RESEARCH AND TRIAL PRODUCTION OF SNAKE ANTIVENOMS CALLOSELASMA RHODOSTOMA

Abstract

Calloselasma rhodostoma is extremely venomous snake species commonly found in Vietnam, with high mortality rates. Nowadays, the use of antivenom serum derived from animals is the unique therapy that is proven significantly for snakebite treatment. Serum obtained from horses immunized with Calloselasma rhodostoma venom had an average crude potency of 32,6 LD50/ml. Purification process using the enhanced Pope method, with the utilization of pepsin for serum hydrolysis to be obtained F(ab^’)₂ antibody and fractionation by ammonium sulfate precipitation combined with octanoic acid good results. The average potency of refined Calloselasma rhodostoma snake antivenom serum reached 125,78 LD50/ml, with purification efficiency of 43%. Three lots of finished Calloselasma rhodostoma snake antivenom serum (IVACAV-Cal) met all manufacturer's standards.