Neutralization of the lethal activity from Bothrops atrox venom by hyperimune llama serum (Lama glama)

oleh: Henri Bailon Calderon, Elizabeth Gaby Colque Alave, Verónica Olga Yaniro Coronel, Carlos Padilla Rojas, Marco Galarza Pérez, Omar Alberto Cáceres Rey, César Bonilla Ferreyra, Benigno Tintaya Felix, David García Neyra, Rosalina Rosio Inga Arellano, Silvia Seraylan Ormachea, Harrison Montejo Arevalo

Format: Article
Diterbitkan: Instituto Nacional de Salud 2020-09-01

Deskripsi

Objectives: To evaluate the capacity of the hyperimmune llama serum (Lama glama) to neutralize the lethal activity of Bothrops atrox venom in laboratory mice. Materials and methods: Mean lethal dose (LD50) was calculated from a Bothrops atrox venom sample pool from Peru. The antibody titers were measured by ELISA assay; and the immune serum neutralization potency was measured by calculating the mean effective dose (ED50) during the immunization period. Results: The venom’s LD50 was 3.96 μg/g; similar to what was found in other studies about Bothrops atrox carried out in Peru. The titers of antibodies against the venom increased rapidly in the llama, demonstrating a fast immune response; however, the neutralization capacity increased slowly and required several doses and immunization reinforcements, obtaining a ED50 of 3.30 μL/g mouse and a neutralization potency of 3.6 mg/mL after 15 immunizations. Conclusions: The hyperimmune llama serum is able to neutralize the lethality of the Bothrops atrox venom from Peru in laboratory mice.