There are much more types of snake. Some snakes are venomous while other are non-venomous. Some snakes live in water while others live on earth. Different types of snake keeps different types of venom and affect our bodies in different ways. Some snakes have mixed venom and affect our body in different ways. So lets discuss the types of snake venom and their effect on our body.
Table of contents:-
1.Types of snake venom with examples.
1. Types of snake poison with examples.
Snake venom can be categorized into three primary types based on its effects: neurotoxic, hemotoxic, and cytotoxic. Some snakes have venom that combines these effects.1. Neurotoxic Venom:
- Effect: Affects the nervous system, causing paralysis and potentially stopping breathing.
- Examples of Snakes:
- Cobras (Naja species): Known for their potent neurotoxic venom.
- Kraits (Bungarus species): Their venom can lead to muscle paralysis.
- Sea Snakes (Hydrophiinae subfamily): Their venom is extremely neurotoxic and can cause rapid paralysis.
2. Hemotoxic Venom:
- Effect: Damages blood cells and tissues, disrupts blood clotting, and causes internal bleeding.
- Examples of Snakes:
- Pit Vipers (Crotalinae subfamily): Includes rattlesnakes, copperheads, and cottonmouths, which cause significant tissue damage and bleeding.
- Vipers (Viperidae family): Includes species like the Russell's viper, which can cause severe bleeding and tissue destruction.
3. Cytotoxic Venom:
- Effect: Causes cell death and tissue damage, leading to necrosis.
- Examples of Snakes:
- Puff Adders (Bitis arietans): Their venom can cause severe local tissue damage and necrosis.
- Spitting Cobras (Naja species): Their venom has cytotoxic properties that cause tissue damage when spat into the eyes or onto skin.
Some snakes have venom with mixed effects:
- Black Mamba (Dendroaspis polylepis): Combines neurotoxic and cardiotoxic effects.
- Bothrops species (e.g., Fer-de-Lance): Have venom that is both hemotoxic and cytotoxic, causing significant tissue damage and bleeding.
2. What is the chemical composition of each venom?
The chemical composition of snake venom is complex and varies between species. It generally consists of a mixture of proteins, peptides, enzymes, and other molecules that contribute to its toxic effects. Here is an overview of the primary components in each type of venom:1. Neurotoxic Venom:
- Primary Components:
- Neurotoxins: Block or disrupt nerve signal transmission. Examples include α-bungarotoxin and cobrotoxin.
- Phospholipases A2 (PLA2): Disrupt cell membranes, leading to cell death and contributing to neurotoxic effects.
- Acetylcholinesterase: Breaks down acetylcholine, preventing nerve signal transmission.
- Example Snakes:
- Cobras (Naja species)
- Kraits (Bungarus species)
- Sea Snakes (Hydrophiinae subfamily)
2. Hemotoxic Venom:
- Primary Components:
- Metalloproteinases: Break down extracellular matrix proteins, leading to tissue destruction and bleeding.
- Serine Proteinases: Affect blood clotting by breaking down fibrinogen and other clotting factors.
- C-type Lectins: Interfere with blood coagulation.
- Disintegrins: Inhibit platelet aggregation, preventing blood clot formation.
- Example Snakes:
- Pit Vipers (Crotalinae subfamily)
- Vipers (Viperidae family)
3. Cytotoxic Venom:
- Primary Components:
- Phospholipases A2 (PLA2):Cause cell membrane disruption, leading to cell lysis and necrosis.
- L-amino acid oxidases (LAAO): Induce apoptosis (programmed cell death).
- Myotoxins: Damage muscle tissue.
- Cardiotoxins: Affect heart muscle cells.
- Example Snakes:
- Puff Adders (Bitis arietans)
- Spitting Cobras (Naja species)
4. Mixed Venom:
- Example Components:
- Black Mamba (Dendroaspis polylepis): Contains dendrotoxins (neurotoxins) and cardiotoxins.
- Bothrops species (e.g., Fer-de-Lance): Venom contains metalloproteinases (hemotoxic) and myotoxins (cytotoxic).
These components work synergistically to produce the toxic effects of snake venom, and the exact composition can vary even within species based on factors like geography and diet.
3. How does neurotoxic affect the body?
Neurotoxic venom primarily affects the nervous system by disrupting the transmission of nerve impulses. Here's a detailed look at how neurotoxic venom affects the body:1. Blockage of Neuromuscular Transmission:
- Mechanism: Neurotoxins, such as α-bungarotoxin and cobrotoxin, bind to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction. This prevents acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter, from binding to its receptors, blocking nerve signal transmission to muscles.
- Effect: This blockage leads to paralysis of voluntary muscles, starting with smaller muscles (e.g., facial muscles) and progressing to larger muscles, including those involved in respiration.
