Micro-ELISA for detecting and assaying snake venom and venom-antibody.

Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) can detect venom levels down to 1-5 ng/ml. The assay is specific; no cross-reaction of clinical importance was found in a range of 14 different types of venom. Both venom and venom-antibody levels were monitored in mice. Specific antibody was detected in human serum more than 2 years after an accidental bite by Echis carinatus. ELISA should clarify many basic problems of envenoming in man.