Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Snake venoms have evolved over millions of years to subdue prey and deter predators rapidly. The potency and amount of venom differ both within and across species, and are primarily influenced by their ecology and environment. Understanding venom yields in clinically relevant species is essential for refining treatment approaches for snakebite. Despite this, venom yields have seldom been documented, especially in snakes of the Indian subcontinent. To address this knowledge gap, we analysed venom yields from 338 specimens of the clinically most important "big four" Indian snakes-Naja naja, Daboia russelii, Bungarus caeruleus, and Echis carinatus-collected across diverse biogeographic and agroclimatic zones. We systematically compared yields across different genders, regions, and life stages to uncover patterns in venom production and explored the relationship between venom yield and dry weight. Our findings reveal substantial inter- and intraspecific variation, with N. naja and D. russelii exhibiting the highest average yields, while B. caeruleus and E. carinatus produced much lower quantities. Geographic variation was significant for B. caeruleus, but not for the other species. No sex-based differences were observed; however, life stage was an important determinant, with adults producing more venom than juveniles or subadults. Comparative analysis with captive populations indicated that captivity may not substantially alter venom yields. By integrating venom yield and toxicity data, we highlight the distinct envenomation strategies among the big four snakes and their implications for snakebites. These insights are crucial for improving antivenom production, clinical management, and understanding the ecological and evolutionary dynamics of Indian snake venoms.
Source: PLoS neglected tropical diseases
Authors: Prasad Gopalkrishna Gond, Mihir Kumar, Ajinkya Unawane, Kartik Sunagar
Institution: Indian Institute of Science Bangalore
Language: English
Subfield: Genetics
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,670
Funders: International AIDS Vaccine Initiative, Wellcome Trust, Department for International Development, UK Government, Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology, India, Department of Science and Technology, Ministry of Science and Technology, India, Department for International Development, The Wellcome Trust DBT India Alliance
Awards: Progressing existing snake venom toxin-specific antibodies into humanised, thermostable monoclonal therapies for preclinical manufacture and clinical trials in Africa and India, Progressing existing snake venom toxin-specific antibodies into humanised, thermostable monoclonal therapies for preclinical manufacture and clinical trials in Africa and India, G6264674260, G705744040, G739178055, Defining the venom composition and toxicity profiles of India’s ‘big four’ venomous snakes, and the development of pan-efficacious next generation snakebite therapy
OpenAlex ID: W4415819846