Snake and spider antivenins

Polyclonal antibody preparations raised against toxins of poisonous snakes and spiders (i.e. venins), are used in the medical management of individuals who have suffered bites from these creatures. In many instances immediate administration of the appropriate antiserum can prevent almost certain death. 

In the UK, the adder (Vipera berus) represents the only indigenous poisonous snake and adder antivenin preparations are termed Zagreb antisera . European viper venom antisera contain antibodies capable of neutralizing the venoms of one or more species of viper Vipera ammodytes, V. aspis, V. berus and V. ursinii). In many instances, antivenin preparations are polyvalent in nature. This is particularly helpful in cases where the victims are unsure of which snake actually bit them. 

Antivenins capable of neutralizing the toxins present in the venom of various poisonous spiders are also available. The major preparations available include Latrodectus mactans antivenin, which contains antibodies raised against the venom of the black widow spider, and 

Antivenin preparation Confers immunological protection (passive immunity) against 

Zagreb antivenin European viper venom antisera Polyvalent Crotalidae antivenin Micrurus fulvius antivenin Australian polyvalent antivenins Adder bites One or more species of viper Any one of four species of pit viper (including Western diamond back and South American rattlesnake Eastern coral snake Micrurus fulvius) Any one or combination of black snake, brown snake, death adder, taipan and tiger snake 

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