Vaccination Against Snake Bite Poisoning

Abstract

Clarification of the principles of immunity and serum therapy were established by studies on the antitoxin against tetanal and diphtherial toxins carried out by Behring and Kitasato in 1890. In 1894, Calmette incorporated the technique of serum therapy into the field of snake bites, producing antivenin against the venom of Indian cobra. Antivenin proved to be an effective tool for the medical treatment of cobra bites which stimulated many scientists throughout the world and accelerated the production of antivenins against many snake venoms. Thus, the important research at that time was aimed at producing antivenins of high potency.