title: [In relation to Cleopatra and snake bites].
abstract: Cleopatra VII, one of the last Egyptian sovereigns of the ptolomeic dynasty, is envisioned as a mythic figure, surrounded by intrigues and mystery. her mysterious death was caused, according to history, by a snake bite. This article shows some instances of great Cleopatra's life and the state of the art on snake venoms. Even at the present time, snake bites are a public health problem in Asia, Africa, Central and South America, causing more than 25,000 deaths every year. Most snake venoms have a protein structure and cause neurotoxic and hemolytic effects, altering coagulation and fibrinolysis. The mortality due to snake bites fluctuates between 1 and 22%. Specific treatment includes the use of specific antiserums with highly purified components.
authors.affiliation: Hospital del Trabajador de Santiago, ACHS y Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de los Andes.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Espinoza
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D005197:Famous Persons; D005260:Female; D049690:History, Ancient; D006801:Humans; D012909:Snake Bites / Q000266:history / Q000401:mortality / Q000628:therapy; D012910:Snake Venoms / Q000506:poisoning*; D012911:Snakes / Q000145:classification*
chemical_list: D012910:Snake Venoms
vernacular_title: En relación a Cleopatra y los venenos de serpiente.