2. Interference with Nerve Signal Propagation:
- Mechanism: Some neurotoxins, like dendrotoxins found in mamba venom, block potassium channels in nerve cells. This prevents the proper repolarization of the nerve cell membrane, disrupting nerve signal propagation.
- Effect: This can result in continuous nerve firing or complete blockage of nerve signals, leading to muscle spasms or paralysis.
3. Inhibition of Neurotransmitter Release:
- Mechanism: Certain neurotoxins inhibit the release of neurotransmitters from nerve endings. For example, β-bungarotoxin targets presynaptic terminals, inhibiting acetylcholine release.
- Effect: This prevents nerve signals from being transmitted to muscles, causing paralysis and potentially stopping essential functions like breathing.
4. Central Nervous System Effects:
- Mechanism: Some neurotoxins can cross the blood-brain barrier and affect the central nervous system (CNS). These toxins can alter the function of neurons within the brain and spinal cord.
- Effect: CNS involvement can lead to confusion, convulsions, and loss of consciousness. Severe cases can result in respiratory failure if the brain centers controlling breathing are affected.
Symptoms of Neurotoxic Envenomation:
- Early Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headache, drooping eyelids (ptosis), blurred vision, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), and slurred speech.
- Progressive Symptoms: Weakness in the limbs, loss of muscle coordination, muscle paralysis, and difficulty breathing.
- Severe Cases: Respiratory failure due to paralysis of the diaphragm and intercostal muscles, leading to asphyxiation if not treated promptly.
Treatment:
- Antivenom: The primary treatment for neurotoxic envenomation is the administration of specific antivenom, which neutralizes the toxins.
- Supportive Care: Mechanical ventilation may be required to support breathing in cases of severe respiratory paralysis. Symptomatic treatment for other effects may also be necessary.
Prompt medical intervention is crucial in cases of neurotoxic snakebite to prevent severe complications and death.
4. How does hemotoxic affect the body?
Hemotoxic venom primarily affects the blood and vascular system, leading to a range of symptoms and potentially life-threatening conditions. Here’s how hemotoxic venom affects the body:1. Disruption of Blood Clotting:
- Mechanism: Hemotoxins such as serine proteinases and metalloproteinases interfere with the blood clotting process. They can either prevent clotting by breaking down fibrinogen and other clotting factors or cause excessive clotting followed by consumption of clotting factors (disseminated intravascular coagulation).
- Effect: This disruption leads to uncontrolled bleeding (hemorrhage) both externally and internally, as the blood loses its ability to clot properly.
2. Damage to Blood Vessels:
- Mechanism: Hemotoxins degrade the extracellular matrix and basement membranes of blood vessels. Enzymes like metalloproteinases break down proteins such as collagen and laminin, weakening vessel walls.
- Effect: This can result in leakage of blood from vessels (hemorrhage), causing bruising, swelling, and potentially severe internal bleeding.
3. Destruction of Blood Cells:
- Mechanism: Hemotoxins can directly damage or destroy red blood cells (hemolysis) and white blood cells. Phospholipases and other cytolytic toxins disrupt cell membranes.
- Effect: Hemolysis leads to a decrease in the number of red blood cells, causing anemia and reducing the blood’s oxygen-carrying capacity. Destruction of white blood cells can weaken the immune response.
4. Tissue Damage and Inflammation:
- Mechanism: The enzymatic activity of hemotoxins causes local tissue damage and triggers inflammation. Enzymes like hyaluronidase increase the spread of venom by breaking down tissue barriers.
- Effect: This results in pain, swelling, and tissue necrosis at the bite site, which can spread and cause extensive tissue damage.
Symptoms of Hemotoxic Envenomation:
- Local Symptoms: Immediate pain at the bite site, significant swelling, bruising, blistering, and necrosis (tissue death).
- Systemic Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, headache, abdominal pain, and dizziness.
- Severe Symptoms: Severe internal bleeding, hypotension (low blood pressure), shock, and organ failure due to hemorrhage and loss of blood volume.
Treatment:
- Antivenom:The administration of specific antivenom is the primary treatment to neutralize the hemotoxins and prevent further damage.
- Supportive Care: Blood transfusions may be necessary to replace lost blood and clotting factors. Fluid replacement and medications to stabilize blood pressure are also important.
- Wound Care: Local wound management, including surgical intervention if necessary, to address tissue necrosis and prevent infection.
Prompt medical treatment is crucial for hemotoxic envenomation to mitigate severe complications and improve the chances of recovery.
5. How does cytotoxic affect the body?
Cytotoxic venom primarily affects the body's cells, causing local tissue damage and cell death. Here’s how cytotoxic venom affects the body:1. Direct Cell Membrane Damage:
- Mechanism: Cytotoxins, such as phospholipases A2 (PLA2) and myotoxins, disrupt cell membranes by breaking down phospholipids, which are essential components of cell membranes.
- Effect: This leads to cell lysis (rupture) and death, causing local tissue destruction and necrosis (tissue death).
