Posters and presentation information
Thank you for considering to present your work as a poster at this conference.
Digital poster preparation and submission
- Page size: Prepare your poster as you would normally do for printing. You can prepare your poster in sizes A1 or A0, as the page size is not important if only presenting digitally. However, print hardcopy posters in A1 portrait format. Larger posters and those in landscape format may not be displayed due to space constraints.
- Naming your poster files: Name your poster files as follows: <your surname>-Ven25-Poster.pdf. For example, for David Jones, name your file as Jones-Ven24-Poster.pdf. DO NOT name your poster files as, e.g., Oxford-poster, Venoms2025, Oxford-venoms-poster. Such files will be automatically rejected.
- Poster submission and deadlines: All poster presenters, whether attending virtually or in-person, are required to submit a digital version of their poster. Submit your final poster as PDF (<5MB) and via the link below no later than 20th August (we must have received your poster abstracts by 15th August). Late posters may not be included in the conference programme. Please DO NOT send your poster (or abstract) files by email. Please ensure you send us the very final version of your poster (as well as your poster abstract), as once published, it cannot be replaced.
Poster presentation
- Poster PDF files (required): Whether the presenter is attending virtually or in-person, poster PDF files are required, which will be made available via the secure ‘Download VEN25 Documents’ page to the conference participants. The participants will be able to ask questions via the Zoom chatbox during the conference. There is no specific time for presenting digital posters.
- Flash-talk videos (optional): We are pleased to offer poster presenters the opportunity to prepare a short video presentation about their poster and send it before the conference. The videos will be made available on the LPMHealthcare YouTube channel. Below is further information for sending your video presentation.
- Download the opening slide (VenOx25 flash talk first slide) and use it as the first slide of your presentation (see example: https://youtu.be/XatqenCd_IU?si=Yu1PooCD4JmSLAiz).
- Give your presentation (no longer than 5 minutes) using Zoom or another platform of your choice.
- Convert the video into a format compatible with YouTube (e.g., MP4).
- Send your video to VenomsOxford@gmail.com using a file transfer program, such as MailBigFile or WeTransfer.
- Hardcopy posters (optional): If attending in-person, you may bring along a printed copy of your poster (maximum A1 size) to be displayed during the conference. You may be assigned a specific day to display your poster.
- Any further information about the poster presentations will be available in the future.
Before uploading your poster, you must make sure that you follow ALL of the instructions above!
Accepted posters (unedited)
(Presenters in Bold)
If your abstract has been accepted for presentation but it does not appear in the list below, please let us know as soon as possible by email at VenomsOxford@gmail.com.
Action of marimastat, a synthetic broad-spectrum metalloprotease inhibitor, on the coagulotoxic effects of Lachesis muta (South-American Bushmaster) venom
Rafael S Floriano1, Vitória S Proença-Hirata1, Rogério Giuffrida1, Nelson J. Silva Jr2, Kristian A Torres-Bonilla3, Stephen Hyslop3, Enzo P Sousa4, Karen Morais-Zani4
1Laboratory of Toxinology and Cardiovascular Research, University of Western São Paulo, Presidente Prudente, 19023-130, Brazil
2Graduate Program in Environmental Sciences and Health, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Pontifical Catholic University of Goiás, Goiânia, 74605-010, Brazil
3Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas, Campinas, 13083-888, Brazil 4Graduate Program in Toxinology, Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, 05503-900, Brazil
In this work, we assessed the metalloprotease inhibitory action of marimastat (MMT) as an alternative pharmacological tool to anti-Bothrops/Lachesis antivenom (AV) on the coagulant effects of Lachesis muta venom (LMv). Enzymatic activity was assayed using azocasein as substrate. Factor X activation and thrombin-like activity were assessed using chromogenic substrates (S-2238 and S-2765); minimum coagulant dose (MCD) and fibrinogenolytic activity were assayed in human citrated plasma. MMT (0.03 mM) was determined as the minimum inhibitory concentration to abolish the caseinolytic activity of LMMv. The MCD of LMv was determined in 7.5 mg of venom/ml, with MMT (0.03 mM) being ineffective in preventing clotting formation, whereas AV (antivenom:venom ratio of 1:3 v/w) avoided the clotting formation in 240 sec of monitoring (p<0.05, n=3). Thrombin-like activity of LMv was significantly delayed only by AV (1:3) (p<0.05, n=3), and both of agents failed in preventing the factor X activation by this venom; LMv did not induce prothrombin (factor II) activation. LMv (7.5 mg/ml) exhibited a- and b-chain fibrinogenolysis. MMT (0.03 mM) reduced in 68±1.2% (p<0.05, n=3) the venom-induced a-chain fibrinogenolysis only at 5 min of incubation, with AV (1:3) being ineffective; in addition, MMT (0.03 mM) abolished the b-chain fibrinogenolysis at 5 min of incubation and significantly delayed this alteration at 30 and 90 min of incubation in 42±4.1% and 36±3.9%, respectively (p<0.05, n=3), whereas AV (1:3) produced superior b-fibrinogenolysis inhibition at 30 (69±1.1%) and 90 (65±2.1%) min of incubation. MMT (0.03 mM) did not show addictive protection when combined to AV (1:3) at any of these approaches. In conclusion, LMv exhibits haemostatic activity in vitro. MMT by itself or combined to AV does not appear to be a plausible pharmacological strategy to prevent haemostatic disorders caused by LMv, although the drug has prominently reduced the a- and b- fibrinogenolysis of LMv.
