Potency assay of antivenom: Failure of Indian (serum institute) antivenom to neutralise Russell's viper (Daboia russelli siamensis) venom of Myanmar

ABSTRACT

Neutralisation of biological properties of Russell's viper (Daboia russelli siamensis) venom of Tharyarwady by a monospecific antivenom of Myanmar (DN 86608B ex. 4/92) and a polyspecific antivenom of Serum Institute of India (Sii) (batch 109 exp. 4/96) was carried out according to WHO standard tests of neutralising activity. Neutralising potency of Myanmar antivenom was superior to the Indian antivenom and the latter required 16-126 times more antivenom than the former in neutralising haemorrhagic, necrotic, lethality, defibrinogenating and capillary permeability increasing activities of the venom. In immunodiffusion and immunoblotting experiments fewer bands were detected in both. It is concluded that the Indian antivenom (Sii) will be less effective in treating Russell's viper bite cases of Myanmar.