A snake, two venoms – and the two are deadly

The researchers discovered a split hidden in the venom of the Mortal Eastern Brown Serpent of Australia.

South populations create solid blood clots, while northern snakes produce fragile clots which collapse almost instantly – two very different paths towards the same deadly result. This discovery raises urgent concerns as to whether the current anti -natives, made from groups grouped of clear origin, can fully protect patients between regions.

Antifhery Efficiency called into question

A new study by the University of Queensland suggests that the anti -ending used to treat the oriental brown snake bites may not always provide complete protection, leading researchers to examine hospital files.

The project was led by Professor Bryan Fry of the UQ Environment School, who, with his team, analyzed the blood coagulation toxins found in the venom of each Australian brown snake species.

Coagulation models: Rock-Solid vs fragile

“We have discovered that all brown snake venoms are not the same – which means that the vitreous anti -nom may need an urgent upgrade,” said Professor Fry.

“Some venoms have formed a solid blood clot, while others have turned a quick but fragile network of clots that were ripped almost instantly.

“The two venoms can kill, but they do it in completely different ways.”

Southern vs Northern Orient Browns

To investigate more, researchers used a technique called thromboelastography, which measures blood coagulation. Their results have revealed that oriental brown snakes (Pseudonaje textilis) From southern Australia, produces a Taipan type venom which creates a firm and durable clot.

On the other hand, the venom of brown snakes in the northern east and all other species of brown snakes has generated weak and easily destroyed clots, although they form at a remarkable speed.

“Our data shows the effect on the blood of an oriental brown snake bite in the northern areas and a bite in southern Australia are chalk and cheese,” said Professor Fry.

Rethink the hospital files

“Currently, the Australian Australian antiformomon is produced using an unsuccessful geographical venom pool.

“If he does not have the northern and southern brown snake venom from the south and southern East, the coverage could be uneven and the efficiency of the Antifnu could vary considerably.

“Clinical reports have all cases of bite of brown snakes together independently of the species or the location, therefore any difference for the southern population compared to all other brown snakes could be obscured.

Precision toxicology on the horizon

“Our next step is to go back through hundreds of hospital graphics to check if there is a difference, which we can do because the southern lineage of the strong sole is not other brown serpent.

“We can re-cod each bite reported by geography and tease coagulation models between strong and weak brown snakes.

“We will also urgently test the human and veterinarian antiforms available to see if the differences in venom biochemistry are reflected by variations in the efficiency of the antivenue.

“While the existing anti -noms have saved lives, with new information, we can go to the toxicology of precision, by corresponding to the right to the right serpent and, finally, to the good patient.”

Genetic indices on the evolution of venom

The team of Professor Fry also sends the venom genes to identify the changes responsible for differences in brown snakes in the north and southern East.

“We have shown the geographical difference in overlays of the effects of venom with a genetic fracture in the oriental brown snake,” he said.

“Our research shows how food directs the evolution of venom, because the populations of the South consume more reptiles than the populations of the North, who eat more mammals.

“By enjoying both the evolving fine setting and the clinical results of these venoms, we can better adapt our medical responses.”

The research document was published in Toxins.

Reference: “X Brand Le Caillot: evolutionary and clinical implications of divergences in Australian Procoagulant Elapid Snake Venoms” by Holly Morecroft, Christina N. Zdenek, Abhinandan Chowdhury, Nathan Dunstan, Chris Hay and Bryan G. Fry, August 17, 2025, Toxins.
DOI: 10.3390 / Toxins17080417

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