title: Preparation of a potent anti-scorpion-venom-serum against the venom of red scorpion (Buthus tamalus).
abstract: A number of children and adults, especially pregnant women succumb to the sting by red Scorpion (Buthus tamalus) in Konkan region--particularly on the coastal line. No specific antiserum or any other antidote is available to treat a victim of scorpion bite and hence the need to prepare a potent antiserum. Red Scorpion (B. tamalus) venom is a mixture of a number of protein moieties and neurotoxins of low molecular weight. Therefore, the venom is poor in antigenic composition and it is difficult to get antibodies specific to neutralise lethal factor/factors. Using Bentonite as an adjuvant and extending the period of immunization a potent antiserum has been prepared capable of neutralising the lethal factor/factors. In vivo testing carried out in albino mice, guinea pigs, dogs and langurs confirms this finding and shows that the antiserum is quite effective in neutralising the scorpion venom to save the life of envenomated animals.
authors.affiliation: Anti Scorpion-Venom-Serum Project, Haffkine Biopharmaceutical Corporation Limited, Mumbai.
authors.forename: R C
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Kankonkar
authors.forename: D G
authors.initials: DG
authors.lastname: Kulkurni
authors.forename: C B
authors.initials: CB
authors.lastname: Hulikavi
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D000997:Antivenins / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D006168:Guinea Pigs; D006801:Humans; D007116:Immunization, Passive / Q000379:methods*; D051379:Mice; D009205:Myocarditis / Q000517:prevention & control; D011247:Pregnancy; D011654:Pulmonary Edema / Q000517:prevention & control; D065008:Scorpion Stings / Q000628:therapy*; D012604:Scorpion Venoms / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors* / Q000633:toxicity; D012605:Scorpions
chemical_list: D000997:Antivenins; D012604:Scorpion Venoms