All articles tagged with #antivenom
Ifunanya Nwangene, a Nigerian soprano, died after a cobra bite amid antivenom shortages and hospital delays, underscoring Nigeria's neglected snakebite crisis and prompting calls for nationwide access to affordable antivenoms and improved emergency care.
Nigerian singer Ifunanya Nwangene died in Abuja after a snakebite, highlighting a broader, preventable crisis in snakebite treatment driven by antivenom shortages and delays. She was first treated at a hospital without antivenom, then at FMC where she received some treatment but died from severe complications as advocates warn that underfunding and supply gaps impede timely care; the FMC denies a lack of antivenom at its site.
India loses about 50,000 people to snakebites annually, roughly half of global deaths, with delays in treatment, scarce antivenom, and weak rural healthcare infrastructure driving serious complications. A GST report highlights barriers faced by healthcare workers, while India's 2024 National Action Plan aims to halve snakebite deaths by 2030, though implementation is uneven and region-specific antivenoms are still lacking beyond the major snake species.
Ifunanya Nwangene, 26, an aspiring Nigerian singer who gained fame on The Voice Nigeria, died in Abuja after being bitten by a cobra at her apartment. She was preparing for her first solo concert; two snakes were later found in the home. She sought treatment after the bite, but antivenom access and hospital resources were contentious, with her friends and the hospital offering differing accounts. Nigerian health officials acknowledged systemic challenges and announced a national task force on clinical governance and patient safety. The incident underscores a broader neglected snakebite burden in Africa, where antivenom shortages and cost limit treatment.
Scientists at DTU have developed a new broad-spectrum nanobody-based antivenom that could revolutionize snakebite treatment, especially in Africa, by targeting multiple snake species with a safer, more stable, and cost-effective solution, though human trials are still needed.
A new antivenom made from llama and alpaca antibodies can neutralize venom from 17 African snake species, offering a broad-spectrum treatment that outperforms current options and reduces tissue damage, addressing a major public health issue in sub-Saharan Africa.
Scientists have discovered that antivenom treatment for mamba snakebites can sometimes worsen symptoms by unmasking hidden neurological effects, with different mamba species causing either limp or spastic paralysis, and effectiveness varies based on venom variation across regions.
New research shows that mamba snake venoms are more complex than previously thought, attacking the nervous system in multiple ways and varying by region, which complicates treatment and calls for specialized antivenoms to improve patient outcomes.
A study reveals that green mamba bites cause a unique form of paralysis called spastic paralysis, making treatment challenging as most antivenoms do not target this condition. The research highlights regional venom variations and the need for region-specific antivenom development, especially in India where snakebite deaths are high. Advances in monoclonal antibody treatments and increased research are crucial for better management of snakebite envenoming.
A study from the University of Queensland reveals that black mamba venom causes a dual neurological attack, leading to initial paralysis followed by severe spasms, which current antivenoms often fail to fully neutralize, explaining the high mortality rate from mamba bites in Africa and highlighting the need for improved treatments.
Tim Friede, who has been bitten over 200 times by snakes to develop immunity, has contributed to research that could lead to a universal antivenom, potentially saving thousands of lives annually from snakebites.
A toddler in San Diego was bitten by a rattlesnake, leading to a hospital bill of $297,461, primarily due to the high cost of antivenom. The child received 30 vials of Anavip, with prices varying significantly between hospitals. The incident highlights the exorbitant costs of medical treatment for snakebites in the U.S., driven by hospital markups and lack of competition in the antivenom market. The family's insurance covered most costs, but they still faced significant out-of-pocket expenses.
Scientists have developed a "blood-vessel-on-a-chip" to study how snake venom causes internal bleeding and to aid in the creation of new antivenoms. This 3D model mimics human blood vessels and reveals how different venoms damage them, potentially reducing the need for animal testing and improving snakebite treatments.
Researchers have made significant progress in developing a universal antivenom that can neutralize the effects of venom from any venomous snake by creating a lab-made antibody called 95Mat5, which can neutralize neurotoxins found in the venom of many snake species. This breakthrough could potentially replace traditional antivenoms, but additional antibodies are needed to neutralize other toxin types, and further research and human trials are required before a universal antivenom becomes available to snakebite victims.
Scientists at Scripps Research have developed a synthetic antibody effective against the venom of multiple deadly snake species, raising hope for a universal antivenom. This discovery could revolutionize snakebite treatment, as current antivenoms require separate manufacturing for each type of snake. The antibody, 95Mat5, was found to be effective in neutralizing venom from various elapid snakes in initial testing on mice. With proper funding, researchers aim to develop a "cocktail of antibodies" that could protect against all the world's deadliest snakes, potentially eliminating the need for hundreds of specific antivenoms.