Snake Anti-Venoms - Essay Example

Therefore, the toxicity of venom is dependent on the type of snake and the amount of venom injected. For this reason, an antivenom will be prescribed to an individual depending on the nature of the snakebite and the amount of venom injected into a person.

According to PBS (2013), anti-venom is produced by injecting a small amount of venom in an animal such as horse, sheep, rabbit, or goat. These animals are immune to venom, therefore, will produce specialized antibodies to counteract the effects of poisonous proteins in venom. When scientists collect these specialized antibodies from the animals, they help in the development of anti-venoms.

Thus, anti-venoms act by fighting the venomous proteins in venom, using the antibodies, which is their main ingredient. The anti-venom also prevents the venom from circulating to different parts of the body and through the bloodstream. This way, the anti-venom neutralizes the activity of venoms and prevents any further health complications or death of the affected person.