Efficacy and cross reactivity of Thai green pit viper antivenom among venoms of Trimeresurus species in Thailand and Japan.

Abstract

The efficacy of the Thai green pit viper antivenom to neutralize lethal, hemorrhagic, and enzyme activities of Trimeresurus venoms was examined using venoms of Trimeresurus albolabris, T. macrops, and T. flavoviridis (Japanese Habu). Antivenom against Japanese Habu venom was also used to study immunological cross reactivity among Trimeresurus venoms. Thai green pit viper antivenom was comparably effective to Habu antivenom to neutralize all activities. Distinct cross neutralization was demonstrated indicating the presence of genus specific protection by Thai and Japanese Trimeresurus antivenoms. Results of immunoblotting analyses indicated that Thai and Japanese Trimeresurus venoms contain many cross-reactive protein components.