Preliminary evaluation of a monovalent antivenom targeting Cerastes cerastes envenomation in North Africa: feasibility and specificity assessment

Abstract

In 2017, the World Health Organization (WHO) recognized snakebite envenomation as a neglected disease yet the therapeutic effectiveness efficacy of available antivenoms remains insufficiently explored. This study offers a detailed analysis of <i>Cerastes cerastes</i> venom, focusing its toxicological properties and the development of specific targeted neutralizing antibodies. Through rigorous quality control and comprehensive efficacy testing, the antivenom demonstrated significant neutralizing activity against critical venom components, including hemorrhagic, edema-forming, and myotoxic effects while also mitigating tissue damage. Histological investigations further corroborated the antivenom's protective capacity. These findings not only underscore the potential of the developed antivenom for clinical use but also provide essential insights for advancing antivenom production, refining its specificity, and enhancing its therapeutic efficacy in managing snake envenomations.