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Venomous Snakes of the World

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Mark O'Shea at University of Wolverhampton
Mark O'Shea
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Abstract

The layout is geographical, grouping venomous snakes together into chapters based on their distribution. The Introduction contains sections on snake anatomy, venomous snake diversity and distribution, snake venoms and their actions, life in the sea, conservation, and venomous lizards. The following chapters are The Americas, Eurasia, Africa, Tropical Asia, Australasia, and The Oceans. The title contains many personal anecdotes arising from years working with venomous snakes in captivity or in the wild, including personal snakebites. Simultaneously published in the UK (New Holland) and US (Princeton University Press) this title has gone through several reprints including hard and soft covers in both countries, and also editions in German, Swedish and Hungarian.
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Venomous Snakes of the World
Mark O’Shea 2005
New Holland & Princeton University Press
The layout is geographical, grouping venomous snakes together into chapters based on
their distribution.
The Introduction contains sections on snake anatomy, venomous snake diversity and
distribution, snake venoms and their actions, life in the sea, conservation, and venomous
lizards.
The following chapters are The Americas, Eurasia, Africa, Tropical Asia, Australasia,
and The Oceans.
The title contains many personal anecdotes arising from years working with venomous
snakes in captivity or in the wild, including personal snakebites.
Simultaneously published in the UK (New Holland) and US (Princeton University
Press) this title has gone through several reprints including hard and soft covers in both
countries,
and also editions in German, Swedish and Hungarian (see below).
Published Editions
UK 2005 hardback : UK 2008 softback : US 2005 hardback
UK 2011 compact hardback : US 2011 compact softback
German 2006, Hungarian 2006, & Swedish 2008 hardbacks
... Daboia (Vipera) palaestinae (Dp) is the most common venomous snake in Israel, accounting for several hundred envenomations in humans and domestic animals annually [1][2][3][4][5][6], with mortality rates of 0.5-2% in humans [2,3] and 3.7-15% in dogs [4][5][6]. This viper is endemic and a leading venomous snakebite agent in the Mediterranean area, including Western Syria, Northwestern Jordan, Northern and Central Israel, the Palestinian Authority, and Lebanon [7][8][9][10][11][12][13]. Its natural habitat is mostly woodland and scrub, but it is now found in agricultural rural areas, and even in densely populated regions [14]. ...
Serum Cholesterol Concentration on Admission in 415 Dogs Envenomated by Daboia (Vipera) palaestinae as a Marker of Envenomation Severity and Outcome—A Retrospective Study
Article
Full-text available
  • Oct 2023
Daboia (Vipera) palaestinae (Dp), accounts for most envenomations in humans and dogs in Israel. In humans envenomed by Dp, serum cholesterol concentration (sChol) is inversely correlated with envenomation severity. This study examined the utility of sChol upon admission in dogs envenomed by Dp as an envenomation severity and outcome marker. Data upon admission, including sChol, were retrospectively collected from the medical records of dogs with proven Dp envenomation. The study included 415 dogs. The mortality rate was 11%. The heart rate upon admission was higher in non-survivors than in survivors. Signs of bleeding or hematoma and circulatory shock signs were more frequent among non-survivors compared to survivors. sChol, the platelet count, and serum albumin concentration (sAlb) were lower, while serum creatinine concentration was higher among non-survivors. sChol and sAlb were moderately, positively, and significantly correlated. sChol was significantly, negatively, albeit weakly, correlated with the length of hospitalization and the heart rate. sChol was lower in dogs admitted >12 h post-envenomation than in those admitted later. In dogs, sChol upon admission is a potential marker of severity and outcome of Dp envenomation. The platelet count, sAlb, and sCreat might also be potential markers.
