title: Development of a species-specific ELISA for Brazilian pit-viper venoms.
abstract: Antigenic cross-reactivity between venoms of the genus Bothrops has been shown to be an extensive problem. However, some venom components are species-specific. In this study we have produced species-specific antivenoms against some members of the genus Bothrops. Monospecific rabbit antivenoms (IgG) were absorbed on venom affinity adsorbents. The species-specificity was tested by ELISA assays and immunoblots. The results of both assays showed complete species-specificity in some cases and highly increased species-specificity in others. These reagents can be used to determine the envenomating species in snake bite patients as an aid to improved serotherapy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Immunology, University of Birmingham, England.
authors.forename: L G
authors.initials: LG
authors.lastname: Heneine
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Catty
authors.forename: R D
authors.initials: RD
authors.lastname: Theakston
mesh_terms: D000997:Antivenins / Q000032:analysis*; D001938:Brazil; D003429:Cross Reactions / Q000276:immunology; D003435:Crotalid Venoms / Q000276:immunology*; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay / Q000379:methods*; D015151:Immunoblotting; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000032:analysis*; D013045:Species Specificity
chemical_list: D000997:Antivenins; D003435:Crotalid Venoms; D007074:Immunoglobulin G