VIPER STRIKE OUT: THE HISTORY AND CURRENT RESEARCH OF SNAKE ANITVENOM

Abstract

Every year, around 100,000 people die from a venomous snake bite (Ahmed, 2008). With over 600 different species of venomous snakes, the availability for a particular antivenom strain is limited in many countries outside the United States (for example India). Factors contributing to this scarcity are: high retail cost, dangerous manufacturing processes of milking venomous snakes and the special storage requirements. In the following literary review, the physiology, history and current treatments for viperidae antivenom is explored. This research supports my hypothesis that although significant technological advancements are driving new antivenom research, the specificity and complex nature of venom proteins inhibit the quick development of universal antivenom. Along with journal investigation, I designed a brochure and educated Tucson locals about antivenom physiology and aftercare. Following this presentation, I created a poster summarizing the main points of my research. Overall, this study identified four potential avenues for antivenom (genetic immunization, artificial biomolecules, VIPER institution and natural animal venom resistance) and confirmed the global necessity for more accessible treatments.