What Snake Caused That Bite? New DNA Test Might Tell

A new study shows that DNA tests can help to identify the type of snake that has bitten a person. This DNA testing can save a lot of lives around the world in countries with deadly venomous snakes. The researchers have found a way to detect snake's DNA from swabs taken from the bite marks on patients and they can identify the exact kind of snake that bit the patient. The study director Dr. Francois Chappuis says, "these findings represent a significant step toward improving care for patients in areas of world where snakebites constitute a massive but neglected health risk." So in countries where they have a lot of snake bites, this detective device can be really useful.

The researches looked at snakebite victims from Nepal and found that DNA can be found about one in four of the bite wounds. The reason why DNA could not be collected from the bite marks is the use of home remedies at the bite location before the victim is taken to a medical clinic. It is believed that several million people ma be bitten by venomous snake each year and thousand of which die or become disabled. This is why this DNA testing could help improve the likelihood of saving the patients's life; the testing may hasten more effective bedside diagnostics for snakebite victim, giving them a better chance of surviving and making a full recovery.




http://health.usnews.com/health-news/articles/2014/11/04/what-snake-caused-that-bite-new-dna-test-might-tell