Snake antivenoms from hyperimmunized horses: comparison of the antivenom activity and biological properties of their whole IgG and F(ab')2 fragments.

IgG and F(ab')2 fragments were prepared from horse plasma rich in specific antibodies against Brazilian Bothrops or Crotalus venoms. Both preparations, free of gross contamination with non-immunoglobulin proteins, were able to combine in vitro with their respective antigens, forming immune complexes at antigen excess, equivalence or antibody excess, and activating the C system, through either the classical or the alternative pathways. The IgG preparation was more effective in neutralizing the lethal factors in Bothrops or Crotalus venoms, compared with the F(ab')2 fragments. In contrast, IgG and F(ab')2 anti-Bothrops venom were almost equipotent in neutralizing the haemorrhagic and defibrinating activities in the venom. The method used to purify IgG, precipitation of most non-immunoglobulin plasma proteins with caprylic acid, produced antivenoms richer in specific antibodies, with higher specific activity, recovery and yield, compared with the method commonly used to prepare antivenoms containing F(ab')2.