Mechanism of Toxicity
SNAKE VENOM
Hyaluronidase and Phospholipase A
is found in most snake venom which
potentiates action of the other toxic
agents by increasing their ability to
enter cells. Source of Toxin
Venomous snakes are well known as
1.Phospholipase A, This molecule rich sources of toxins. The two largest
displays cytotoxic, anticoagulant venomous families are Elapidae, e.g.,
cobras and coral snakes, and
(prevents activation of clotting Viperidae, e.g., vipers and pit vipers.
factors), and neurotoxic activities. To deliver venom, snakes have hollow
fangs that act like hypodermic needles.
2-Collagenase is also found in snake When a snake bites, muscles in its head
squeeze the venom glands in the
venom, leading to the digestion of
alveoli and push the liquid through its
collagen and breaking down of fangs. This pushes the liquid through
connective tissue. its fangs and into the flesh.
3-α-neurotoxins are peptide toxins
that are abundantly present in the Routes of exposure
venom of elapid snakes and that People at risk
competitively inhibit the nicotinic Agricultural workers
acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) to children who play outside in rural
abolish normal neurotransmission areas
camp, hike, picnic,
thus leading to paralysis and
-The venome enters body through
subsequent respiratory failure
fangs into intramuscular and
intravenous when the venom enters
the body it can destroy capillary MARIA MAGED
vessels, causing internal bleeding, HABIBA AHMED SAID
-can cause clots around the circulatory MAI MOHAMED
system, that may cause heart attack.
SALMA HASSAN
Symptoms of toxicity : COUNSELING TIPS TO AVOID
FIRST AID
1. Help the person to lie down in a
SNAKE BITE
comfortable position. Advise
them to move as little as SNAKES TEND TO BE ACTIVE AT
possible. NIGHT AND IN WARM WEATHER.
2. CALL 123 THEY ALSO TEND TO HIDE IN
3. 3. Remove jewellery, watches PLACES WHERE THEY ARE NOT
or tight clothing to prevent READILY VISIBLE, SO STAY AWAY
blood flow being restricted if FROM TALL GRASS, PILES
there is swelling. Do this while OF LEAVES, ROCKS, AND BRUSH,
moving the limb as little as HIDING. WHEN MOVING THROUGH
possible. TALL GRASS OR WEEDS, POKE AT
4. Monitor the person’s level of THE GROUND IN FRONT OF YOU
response and breathing. Encourage WITH A LONG STICK
Two puncture wounds. them to remain as still as possible. TO SCARE AWAY SNAKES. WATCH
Local adaptations WHERE YOU STEP AND WHERE YOU
Swelling and redness around the
If in an area with limited resources SIT WHEN OUTDOORS. SHINE A
wounds. FLASHLIGHT ON
(e.g., a wilderness or remote
Pain at the bite site. YOUR PATH WHEN WALKING
environment with longer wait times
Difficulty in breathing. to EMS) OUTSIDE AT NIGHT.
Vomiting and nausea. 1. immobilise the limb with a non- WEAR PROTECTIVE CLOTHING:
elastic bandage to reduce the WEAR LOOSE, LONG PANTS AND
Blurred vision.
spread of the venom. If a HIGH, THICK LEATHER OR RUBBER
Sweating and salivating. BOOTS WHEN
nonelastic bandage is not
Numbness in the face and limbs. available, use clothing such as SPENDING TIME IN PLACES WHERE
trousers or a shirt. •) SNAKES MAY BE HIDING. WEAR
CAUTION 2. wash the wound with potable LEATHER GLOVES WHEN HANDLING
(clean) water and apply a non- BRUSH AND DEBRIS.
THE FOLLOWING ACTIONS ARE NEVER TOUCH OR HANDLE A
NOT EFFECTIVE AND MAY EVEN elastic bandage to reduce the
risk of infection. See Cuts and SNAKE: NEVER HANDLE A SNAKE,
CAUSE FURTHER HARM:
grazes. EVEN IF YOU THINK IT IS DEAD OR
• APPLYING A TOURNIQUET
3. If necessary, carry the person, NONVENOMOUS.
• SUCKING OUT THE VENOM
for example by making a RECENTLY KILLED SNAKES MAY
• APPLYING A COLD COMPRESS
stretcher or by two people STILL BITE BY REFLEX.
• RUBBING THE BITE
• CUTTING THE WOUND WITH A linking their arms to make a
KNIFE TO INCREASE BLEEDING. chair for the person.
