Attenuation of Habu-Snake (Trimeresurus flavoviridis) Venom Treatment with Alcohol and Its Effect as Immunizing Antigen

Abstract

Exposure of Habu-snake venom solution to heat at 56°C for 30 minutes causes protein precipitation, which is almost non-toxic. The toxicity of centrifuged supernatant is slightly weakened.
When 70% alcohol is added to this supernatants, minute substances which are insoluble in water are precipitated, and the toxicity of the precipitate is remarkably attenuated.
By the addition of 0.1%-1% formalin (or Aluminum Potassium Sulfate) to the precipitate, the attenuation of the toxicity tends to increase, and the amount of its protein content is less than 1/2 of that in the non-heated solution. Immunizing effect of formalin-added, alcohol-treated antigen proves effective enough to act as a satisfactory immunogen against the toxicity of Habu-venom-hemorrhagic necrotic damagea t the site.
In order to produce antibody in man throng preventive injection against Habu bite, the formalin added, alcohol-treated antigen might be applicable without accompanying any serious by-effects.