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Is Immunity from Snake Bites Possible
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Anonymous post on July 9, 2005
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Hi this has been a big topic in our discussions. So we will ask the experts out there for the answer. Is it possible for a snake hunter to be slowly injected with snake venom and become immune to a snake bite? Hope to hear from you. Thanks, Bill
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RE: Is Immunity from Snake Bites Possible
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by FlaSnakeHunter on July 10, 2005
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Regarding immunity from elapid bites, I would say that Mr. William Haast of the Miami Serpentarium (now in Punta Gorda, Florida) is the living embodiment of said immunity. For those who don't know the history of this extraordinary man, suffice it to say that he self-injected with dilutions of cobra venom (precise details unknown to me) and he subsequently has survived almost 200 bites, many of which were from cobras and kraits, with very minor symptoms.
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RE: Is Immunity from Snake Bites Possible
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by Steel on July 10, 2005
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It's very possible, and very effective. Immunity levels vary with the protein concentration that is injected, so there's a direct correlation with the amount of mg injected to create the highest possible titer. My mamba titer is 5 plus mg/ml because I inject pure black mamba venom(pure on the other 3 as well). The necrotic cardio fractions in the Naja complex are tough to handle, and dilution is necessary. I also have made a bad protein to the venom, my IgE, which almost killed me 6 times. My good AB protein, my IgG, now has become a blocking protein. The bad side is many injections per year to maintain high titer levels, and liver and kidney assays to monitor these organs. This material is from a book I made for the Japan Snake Istitute, who represented me at the 5th World Congress of Herpetology in June. Later, Tim Friede
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RE: Is Immunity from Snake Bites Possible
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by LarryDFishel on July 10, 2005
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Where are you from? If from the U.S., given that fact that you used the term "snake hunter" be aware that the above two replies do NOT apply to most of our native snakes. My understanding is that while it may be possible to build a "resistance" to viper venoms that might keep you alive you're not likely to get enough antibodies to the bite site soon enough to prevent necrosis (try to get a look at Mr. Haast's hands sometime, that's from viper bites I believe).
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RE: Is Immunity from Snake Bites Possible
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by Steel on July 10, 2005
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It all depends on the snake, and the dilution. The best example is Harold Mierkey Jr, who's pure venom belief is one I hold as well, and that's why he has all his fingers. Pure venom equals pure immunity, and his NA rattlesnake work over 2 decades proves this. No AV, and all fingers. A perfect record, much better than mine. Also featured in my book. Great point Larry! TF
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RE: Is Immunity from Snake Bites Possible
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by Cro on July 10, 2005
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Tim: Where can one obtain a copy of your book? I would like to read more in this topic. Best Regards JohnZ
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RE: Is Immunity from Snake Bites Possible
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by Steel on July 10, 2005
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Not sure if I'm selling it at this time. Depends on grant relief for the vaccine. Thanks though. TF
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Basically, yes.
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Anonymous post on July 11, 2005
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That's how antivenom is made, after all. The only trick is whether your body can produce enough to neutralize the venom before serious damage is done. It's harder with the very tissue-destructive venoms like the crotalids and some cobras; you might not be able to neutralize it fast enough to avoid scarring.
For neurotoxins, which have to act systemically to be dangerous, and are usually injected in much smaller quantities, it's quite possible to reduce the effect to that of a bad bee sting - some swelling, and you might feel a bit funny, but you'll be fine in 24 hours.
Some people worry about the long-term health effects of repeated doses of venom, however.
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nope, temporary resistance maybe.
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Anonymous post on July 11, 2005
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blah blah blah TF, lets see this book or a reference other than yours.
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RE: Is Immunity from Snake Bites Possible
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by UtsJayD on March 25, 2016
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According to this article it is possible and it has been done twice. One of the guys, who died a natural death, used to fly around the world donating his blood to save snake bite victims.
Here's the link; http://werockscales.com/news/become-immune-to-snake-venom-the-science-behind-the-bite/
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