Venomous Snakes: Taxonomy, Toxicology and Clinical Management of Envenomation

A special issue of Toxins (ISSN 2072-6651). This special issue belongs to the section "Animal Venoms".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 April 2024) | Viewed by 5171

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), Via Carlo Magno 1A, 43126 Parma, Italy
Interests: clinical pharmacology; toxicology; statistics

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Guest Editor
Unit of Dermatology, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, 20132 Milan, Italy
Interests: reptiles; amphibians; herpetology; snakes; Italian wildlife
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Currently, over 4000 species of snakes have been described across all world continents except Antarctica; of these species, over 600 species are considered venomous.

Snakebites constitute a significant public health issue in both developing and developed countries, with over 5 million people being bitten every year and over 2.7 million people poisoned according to the World Health Organisation. In terms of associated mortalities, 138,000 deaths are reported on a yearly basis and a much larger number of patients are left with permanent disabilities. On a taxonomical basis, knowledge on the toxicology of snake venoms and clinical management aspects of envenomation vary from species to species and particularly depends on the geographical distribution, impact on public health and severity of the envenomation.

The present Special Issue aims to publish original research articles, reviews, and short communications on the toxinology and toxicology of snake venom and clinical management of snake envenomation. Recent investigations integrating the taxonomy, geographical distribution, and biochemical characterisation of snake toxins and clinical investigations associated with snake bites are also relevant to this Special Issue, including snake species that are not generally considered to be venomous (e.g., colubridae).

Dr. Jean Lou Dorne
Dr. Matteo Riccardo Di Nicola
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • snakebite
  • toxinology
  • toxicology
  • clinical management
  • snake envenomation
  • antivenom

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 3266 KiB  
Article
Studying Venom Toxin Variation Using Accurate Masses from Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry Coupled with Bioinformatic Tools
by Luis L. Alonso, Jory van Thiel, Julien Slagboom, Nathan Dunstan, Cassandra M. Modahl, Timothy N. W. Jackson, Saer Samanipour and Jeroen Kool
Toxins 2024, 16(4), 181; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxins16040181 - 7 Apr 2024
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Abstract
This study provides a new methodology for the rapid analysis of numerous venom samples in an automated fashion. Here, we use LC-MS (Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry) for venom separation and toxin analysis at the accurate mass level combined with new in-house written bioinformatic scripts [...] Read more.
This study provides a new methodology for the rapid analysis of numerous venom samples in an automated fashion. Here, we use LC-MS (Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry) for venom separation and toxin analysis at the accurate mass level combined with new in-house written bioinformatic scripts to obtain high-throughput results. This analytical methodology was validated using 31 venoms from all members of a monophyletic clade of Australian elapids: brown snakes (Pseudonaja spp.) and taipans (Oxyuranus spp.). In a previous study, we revealed extensive venom variation within this clade, but the data was manually processed and MS peaks were integrated into a time-consuming and labour-intensive approach. By comparing the manual approach to our new automated approach, we now present a faster and more efficient pipeline for analysing venom variation. Pooled venom separations with post-column toxin fractionations were performed for subsequent high-throughput venomics to obtain toxin IDs correlating to accurate masses for all fractionated toxins. This workflow adds another dimension to the field of venom analysis by providing opportunities to rapidly perform in-depth studies on venom variation. Our pipeline opens new possibilities for studying animal venoms as evolutionary model systems and investigating venom variation to aid in the development of better antivenoms. Full article
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Review

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24 pages, 7201 KiB  
Review
A Guide to the Clinical Management of Vipera Snakebite in Italy
by Matteo Riccardo Di Nicola, Marta Crevani, Ignazio Avella, Anna Cerullo, Jean-Lou C. M. Dorne, Giovanni Paolino and Caterina Zattera
Toxins 2024, 16(6), 255; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxins16060255 - 31 May 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2422
Abstract
The genus Vipera encompasses most species of medically significant venomous snakes of Europe, with Italy harbouring four of them. Envenomation by European vipers can result in severe consequences, but underreporting and the absence of standardised clinical protocols hinder effective snakebite management. This study [...] Read more.
The genus Vipera encompasses most species of medically significant venomous snakes of Europe, with Italy harbouring four of them. Envenomation by European vipers can result in severe consequences, but underreporting and the absence of standardised clinical protocols hinder effective snakebite management. This study provides an updated, detailed set of guidelines for the management and treatment of Vipera snakebite tailored for Italian clinicians. It includes taxonomic keys for snake identification, insights into viper venom composition, and recommendations for clinical management. Emphasis is placed on quick and reliable identification of medically relevant snake species, along with appropriate first aid measures. Criteria for antivenom administration are outlined, as well as indications on managing potential side effects. While the protocol is specific to Italy, its methodology can potentially be adapted for other European countries, depending on local resources. The promotion of comprehensive data collection and collaboration among Poison Control Centres is advocated to optimise envenomation management protocols and improve the reporting of epidemiological data concerning snakebite at the country level. Full article
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