Cross-neutralization of thrombin-like enzymes in snake venoms by polyvalent antivenoms.

Five polyvalent antivenoms (Crotalidae; Orient, North, Central and South Africa) were tested for their ability to neutralize the thrombin-like activity of snake venoms (Bitis gabonica, Agkistrodon acutus, Bothrops asper, B. atrox, Crotalus adamanteus). Considerable cross-neutralization was observed. Anti-coagulase antibodies were isolated from an antivenom by affinity chromatography using a purified enzyme from Bitis gabonica venom. These antibodies neutralized the activity of most snake venom coagulant enzymes.