How Snake Venom is Extracted and Used to Create Antivenom

Snake bites can be life-threatening, and it is crucial to understand how snake venom is extracted and used to produce antivenom. This process involves several steps to ensure the safety and efficacy of the antivenom. Let's delve into the details.

Why Cannot You Extract Venom from a Bite?

When it comes to snake bites, the best course of action is immediate and thorough cleaning of the wound followed by prompt medical attention. Attempting to suck or extract venom from a bite is not only ineffective but also dangerous. The primary treatment involves elevating the bitten limb and, if possible, avoiding further trauma.

The Process of Venom Extraction

For antivenom production, venom is extracted from snakes through a method known as milking. Here’s how the process works:

Milking the Snakes

Herpetologists use a controlled method to extract venom from snakes. This is done by making the snake bite down on the lip of a jar, which allows the venom to flow through the fangs and into the collection container. This process requires expertise and strict safety protocols to ensure the welfare of both the snakes and the researchers.

Mixing Venom to Create Supervenom

Once venom has been collected, manufacturers mix different types of snake venoms to create a supervenom. This mixture is designed to include venom from various species to provide a broader spectrum of protection. The accuracy and effectiveness of this mixture are crucial in ensuring that the antivenom can neutralize a wide range of venom types.

Injecting Horses for Antibodies

The next step in producing antivenom involves horses, which are used as living factories to create antibodies. Scientists start with a small amount of venom—a few micrograms—and gradually increase the dosage over six months. Each dose stimulates the horse's immune system to produce specific antibodies that can neutralize the introduced venom.

Boosting Antibody Production

Every four weeks, the horse receives a booster dose of the supervenom. This boost helps in maintaining high levels of antibodies ready to neutralize snake venom. About 10 days after the booster shot, the horse's blood is collected to extract the plasma containing the valuable antibodies.

Separating Plasma

The collected blood is centrifuged to separate the plasma from the red blood cells. The plasma, which contains the antibodies, is carefully collected. Then, the blood is returned to the horse to prevent anemia and maintain its health during the process.

Processing the Antivenom

To make the antivenom more effective and less reactive, scientists use an enzyme called pepsin. This enzyme helps break down the unprocessed horse antibodies, leaving only the specific antibodies that can neutralize snake venom. This process ensures that the antivenom is safe for human use and reduces the risk of adverse reactions.

Dehydration and Bottling

The final step in the process involves dehydrating the antibodies into a powder using a freeze dryer. This powdered form of antivenom can be easily reconstituted and injected into a hospital setting. When administered to snake bite victims, the antivenom can quickly neutralize venom, leading to a rapid reduction in symptoms. Patients often show significant improvement within hours and are frequently discharged from the hospital within a day.

In conclusion, the extraction and use of snake venom to create antivenom is a complex and carefully controlled process. It involves a range of steps from milking the snake for venom to injecting horses to produce antibodies. This process ensures that antivenom can be rapidly and effectively used to treat snake bites, saving lives and minimizing the impact of these dangerous reptiles.