Characterizing and applying immunoglobulins in snakebite diagnostics: A simple and rapid venom detection assay for four medically important snake species in Southeast Asia
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
5-1-2023
Abstract
Snakebite envenoming is a medical emergency requiring urgent and specific treatment. Unfortunately, snakebite diagnostics are scarce, time-consuming and lacking specificity. Hence, this study aimed to develop a simple, quick and specific snakebite diagnostic assay using animal antibodies. Anti-venom horse immunoglobulin G (IgG) and chicken immunoglobulin Y (IgY) were produced against the venoms of four major medically important snake species in Southeast Asia, i.e., the Monocled Cobra (Naja kaouthia), Malayan Krait (Bungarus candidus), Malayan Pit Viper (Calloselasma rhodostoma), and White-lipped Green Pit Viper (Trimeresurus albolabris). Different capture:detection configurations of double-antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were constructed using both immunoglobulins, and the horse IgG:IgG-HRP configuration was found to be most selective and sensitive in detecting the corresponding venoms. The method was further streamlined to develop a rapid immunodetection assay, which is able to produce a visual color change within 30 min for discrimination between different snake species. The study shows it is feasible to develop a simple, quick and specific immunodiagnostic assay using horse IgG, which can be derived directly from antisera prepared for antivenom production. The proof-of-concept indicates it is a sustainable and affordable approach in keeping with on-going antivenom manufacturing activities for specific species in the region.
Keywords
Snakebite envenoming, Immunodiagnostics, Snakebite diagnostics, Naja kaouthia, Bungarus candidus, Calloselasma rhodostoma, Trimeresurus albolabris, Enzyme -linked immunosorbent assay
Divisions
fac_med
Funders
Universiti Malaya, Malaysia (GPF009C-2018),Universiti Malaya Specialist Centre C.A.RE research fund from Malaysia (PV040-2019)
Publication Title
International Journal of Biological Macromolecules
Volume
236
Publisher
Elsevier
Publisher Location
RADARWEG 29, 1043 NX AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS