Echis ocellatus venom (EoV) (EoV)

Echis ocellatus venom is a complex mixture of toxic proteins and peptides produced by the West African carpet viper, which is recognized as one of the most medically important snakes in the region (WHO, 2021). The venom is predominantly composed of snake venom metalloproteinases (SVMPs), which account for a significant portion of its proteome and are primarily responsible for the characteristic systemic hemorrhage and local tissue necrosis (Casewell et al., 2009, PubMed: 19646271). A key component is ecarin, a metalloproteinase that acts as a potent prothrombin activator, leading to consumptive coagulopathy and non-clotting blood (UniProt: P81187). Therapeutic management relies on antivenoms such as EchiTAb-G and EchiTAb-Plus-ICP, which contain purified antibodies that neutralize these toxins (Abubakar et al., 2010, PubMed: 21111723). Recent research has also explored the use of small molecule inhibitors like varespladib (targeting phospholipase A2) and marimastat (targeting SVMPs) as potential adjunct treatments to improve outcomes in snakebite victims (Lewin et al., 2016, PubMed: 27463361; Albulescu et al., 2020, PubMed: 32531159). These novel approaches aim to provide more stable and accessible alternatives to traditional antivenoms in resource-limited settings.

Other names

West African carpet viper venomSaw-scaled viper venom

Neutralization of venom toxins by specific antibodies and inhibition of enzymatic activities (e.g., metalloproteinases and phospholipases) by small molecule inhibitors.