Antivenom & Snakebites

Syllabus: GS2/ Health

Context

• Scientists from IISc Bengaluru’s Centre for Ecological Sciences (CES) and the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) have created an antivenom that could be used to treat snakebites from the diverse cobra species of India.

Snakebite Envenoming 

• The snakebite envenoming (poisoning from snake bites) was classified by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as a high-priority neglected tropical disease.
  • An estimated 1.8 – 2.7 million people worldwide are envenomed annually. 
• Snake Bites in India: In India, around 50,000 deaths occur of an estimated 3-4 million snakebites annually which accounts for half of all snakebite deaths globally.
  • Around 90% of snake bites are caused by the ‘big four’ among the crawlers – common krait, Indian cobra, Russell’s viper and saw scaled viper. 
  • High burden states include Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Rajasthan, and Gujarat.
• India launched a National Action Plan for Prevention and Control of Snakebite Envenoming (NAP-SE) in 2024 with a vision to reduce snakebite deaths by halve by 2030.

Antivenoms

• Antivenoms: Antivenoms are purified antibodies against venoms or venom components. Antivenoms are produced from antibodies made by animals to injected venoms.
  • They are included in the WHO Essential Medicines List.
• Antivenoms making process: To make life-saving antivenoms, scientists enlist the help of horses that live on specialized ranches.
  • The animals are injected with a tiny, harmless dose of venom, which causes their immune systems to produce antibody proteins that attack and disable the venom toxins.
  • Then the antibodies are collected and used to treat people who have been bitten or stung.

Challenges in Accessing Antivenoms

• Geographical Barriers: The healthcare facilities in remote areas often lack antivenom supplies, leading to rise in casualties.
• Limited Venom Coverage: Indian antivenoms primarily target the “big four” snakes (cobra, krait, Russell’s viper, and saw-scaled viper).
  • Other venomous species, such as the king cobra and pit vipers, remain uncovered, leading to ineffective treatment.
• Cultural and Social Factors: Due to widespread beliefs in superstitions and cultural practices, there is often delay in timely medical intervention in rural areas.

Significance of Newly Created Antivenom

• Lower dosage: Carefully selected and engineered antibodies may neutralise venom using smaller quantities, potentially reducing treatment costs and safety concerns associated with large antibody doses.
• Broader protection: The approach could help develop antivenoms tailored to different snake species and regional venom compositions.
• Improved treatment: Recombinant antivenoms may offer a more targeted and effective alternative to conventional antivenoms.

Source: IE