Citation

Chippaux JP, Theakston RDG. Ann. Trop. Med. Parasitol. 1987; 81(3): 301-304.

Affiliation

Centre ORSTOM de Cayenne, French Guiana.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1987, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Publisher Maney Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

3662671

Abstract

The incidence of snake bite and the presence of venom antibody in previous snake bite victims was investigated in French Guiana. The incidence proved to be highest (600/100,000) in inhabitants of bush regions and lowest (45/100,000) in urban areas. Of 43 sera tested for specific venom antibody 22 (51%) were positive, and most of these individuals suffered severe or moderate poisoning. The main species involved, as assessed by detection of venom antibody by ELISA, were Lachesis muta, Bothrops brazili, B. bilineatus and B. atrox. The significance of these findings is discussed.

Language: en