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... The evolution of fangs and venom delivery systems is considered one of the key innovations underpinning the success and rapid diversification of advanced snakes (Colubroides sensu Zaher et al., 2019), which started to replace larger non-venomous constricting snakes (booids) towards the end of the Oligocene, ~ 25 million years (Myr) ago (Kuch et al., 2006;Westeen et al., 2020). There are currently approximately a thousand species of mildly to highly venomous snakes worldwide, ~ 400 in the family Elapidae, a group of snakes that includes many of the deadliest species, such as cobras, mambas, taipans, and sea snakes (O'Shea, 2005;Valenta, 2010;Figueroa et al., 2016, Uetz et al., 2022. ...
Shape and Size Variation in Elapid Snake Fangs and the Effects of Phylogeny and Diet
Article
Full-text available
  • Oct 2023
  • EVOL BIOL
Recent studies have found correlations between the shape of snake teeth/fangs and diet. These studies were done at a very broad phylogenetic scale, making it desirable to test if correlations are still detectable at a narrower evolutionary scale, specifically within the family Elapidae. To this end, we studied fang shape in a dense selection of elapids representing most genera worldwide (74%). We used three-dimensional geometric morphometrics to analyse fang diversity and evaluate possible correlations between fang shape, fang size, and diet. We detected weak phylogenetic signal for both shape and absolute fang size, and found that evolutionary allometry contributes a small proportion of the among-species variation. The distribution of elapid fangs in morphospace was found to be surprisingly conservative, with only a few outliers. The only three dietary categories that were found to have a significant effect on fang shape are mammals, lizards, and reptile eggs, with mammals having a significant effect also on absolute but not relative fang size. Our results show that there are disparate patterns in fang-diet relationships at different evolutionary scales. Across all venomous snakes, previous work found that fangs are strongly influenced by diet, but within elapids our study shows these same associations are weaker and often non-significant. This could result from limitations in these types of studies, or could reflect the fact that elapids are a relatively young clade, where recent extensive divergences in diet have yet to be mirrored in fang shape, suggesting a lag between changes in ecology and dental morphology.
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... Phospholipase A2s (PLA2s) are known as an important component of all kinds of snake venoms that were studied with the highest amounts being found in venomous families such as Elapidae, Viperidae and Hydrophidae (Mackessy 2010). Elapids are venomous snakes which include cobras, mammals, marine snakes and coral snakes, found in tropical and subtropical regions of the world (O'Shea 2005). Cobra venoms contain numerous toxins mainly neurotoxins, cardiotoxins, cytotoxins and PLA2 that causes pathophysiological effects after envenoming (Luiselli et al. 2002). ...
Inhibition of phospholipase A 2 from Naja haje and Naja nigricollis venoms by active fraction of Moringa oleifera leaves: in vitro and in silico methods
Article
Full-text available
  • May 2023
  • TOXIN REV
Phospholipases are one of the principal toxic enzymes in snake venoms inducing a wide variety of pharmacological effects after envenomation. Natural inhibitors from plants are known to inhibit the toxic enzyme activities of snake venoms. In this study, ethanol crude extract of M. oleifera leaves was partitioned using n-hexane and ethyl acetate after which fractionation was done using column and thin layer chromatography. Subsequently, the inhibitory activities of the crude extract and sub-fractions of M. oleifera were investigated against phospholipases A 2 isolated from Naja haje and Naja nigricollis venoms using in vitro and in-silico approaches while EchiTab-PLUS polyvalent antivenom was used as the standard drug. The molecular weight of isolated N. haje phospholipase A 2 (NH-PL) and N. nigricollis phospholipase A 2 (NN-PL) were 24.11 and 35.22 kDa respectively. NH-PL enzyme had a specific activity of 2.70 lM/min/mg substrate while NN-PL activity was 2.10 lM/min/mg substrate. The K m of NH-PL was 0.330 lM with V max of 0.085 lM/mL min while NN-PL had V max of 0.198 lM/mL.min and K m of 0.670 lM. M. oleifera n-hexane sub-fraction 5 (MOLH5) exhibited a total inhibition of NN-PL and NH-PL enzyme activities at all concentrations used. Molecular docking of the phytoconstituents of MOLH5 against the catalytic site of phospholipase A 2 revealed 2-Hydrazino-8-hydroxy-4-phenylquinoline as the lead compound and a potential drug candidate with a docking score of À6.789 kcal/mol. Findings indicated that MOLH5 possesses phospholipase A 2 natural inhibitors that could be explored as a therapy for snake envenoming. ARTICLE HISTORY
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... In the deep jungles, on the open savanna, and across deserts, snakes are omnipresent in sub-Saharan Africa, where they play an integral role in the natural ecosystems to which they have adapted over the course of evolution [1]. Some of these snake species are highly venomous, being classified by the World Health Organization as category 1 or 2 snakes of the highest medical importance [2,3]. Thus, understanding the composition and function of their venoms is not only important for elucidating basic biology and adaptation of species, but also of medical significance. ...
