[FAV-Africa: a polyvalent antivenom serum used in Africa and Europe]

Abstract

FAV-Afrique is a polyvalent snake antivenom, elaborated by immunisation of horses with venom from 10 different snake species among the most dangerous in Africa and belonging to Elapidae and Viperidea families. Only F(ab')2 fragments are kept and purified. This serum is able to decrease the quantity of circulating venom and therefore its toxicity. Its use is indicated as soon as the first signs of poisoning are observed (local oedema). Twenty millimetres are administrated via intra-venous route whatever the weight of the patient. Re-administration may be performed if improvement is not sufficient. Treatment should be initiated as soon as possible but can be realized as long as the symptoms are present. Side effects (allergy) should be considered but balanced with the seriousness of poisoning. There is no absolute contraindication or drug interaction reported with FAV-Africa. It is authorized and distributed in several African countries and has a temporary regulatory approval in France. The major limits to its use are high cost and storage conditions (maximum 36 months between +2 degrees C and +8 degrees C). In the future, the new serum Antivipmyn Africa, available as a freeze-dried product, which can be preserved at room temperature, should improve storage conditions and availability of treatment, especially in rural Africa.