Macrovipera lebetina obtusa ((M. l. obtusa) It is the most medically important viper species in Armenia and the region, responsible for the majority of snakebite cases. This study investigated the hematological, coagulation and histopathological effects of Ml obtuse poisoning in rats and mice, and evaluated the therapeutic efficacy of an experimental antidote of ovine origin. Hematological analysis revealed significant increases in red blood cell count (RBC) and hemoglobin concentration (HGB) after poisoning, suggesting hemoconcentration likely due to vascular leak. Coagulation studies demonstrated a marked prolongation of prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), indicating venom-induced coagulopathy. In particular, PT was more severely affected and its elevation persisted even after antidote administration, suggesting incomplete neutralization of venom activity. Histopathological examination of the spleen and skin tissues showed progressive structural alteration, including hemorrhage, edema, and lymphoid follicle hyperplasia, which remained evident up to seven days after poisoning. Although the experimental antidote provided partial systemic protection and improved some hematological parameters, it could not completely reverse the venom-induced tissue and coagulation abnormalities. These findings highlight the complex pathophysiology of Ml obtuse venom and underline the need for complementary therapies targeting vascular integrity and immune regulation in the treatment of viper envenoming.
Avagyan G, Dabaghyan V, Khachatryan H, Aslanyan A, Kishmiryan A, Karapetyan A, et al. (2025) Hematological and coagulation alterations and splenic response after Macrovipera lebetina obtusa poisoning: Evaluation of experimental antidote of ovine origin. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 19(11): e0013724. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0013724
#Evaluation #experimental #antivenom #ovine #origin
