Clinical and immunological aspects of envenomations by Bothrops snakes

• Published in: Journal of Venomous Animals and Toxins including Tropical Diseases
• Main Authors: KPO Luna, MB da Silva, VRA Pereira
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: SciELO 2011
• Subjects: snakes; envenomations; clinical aspects; immunology; Arctic medicine. Tropical medicine; RC955-962; Toxicology. Poisons; RA1190-1270; Zoology; QL1-991; Arctic
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1590/S1678-91992011000200003; https://doaj.org/article/a01bf31ab65644edaa1c0cd9ae03b17d

Accidents caused by snakes, especially in tropical and subtropical countries, still constitute a serious public health problem due to the lack of knowledge of health professionals and the precariousness of health systems in the regions where most accidents occur. Snake venoms contain a range of molecules that may provoke local swelling, pain, renal and respiratory insufficiencies. The study of the effects of each molecule on humans can help the development of complementary therapy. Similarly, the knowledge of clinical aspects of envenomations provides a better identification and implementation of appropriate treatment. In addition, to understand Bothrops envenomations and improve the therapeutic strategy, it is necessary to understand and study the role of important inflammatory mediators, particularly nitric oxide (NO), cytokines and the complement system.