Clinical features of twig snake (Thelotornis capensis) envenomation.
A case of disseminated intravascular coagulation in a 13-year-old-boy caused by a bite from a twig snake (Thelatornis kirtlandii capensis) is described. The coagulant enzyme was found to be a single-chain mole-activate prothrombin and factor X as well as weakly accelerating fibrinolysis. Its action on synthetic chromogenic substrates is described. Boomslang antivenom was unable to block twig snake venom, and the implications of this as regards treatment are discussed.
D000293:Adolescent; D001777:Blood Coagulation / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012909:Snake Bites / Q000175:diagnosis; D012910:Snake Venoms / Q000494:pharmacology*
D012910:Snake Venoms