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Snakebite envenoming is a serious problem in Myanmar. The great majority of snakebite in this country is due to Russell's Viper ( Daboia siamensis ). For many years, the Burma Pharmaceutical Industry has produced a monovalent antivenom to Russell's Viper in horses. At present, the only way of determining the level of antibody against D. siamensis venom in hyperimmune horse serum is to perform venom neutralisation tests in mice. In this study, we describe the development of an in vitro ELISA assay to estimate neutralising capacity of horse serum. We found a strong correlation between the ELISA assay and the venom neutralisation test in mice (r = 0.982). The assay is robust and has sufficient sensitivity (92%) and specificity (96%) to replace the venom neutralisation test in mice during the immunisation phase in horses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Daboia siamensis monovalent antivenom (DSMAV, Thailand) exhibited comparable immunoreactivity toward the venoms of eastern Russell's vipers from Thailand and Indonesia. It also effectively neutralized the procoagulant and lethal effects of both venoms, showing high potency. The Indonesian heterologous trivalent antivenom SABU (Serum Anti Bisa Ular), however, has very weak immunoreactivity and it failed to neutralize the Russell's viper venoms. DSMAV appears to be the appropriate choice of antivenom to treat Russell's viper envenoming. Image 1 • Daboia siamensis monovalent antivenom (DSMAV, Thailand) was examined. • DSMAV is immunoreactive toward Russell's viper venom from Indonesia. • It effectively neutralized the procoagulant and lethal effects of the venom. • The Indonesian heterologous trivalent antivenom SABU is not effective. • DSMAV may be the appropriate treatment in the Indonesian scenario. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]