Development of alpha-neurotoxin antibodies in patients envenomed by the monocellate Thai cobra (Naja kaouthia).

Serum samples from 50 patients envenomed by the Thai cobra (Naja kaouthia) were tested by enzyme immune assay for the presence of antibodies against the principal neurotoxin. Samples were taken between 1 month and 19 years after the bite. Only 16% (8/50) of the samples were positive for antibodies against neurotoxin, while 76% (38/50) were positive for antibodies against whole venom. There was no clear correlation between the presence of antibodies against neurotoxin and clinical features.