The history of antivenoms development: Beyond Calmette and Vital Brazil. (August 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Squaiella-Baptistão, Carla Cristina; Sant'Anna, Osvaldo Augusto; Marcelino, José Roberto; Tambourgi, Denise V.
• Is Part Of: Toxicon. Volume 150(2018)
• Page Start: 86
• Page End: 95
• Publication Date: 2018-08
• Subjects: Antivenoms -- Serum therapy -- History; Toxins -- Periodicals; Venom -- Periodicals; 615.9
• DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2018.05.008
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0041-0101

Abstract

Abstract: This review presents the main contributions to our knowledge regarding the development of antivenoms for therapeutic use in victims of venomous animal bites. We cover the progress of serum therapy since tetanus and diphtheria antitoxins in Germany and France until the current scenario of antivenom production worldwide. During these more than 120 years of antivenom development, many researchers contributed to establish what are nowadays the antivenoms used for therapeutic purpose. The history of antivenoms development is fascinating! This review aims to recognize all those who contributed to the establishment of new sera, new methodologies and saving lives: much more than Calmette and Vital Brazil. Highlights: This review covers the progress of serum therapy since antitoxins development until the current antivenom production Calmette and Vital Brazil are considered the fathers of antivenom therapy, but many other scientists contributed to the area. Even having been described 120 years ago, antivenoms are still the only specific therapy for accidents with venomous animals. Since their discovery, antivenoms underwent quality improvements to reach the products that are currently used. The history of antivenoms gives us examples to overcome the supply crisis that is being faced by several countries nowadays.