Comprendiendo los venenos de serpientes: 50 años de investigaciones en América Latina

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Abstract

La investigación científica sobre venenos de serpientes ha sido un campo de trabajo fructífero en América Latina. En la presente revisión se destacan algunos de los principales logros obtenidos en la comprensión de la estructura química y del mecanismo de acción de toxinas presentes en venenos de serpientes de la región. Además, se describen algunas líneas de trabajo en investigación clínica relacionada con el mejor conocimiento de la fisiopatología de estos envenenamientos en humanos y en el desempeño terapéutico de los antivenenos. También se destacan algunos logros en el desarrollo de tecnologías para la producción de antivenenos, así como en la caracterización de la capacidad neutralizante de estos inmunobiológicos

Translated abstract

As a tribute to Revista de Biología Tropical in its 50 th anniversary, this review describes some of the main research efforts carried out in the study of the chemical composition and the mechanism of action of toxins present in the venoms of snakes distributed in Latin America. Venom proteins involved in neurotoxicity,coagulopathies, hemorrhage and muscle necrosis are discussed, together with a description of the inflammatory reactions elicited by these venoms and toxins. In addition, the search for inhibitory substances present in plants and animals that may be utilized in the neutralization of venoms is analyzed. Some of the clinical studies performed on snakebite envenomations in Latin America are also reviewed, together with the development of technologies aimed at improving the quality of antivenoms produced in the region. Toxinology has become a fruitful and stimulating research field in Latin America which has contibuted to a better understanding of snake venoms as well as to an improved management of snakebitten patients

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Most cited references 186

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Snake-bites: appraisal of the global situation.

J Chippaux (1998)

The true global incidence of envenomations and their severity remain largely misunderstood, except for a few countries where these accidents are rare or are correctly reported. Nevertheless, this information is essential for drawing up guidelines for dealing with snake-bites, to plan drug supplies, particularly antivenin, and to train medical staff on snake-bite treatments. Since the comprehensive review by Swaroop & Grab in 1954 no global survey has been carried out on snake-bite epidemiology. The present article is an attempt to draw the attention of health authorities to snake envenomations and urges them to prepare therapeutic protocols adapted to their needs.