Echis carinatus snake venom.

Nigerian Echis carinatus venom incorporated into sphingomyelin-cholesterol liposomes stabilized with osmium tetroxide produced a rapid, sustained and protective immune response when injected i.v. into sheep. The response was similar to that reported earlier in mice. The implications of the findings are discussed in relation to the production of cheaper and more effective antivenoms. The possible use of immunostimulants for increasing the protective effect of antisera raised using this method are also considered.