Bungarus multicinctus multicinctus Snakebite in Taiwan

A cDNA sequence encoding a neurotoxin-homolog from Bungarus multicinctus.

The venoms of both Elapidae and Hydrophiidae are mixtures of proteins some of which are blockers of the rucotinic acetylcholine receptor (1). They are classified into shortneurotoxins (60 to 62 residues), long-neurotoxins (70 to 74 residues) and x-neurotoxins (66 residues) (2). Some peptides are classified as neurotoxin-homologs with unknown pharmacological activity (1). Here we present the fir...

Effectiveness of Alpha Chymotrypsin on the Treatment of Severe Paralysis due to Bungarus Multicinctus Snakebite

Cloning and functional expression of B chains of beta-bungarotoxins from Bungarus multicinctus (Taiwan banded krait).

The cDNA species encoding the B chains (B1 and B2) of beta-bungarotoxins (beta-Bgt) were constructed from the cellular RNA isolated from the venom glands of Bungarus multicinctus (Taiwan banded krait). The deduced amino acid sequences of the B chains were different from those determined previously by a protein sequencing technique. One additional Arg residue is inserted between Val-19 and Arg-2...

Production and Characterization of Neutralizing Antibodies against Bungarus multicinctus Snake Venom

The venom of the banded krait (Bungarus multicinctus), one of the major venomous species in Taiwan, contains neurotoxic venom proteins (B. multicinctus proteins) that pose a serious medical problem in tropical and subtropical countries. Even though horse-derived serum is an efficient therapy against snake venom, it is associated with a high cost and side effects. Therefore, developing a more co...

Clinical features of 60 consecutive ICU-treated patients envenomed by Bungarus multicinctus.

In northern Vietnam, Bungarus multicinctus is the only krait of medical importance. We report 60 consecutive patients admitted to an ICU in Hanoi during 2000-2003 because of envenoming by B. multicinctus. Their mean age was 33 years (range 12-67), 77% were male. The majority were agricultural workers, 69% of the snakebites occurred during the night. The mean length of time until the first sympt...