Intraspecific variation of Bothrops pubescens (cope, 1869) venom in Uruguay (serpentes: viperidae)

Abstract

In Uruguay, there was no information about the variations degree in Bothrops pubescens venoms until the present work, in which we investigated intraspecific venom variation using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). We found some differences in the venom protein profile; however, they were not related to the parameters studied (geographic distribution, weight, sex, and captivity time). Moreover, we distinguished two different groups in relation to band densities at 49 and 57 kDa. Specimens with predominant density in the 49kDa band tend to be predominantly females. Weight distribution in this group extended for all the range (150-1500 g) with an average weight of 720 g. The other group (57kDa predominant band) showed restricted weight range (150-400 g) with an average weight of 280 g. Cluster analysis was also performed. The variability observed in the venom profile probably corresponds to genetic variations

Identification of Venom-Specific Fingerprints of Clinically Relevant Uruguayan Snakes by MALDI-TOF

“…In Uruguay, an average of 65 snakebite accidents are reported each year (Morais et al, 2006;Morais et al, 2012). All are caused by snakes in the genus Bothrops: B. Pubescens (BP) and B. Alternatus (BA).…”