Snake Poisoning

B i.e. Neurotoxic

Ophistoxemia is poisoning by snake venomQ. Belly scales are large and cover the entire breadth of the belly in poisonous snakes.

– Viper venom is vasculotoxicQ (Mnemonic V²) and contains hemolysin, cytolysis & thromboplastinQ, which lit coagulation abnormalities. Elapid (ie Cobra, Krait) venom is mainly neurotoxic and rich in cholinesterase & cardiotoxins. Sea snake (Hydrophidae) venom is myotoxic.

–   Polyvalent Snake Antivenin (PAV) is prepared by hyperimmunizing horse against the 4 common poisonous snakes ie Cobra (Naja Naja), common Krait (Bungarus caerulus), Russel’s viper (Daboia russel) and Saw scaled viper (Echis carinata)Q.

–  Indications for anti venom therapy after snake bite.

1.    Rapidly progressive & severe local findingsQ as soft tissue swelling, ecchymosis, petechiae etc.

2.    Manifestations of systemic toxicityQ as signs & symptoms of laboratory anormalities.

Ans. B: Neurotoxic

It is composed mostly of proteins and polypeptides.

During a bite, venom is forced through the snake’s half-inch (1.25 cm) fangs and into the wound, and quickly attacks the victim’s central nervous system, and induces severe pain, blurred vision, vertigo, drowsiness, and paralysis. Envenomation progresses to cardiovascular collapse, and the victim falls into a coma

Ans. 6 mg

Ans. Snakebite poisoning

Ans. is ‘d’ i.e., Crotalidae

• Poisonous snakes are divided into six families:

1. Viperidae – Russell’s viper, gaboon viper, saw scaled viper, puff adder. They are found in all parts of world except America.
2. Crotalidae – Rattlesnakes, pigmy rattlesnakes, copperheads, pit viper & bush master. They are found in Asia and America.
3. Elapidae – Cobras, kraits, mambas, tiger snake, death adder, copperhead snakes and coral snakes. They are found in all parts of world except Europe.
4. Hydrophidae or sea snakes – All sea snakes are poisonous but they seldom bite.
5. Colubridae – Boomslangs, bird snake of the African continent.
6. Atractaspididae – African & Middle Eastern burrowing asps or stiletto snakes.