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A new study by IISc, published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases (April 10, 2025), has revealed that local climate conditions can predict the venom characteristics of Russell’s viper, one of India’s deadliest snakes.
Russell's viper is a highly venomous snake in the family Viperidae native to South Asia. It was described in 1797 by George Shaw and Frederick Polydore Nodder.
It is named after Patrick Russell.
Known for its extremely painful bite, it is considered one of the most dangerous big four snakes in India
Key Highlights:
Species: Russell’s Viper (Daboia russelii)
Significance: Causes over 40% of snakebite deaths in India annually
Samples Analyzed:
Venom from 115 snakes across 34 locations in India
Objective: To determine how climate influences venom composition, especially toxic enzyme activity
Major Findings:
Climate Factors Influence Venom:
Temperature and rainfall affect venom composition
Protease activity (an enzyme breaking down proteins) had the strongest correlation with climate
Snakes in drier regions showed higher protease activity
Amino acid oxidase activity was unaffected by climate
Venom Map Developed:
A regional venom type map was created based on climate data
Can predict clinical symptoms of bites based on geography
Implications:
Medical Relevance:
Enables targeted therapies based on venom profile of a region
Helps improve treatment outcomes of snakebite victims
Policy Support:
Vital for planning region-specific antivenom under National Snakebite Management Programme
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