Climate Influences the Venom of the World's Deadliest Snake

Each year, between 81,000 and 138,000 individuals succumb to snake bites globally, with a significantly larger number suffering lifelong disabilities, often due to amputations resulting from these incidents.

In India, the Russell's viper is responsible for approximately 40 percent of these fatalities, marking it as a critical species in terms of public health. Historically, this snake has been infamous for its potent venom, which is said to have posed challenges for Alexander the Great during his campaign in India, as defenders allegedly coated their arrows with the serpent's toxin. Intriguingly, the toxicity of the Russell's viper's venom varies significantly across different regions of India, with symptoms and lethality differing markedly depending on the locality.

The toxic effects of snake venom are primarily determined by the types and concentrations of enzymes present. However, the reasons behind the considerable variability in the venom of the Russell's viper remain unclear. Recent research suggests that local climate conditions may play a significant role in this phenomenon. To explore this further, scientists conducted an analysis of venom samples from 115 snakes collected from 34 distinct locations throughout India. They then correlated this data with historical climate and weather records from each site to identify potential connections.

The findings, published in the journal Plos, reveal that the group of enzymes most affected by climatic factors are the proteases, which are responsible for breaking down proteins in tissues. For instance, snakes residing in arid regions exhibited higher protease activity in their venom compared to those in more humid areas. Utilizing this data, researchers developed a comprehensive map outlining the clinical symptoms associated with Russell's viper bites across various parts of India.

Given that the Russell's viper is the most clinically significant snake worldwide, causing more deaths and injuries than any other species, understanding the composition and activity of its venom is of utmost importance. Identifying the factors that influence its potency is crucial for improving medical responses and developing effective antivenoms.

For further information, related topics include:

• Innovative snake barriers in Smygehuk designed to prevent viper encounters.
• The alarming frequency of snakebite fatalities, occurring every six minutes, exacerbated by a shortage of antivenom.