Biological properties of Russell's viper venoms of upper and lower Myanmar

ABSTRACT

Biological properties of Russell's viper venoms of Magwe (upper Myanmar) and Ayerawaddy (lower Myanmar) divisions were studied following recommended techniques. SDS-PAGE electrophoresis and immuno-blotting of venoms were also performed. Neutralisation of Taungdwingyi and Daedaye venoms by a monovalent antivenom was also tested. There are inter and intradivisional variation in venom properties and in electrophoretic pattern. Biological properties of venoms of Magwe and Ayerawaddy divisions are comparable however the latter has strong procoagulant activity. Qualitative and quantitative differences in protein bands are recognised in immunoblot. Two of 32 times greater amount of antivenom is needed to neutralise different biological properties of Taungdwingyi venom compared to that of Daedaye. These differences in venon properties and antivenom reactivity may account for variation in clinical pictures of Russell's viper bite cases of Myanmar and variable performance of antivenom.