High-throughput proteomics and in vitro functional characterization of the 26 medically most important elapids and vipers from sub-Saharan Africa
Article
Full-text available
  • Dec 2022
Venomous snakes are important parts of the ecosystem, and their behavior and evolution have been shaped by their surrounding environments over the eons. This is reflected in their venoms, which are typically highly adapted for their biological niche, including their diet and defense mechanisms for deterring predators. Sub-Saharan Africa is rich in venomous snake species, of which many are dangerous to humans due to the high toxicity of their venoms and their ability to effectively deliver large amounts of venom into their victims via their bite. In this study, the venoms of 26 of sub-Saharan Africa's medically most relevant elapid and viper species were subjected to parallelized toxicovenomics analysis. The analysis included venom proteomics and in vitro functional characterization of whole venom toxicities, enabling a robust comparison of venom profiles between species. The data presented here corroborate previous studies and provide biochemical details for the clinical manifestations observed in envenomings by the 26 snake species. Moreover, two new venom proteomes (Naja anchietae and Echis leucogaster) are presented here for the first time. Combined, the presented data can help shine light on snake venom evolutionary trends and possibly be used to further improve or develop novel antivenoms.
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... Multiple fang marks on the carcass could potentially be the result of the animal's defensive and/or vigorous motions. The usual cobra bite contains 200-500 mg of venom [4], and bites are more common in the morning and evening than at night [5], as was the case in this case. Snake venom is made up of a complex mixture of proteins, enzymes, and extremely basic polypeptides [6]. ...
Snake Bite Case in Holstein Friesian Cattle at Private Dairy Farm in Hyderabad Sindh
Article
Full-text available
  • Sep 2022
A Seven-year-old female Holstein Friesian cows was confined at the Private dairy farm Hyderabad, Sindh was bitten by a snake. Respiratory trouble, restlessness, and rapid death were the only clinical indications noted in the victim. Multiple snake bite marks on the teats, mammary gland, and external genitalia were discovered after the death, along with extensive edema. The animal's skin was tarnished and bluish in appearance. The animal's eye pupil was dilated. Subcutaneous hemorrhages, congested and edematous lungs, and a trachea loaded with foamy discharges were discovered during an internal inspection of the corpse. The right chamber of the heart was dilated, the intestines seemed hemorrhagic, the liver was pale and discolored, and the spleen was reduced. The animal died of a snake bite, according to history and necropsy findings.
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... The change in the hematological parameters might be due to alteration in the blood cells due to hemolytic effects of snake venom. The enhanced biochemical values like alanine aminotransferase and creatinine may be due to the hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic effect of snake venom (Shea, 2005), which was also observed in the present case. Snake bite requires immediate treatment with antisnake venom and other supportive therapy to reverse the pathological changes. ...
