Immunodiagnosis of snake venom poisoning.

Uncertainty as to the species diagnosis remains a serious problem in the management of snake venom poisoning. This is particularly so in areas inhabited by numerous species, the venoms of which elicit similar pharmacological effects and clinical symptoms and against which para-specific cross-neutralizing antivenom is not available. Attempts have been made to eliminate some of this ambiguity through the development of various immunodiagnostic tests. Tests based on ELISA are sensitive, specific and even quantitative and adaptable to field application. In the development of diagnostic tests for use in developing countries, however, practical consideration must be given to speed, cost, simplicity in terms of equipment and expertise, and stability to the climate and storage conditions. This may dictate further modification or selection of more suitable alternative methodologies. Furthermore, the test may have to allow more flexibility in accommodating local species distributions and to address probable complications of heterophile antibodies in test samples from rural people.