Determination of the neutralizing potency of horse antibothropic and anticrotalic antivenoms in blood samples collected on filter paper.

This research investigates the correlation between the neutralizing power of horse antivenoms and the level of antibodies detected via an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), with samples taken via filter paper. The results indicate a significant positive correlation between these factors, suggesting that ELISA might be a reliable method to measure antivenom potency.

Introduction

• The study is aimed at assessing the neutralizing potency of horse antibothropic and anticrotalic antivenoms.
• The test uses an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to measure antibody levels in blood.
• This is done on samples collected on filter paper, aiming for a more convenient and efficient sampling methodology.

Methodology

• Sixteen horses were hyperimmunized with Bothrops venom, while twelve horses were hyperimmunized with Crotalus durissus terrificus venom.
• The study utilized the crude venom of Crotalus durissus terrificus and the lethal fraction of Bothrops jararaca venom as antigens to set up the indirect ELISA.

Results

• The correlation coefficient between the neutralizing capacity of the antivenom (ED50) and the ELISA-detected antibody titers was calculated.
• For tests involving Crotalus durissus terrificus, there was a strong positive correlation of 0.8; whereas for the Bothrops jararaca venom, the correlation was slightly lower but still significant at 0.78. Both values indicate a statistically significant correlation based on a p-value of less than 0.001.

Conclusion

• The significant correlation suggests that ELISA could be a reliable tool to measure the potency of horse antivenoms, allowing for more efficient assessment of therapeutic alternatives for snakebite victims and advancing our understanding of antivenom efficacy.