Clinical management of snake envenomation in a sheep-a case report
Article
Full-text available
  • Dec 2019
A four years old female sheep was presented with the history of snake bite, frothy salivation, incoordination, sternal recumbency and swelling at right forelimb. The clinical examination revealed polypnea, halitosis, dyspnea, ptosis, extended neck, hypersalivation and prolonged blood clotting time. On the basis of history, clinical findings and blood clotting time, the case was diagnosed as snake envenomation. The hematological parameters showed reduced values of hemoglobin, packed cell volume and increased total leukocyte count. The successful treatment was done with anti-snake venom serum, fluid, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotic and diuretics with careful monitoring. Animal showed complete recovery after 5 days of treatment.
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... Multiple fang marks on the carcass could potentially be the result of the animal's defensive and/or vigorous motions. The usual cobra bite contains 200-500 mg of venom [4], and bites are more common in the morning and evening than at night [5], as was the case in this case. Snake venom is made up of a complex mixture of proteins, enzymes, and extremely basic polypeptides [6]. ...
Snake Bite Case in Holstein Friesian Cattle at Private Dairy Farm in Hyderabad Sindh
Article
Full-text available
  • Oct 2021
A Seven-year-old female Holstein Friesian cows was confined at the Private dairy farm Hyderabad, Sindh was bitten by a snake. Respiratory trouble, restlessness, and rapid death were the only clinical indications noted in the victim. Multiple snake bite marks on the teats, mammary gland, and external genitalia were discovered after the death, along with extensive edoema. The animal's skin was tarnished and bluish in appearance. The animal's eye pupil was dilated. Subcutaneous hemorrhages, congested and edematous lungs, and a trachea loaded with foamy discharges were discovered during an internal inspection of the corpse. The right chamber of the heart was dilated, the intestines seemed hemorrhagic, the liver was pale and discolored, and the spleen was reduced. The animal died of a snake bite, according to history and necropsy findings.
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Plantas y Serpientes: Una revisión de las plantas utilizadas popularmente como tratamiento antiofídico
Article
Full-text available
  • Dec 2021
Snakebites are a serious public health problem. In recent years, several studies have been published that give pharmacological evidence on the benefits of certain species of plants against the effects of snakebites. This review shows an updated list of plants popularly used as antivenoms around the world.
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BOOK REVIEW [in French]. “The Dangerous Snakes of Africa”, by Stephen Spawls and Bill Branch. Bloomsbury Wildlife, Bloomsbury Publishing Plc, London, UK. Bulletin de la Société Herpétologique de France 178, 100-105.
Article
Full-text available
  • Oct 2021
Venomus snakes - dangerous snakes - Afrique - Africa - Serpents dangereux - Serpents venimeux - ELapidae - Viperidae - Naja haje - Naja nigricollis - Cobra cracheur - Field guide - Guide de terrain - Clé d'identification - Atractaspis - Causu - Bitis - Mamba - Atheris - Hydrophis platurus - Dendroaspis - Sérothérapie - Sérum antivenimeux - Gabon - Niger - Sénégal - Togo - Benin - Nigeria - Cameroun - Angola - Mozambique - Kenya - Tanzanie - Botswana - Tchad - Maghreb - Maroc - Algérie - Tunisie - Mauritanie - Guinée - Congo - Rwanda - Ouganda.
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A Guide to the Snakes of Papua New Guinea: The first comprehensive guide to the snake fauna of Papua New Guinea
Book
Full-text available
  • Jan 1996
A complete guide to the snakes of the island of New Guinea (with particular emphasis on the eastern half constituting the sovereign state of Papua New Guinea) and the islands to the east, e.g. Bismarck, Admiralty, d'Entrecasteaux, Louisiade and North Solomons Archipelagoes. Although out of print and also now out of date, this is still the definitive and much sought guide to the snake fauna of this region. It includes a section of snakebite first aid and hospital treatment by Drs David A Warrell and David G Lalloo. A 2nd edition is currently in preparation. A pdf of the 1st edition is available to researchers who contact the author personally.
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