Levels of therapeutic antivenin and venom in a human snakebite victim.
An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure the levels of therapeutic antivenin (Antivenin [Crotalidae] Polyvalent, Wyeth-Ayerst) in serum and the levels of venom in the urine of a patient bitten by a western diamondback rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox). Serum and urine samples were taken on admission, during hospitalization, and during follow-up until 5 months after the bite. Photographs were taken of the bite site on admission to the hospital and during follow-up. Serum levels of therapeutic antivenin were highest between 1 and 3 days after the bite but were still detectable 46 days as well as 4 months after the bite. Crotalus atrox venom was detectable in the urine 4 days after the bite and was still measurable 6 days after the bite.
Ownby
C L
CL
Department of Physiological Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater 74078, USA.
Reisbeck
S L
SL
Allen
R
R
D000818:Animals; D000997:Antivenins / Q000097:blood* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003435:Crotalid Venoms / Q000652:urine*; D017839:Crotalus; D016903:Drug Monitoring / Q000379:methods; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012909:Snake Bites / Q000097:blood / Q000628:therapy* / Q000652:urine; D013997:Time Factors
D000997:Antivenins; D003435:Crotalid Venoms