Immunological cross-reactivity of venoms from some Egyptian snakes and scorpions

ABSTRACT

The immunological cross-reactivity among the Elapidae, Viperidae and Buthdae venoms was detected in dot blot and western blot assays and quantified in ELISA as percentage of absorbance of heterologous versus homologous reaction. Mutual cross-reactivity between the Elapidae and Viperidae venoms was recognized, reflecting high inter-family relationship whereas only weak cross-reactions were observed between the scorpion and snake venoms. The anti-scorpion antivenom exceptionally binds a 30-35 kDa Cerastes cerastes venom component, revealing common antigenic components between scorpions and C. cerastes venom. Many of the moderate and weak cross reactivity in ELISA got unnoticed in the dot blot technique. This work primarily describes the commonality among venoms from remote source animals which is potentially important in the designation of venom detection kits and also in exploring common allergens responsible for cross-sensitization of patients to heterologous bites or stings leading to immediate hypersensitivity reactions