Extensive Variation in the Activities of Pseudocerastes and Eristicophis Viper Venoms Suggests Divergent Envenoming Strategies Are Used for Prey Capture

Snakes of the genera Pseudocerastes and Eristicophis (Viperidae: Viperinae) are known as desert vipers due to their association with arid environments Middle East. These species have received limited research attention little is about venom or ecology. In this study, a comprehensive analysis viper venoms was conducted by visualising proteomes via gel electrophoresis assessing crude for cytotoxic, haemotoxic, neurotoxic properties. Plasmas sourced from human, toad, chicken were used models assess possible prey-linked activity. The demonstrated substantial divergence in composition bioactivity across all experiments. urarachnoides activated human coagulation factors X prothrombin potent procoagulant activity plasmas, stark contrast P. fieldi. E. macmahonii also induced coagulation, though did not appear be activation factor prothrombin. coagulant properties fieldi persicus varied among demonstrating strong anticoagulant amphibian plasmas but no significant effect that bird. This conjectured reflect prey-specific toxin activity, further ecological studies required confirm any dietary associations. study reinforces notion phylogenetic relatedness snakes cannot readily predict protein function. variation between these raises serious concerns regarding antivenom paraspecificity. Future assessment crucial.