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Envenomation by Montpellier Snake, Malpolon monspessulanus Following Prolonged Bites

2022; Elsevier BV; Volume: 33; Issue: 2 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1016/j.wem.2022.02.011

1545-1534

Jean-Marie Ballouard, Corinne Schmitt, Xavier Bonnet, Julien Renet, Sébastien Caron, Julien Reynoard, Luc de Haro, Grégory Deso,

Amphibian and Reptile Biology

The exact function and possible toxicity of most components of snake venoms have not been fully elucidated. 1 Modahl C.M. Mrinalini Frietze S. Mackessy S.P. Adaptive evolution of distinct prey-specific toxin genes in rear-fanged snake venom. Proc Biol Sci. 2018; 285: 20181003 PubMed Google Scholar Clinically, the identification of potentially toxic components does not automatically translate into a human health issue. Not all venomous snakes are equal in terms of health risk. For instance, several vipers have little medical significance (eg, Vipera ursinii ursinii2 Krecsák L. Zacher G. Malina T. Clinical picture of envenoming with the meadow viper (Vipera (Acridophaga) ursinii). Clin Toxicol (Phila). 2011; 49: 13-20 Crossref PubMed Scopus (12) Google Scholar ), whereas some colubrids may inflict life-threatening bites (eg, Dispholidus typus3 Kuch U. Mebs D. Envenomations by colubrid snakes in Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. J Toxicol: Toxin Rev. 2002; 21: 159-179 Crossref Scopus (26) Google Scholar ). Besides venom composition, the diversity of venom delivery systems (eg, front vs rear fangs), snake body size, and snake behavior all combine to generate a complex picture. 4 Mirtschin P.J. Shine R. Nias T.J. Dunstan N.L. Hough B.J. Mirtschin M. Influences on venom yield in Australian tiger snakes (Notechis scutatus) and brown snakes (Pseudonaja textilis: Elapidae, Serpentes). Toxicon. 2002; 40: 1581-1592 Crossref PubMed Scopus (46) Google Scholar It is therefore crucial to examine to what extent snakebites generate clinical symptoms.