2. Enzymatic Breakdown of Tissues:
- Mechanism: Enzymes like hyaluronidase increase the spread of venom by breaking down hyaluronic acid in connective tissues. Other enzymes, such as proteases, degrade proteins in tissues.
- Effect: This enzymatic activity causes extensive local tissue damage, swelling, and the spread of venom through tissues.
3. Inflammatory Response:
- Mechanism: The damage to cells and tissues triggers an inflammatory response. Immune cells release cytokines and other inflammatory mediators to combat the damage.
- Effect: This results in increased blood flow, redness, swelling, pain, and heat at the bite site. The inflammatory response can exacerbate tissue damage and contribute to further necrosis.
4. Induction of Apoptosis:
- Mechanism: Certain components of cytotoxic venom can induce apoptosis, a process of programmed cell death. L-amino acid oxidases (LAAO) are one such example.
- Effect: Apoptosis contributes to tissue damage and cell death, compounding the local effects of the venom.
Symptoms of Cytotoxic Envenomation:
- Local Symptoms:
- Immediate and intense pain at the bite site.
- Significant swelling and redness.
- Blistering and the formation of necrotic (dead) tissue, which can lead to ulceration.
- Possible secondary infections due to tissue damage and exposure to bacteria.
- Systemic Symptoms (in severe cases):
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Fever and chills.
- Muscle weakness or pain away from the bite site if myotoxins are involved.
Treatment:
- Antivenom: Administration of specific antivenom to neutralize the cytotoxins and prevent further damage.
- Wound Care: Proper cleaning and debridement (removal of dead tissue) of the bite site to prevent infection and promote healing. This may include surgical intervention in severe cases.
- Pain Management: Medications to manage pain and inflammation.
- Supportive Care: Monitoring and treating systemic effects if present, including fluid replacement and managing secondary infections with antibiotics.
Prompt medical attention is crucial for cytotoxic envenomation to prevent severe tissue damage, complications, and potential loss of limb or life.
6. Hierarchical order of level of danger of the snake venom
Determining the hierarchical order of danger of snake venom involves considering several factors, including the venom's potency (toxicity), the amount of venom delivered (yield), and the likelihood of encountering the snake. The following is a general hierarchy of snake venoms from most to least dangerous, considering these factors:1. Neurotoxic Venom:
- Examples: Inland Taipan (Oxyuranus microlepidotus), King Cobra (Ophiophagus hannah), Black Mamba (Dendroaspis polylepis), Coastal Taipan (Oxyuranus scutellatus), Sea Snakes (Hydrophiinae subfamily)
- Danger Level: Extremely high. Neurotoxic venom acts quickly, causing paralysis and potentially fatal respiratory failure if not treated promptly.
2. Mixed Venom (Neurotoxic + Hemotoxic or Cytotoxic):
- Examples: Black Mamba (Dendroaspis polylepis), Bothrops species (e.g., Fer-de-Lance), Russell’s Viper (Daboia russelii)
- Danger Level: Very high. Mixed venom can cause a combination of systemic effects, including paralysis, severe bleeding, and tissue damage, making it highly dangerous.
3. Hemotoxic Venom:
- Examples: Saw-Scaled Viper (Echis carinatus), Rattlesnakes (Crotalus species), Pit Vipers (Crotalinae subfamily), Gaboon Viper (Bitis gabonica)
- Danger Level: High. Hemotoxic venom leads to severe bleeding, tissue destruction, and can cause death through hemorrhage and organ failure.
4. Cytotoxic Venom:
- Examples: Puff Adder (Bitis arietans), Spitting Cobras (Naja species), Mozambique Spitting Cobra (Naja mossambica)
- Danger Level: Moderate to high. Cytotoxic venom causes extensive local tissue damage and necrosis, which can lead to limb loss and significant morbidity if not treated properly.
5. Other Less Potent Venoms:
- Examples: Some Colubrids (e.g., Boomslang (Dispholidus typus)), Rear-fanged snakes (e.g., Hognose snakes)
- Danger Level: Lower. While still potentially dangerous, these snakes typically have less potent venom or lower venom yields, and envenomation incidents are less frequent or severe.
Key Points to Consider:
- Venom Potency: The toxicity of the venom (measured by LD50, the dose that kills 50% of test animals) plays a significant role in determining danger.
- Venom Yield: The amount of venom a snake can inject in a single bite affects the severity of envenomation.
- Snake Behavior and Human Interaction: The likelihood of encountering the snake and its behavior (aggressive vs. shy) impact the risk to humans.
- Geographic Distribution: Snakes that live in populated areas pose a higher risk to humans compared to those in remote regions.
The most dangerous snakes often combine high venom potency with significant venom yield and a greater likelihood of human encounters. Immediate medical treatment with appropriate antivenom is crucial for survival and recovery from bites by these highly dangerous snakes.
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