Citation

Silva A. J. Venom Anim. Toxins Incl. Trop. Dis. 2013; 19(1): 26.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, Universidade Estadual Paulista. Centro de Estudos de Venenos e Animais Peçonhentos)

DOI

10.1186/1678-9199-19-26

PMID

24099013

Abstract

This correspondence argues that the dangerousness of a venomous snake species is not solely determined by the venom characteristics or the lethality of the snake, and recognizes that medical importance comprises a key variable as well. The medical importance of a snake is determined by several factors -- including frequency of medical attention after a bite, local or systemic envenomation provoked by the bite, fatal bites, long term consequences, availability of antivenom therapy as well as the size of the population at risk -- that may vary from one region to another.

Language: en