Snake Antivenoms: Heterologous and Polyclonal Antisera

Abstract

Animal sera are the only source for antivenom production today. The main disadvantage of heterologous protein products is frequent adverse reactions due to contaminant protein, other than antibody. They are also in very short supply worldwide as traditional manufacturers have discontinued production due to economic constraints. Factors that influence the quality of the product range from the antigen used for immunization, the animal species, the immunization program, and the purification method which must balance purity, efficacy and affordable cost. Throughout the long history of antivenom production, the search for a better quality product has never ended. The ideal antivenom has never been produced and adverse reactions remain a problem. This article summarizes, in brief, the development of antivenom, present production techniques and future directions.