Tracing the neutralization path: kinetics of antivenom activity in the lymphatic system following intramuscular and intravenous administration
Erika Gamulin1, Sanja Mateljak Lukačević1, Maja Lang Balija1, Ana Smajlović2, Dražen Vnuk2, Beata Halassy1 and Tihana Kurtović1
1Centre for Research and Knowledge Transfer in Biotechnology, University of Zagreb, Rockefellerova 10, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
2Clinic for Surgery, Orthopaedics and Ophthalmology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Heinzelova 55, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
In viper envenomation, the venom is typically injected into the subcutaneous or muscle tissue and is primarily absorbed through the lymphatic system before reaching the systemic circulation. Although antivenoms are central to snakebite treatment, most research has focused on their pharmacokinetics in the blood, leaving the role of the lymphatic system poorly investigated. Yet, this is where venom initially accumulates, suggesting that the lymph may be a critical space for early neutralization. The study aimed to improve our understanding of how antivenom behaves in the lymphatic system and to establish whether the route of administration, intravenous (i.v.) or intramuscular (i.m.), affects its ability to reach and neutralize venom at this early stage. We used sheep as a large animal model to simulate the human envenomation dynamics. A venom dose corresponding to a dose injected in the typical envenomation was applied subcutaneously (s.c.), followed by the antivenom administration either via an i.v. infusion or an i.m. injection. Lymph was continuously collected from the thoracic duct, and blood samples were taken at defined time points. Venom and antivenom concentrations were quantified using in-house ELISA assays. Our focus was on how quickly the antivenom reached the lymph, its peak levels, and the relationship with the decline of the venom in the same compartment. The findings reveal that the lymphatic system is not just a passive transport route, but also a key site of action. The appearance of antivenom in lymph varies depending on the administration route, and these differences can influence the effectiveness with which venom is neutralized before entering the bloodstream. Understanding this dynamic could help to refine treatment protocols and improve outcomes for snakebite patients, especially in settings where rapid intervention is critical.
In vivo comparison of the anti-snake venom activity of the honey-derived phenolics and polyvalent antivenom
Aleem Munir, Aswad Khan
Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Sciences, International Islamic University, Islamabad, Pakistan
The WHO declared snakebite as a neglected tropical disease. Though the exact number of snakebite cases is not known, estimated results showed that 5.4 million people are bitten by snakes worldwide each year, and 2.7 million envenoming cases occur. Around 81,000 to 138,000 deaths occur every year globally by snakebite envenoming, and three times more amputations occur along with many other disabilities annually. This study investigates the therapeutic effects of honey-derived phenolics on snakebite envenomation to reduce its impact. Cobra venom was partially characterized by SDS-PAGE, revealing three protein types. The partial characterization of antivenom was done by microscopy, and the MIC of phenol (m-cresol) was determined to measure its concentration as a preservative in antivenom. The ideal concentration was 16% for phenol (m-cresol). Saudi and Kashmir honey samples were analyzed for their potential role in countering envenomation. The physiochemical analysis, including pollen analysis, HMF presence, ash, moisture, pH, color, sucrose, and reducing sugars were analyzed. Microscopy showed a floral nature of both samples, including 13 different types of pollens. The total phenol content (TPC) of Saudi honey was 8.6 mg GAE/100 g of dry extract whereas Kashmir honey was 8.3 mg GAE/100g of dry extract. HPLC was used to assess the presence of phenolics. The in vivo results were significant, achieving a 100% survival rate in albino mice. Such synergy among honey- derived phenolics may neutralize venom toxins and enhance antivenom efficacy, opening opportunities to study phenolic compounds as adjuvants in antivenom production and advancing global snakebite management.
Discovery of broadly neutralizing recombinant nanobodies for treatment of snakebite envenoming
Elpida Lytra, Melisa Benard-Valle, Alfredo Mena Samano, Shirin Ahmadi, Tom Jansen, Tasja Wainani Ebersole, Camilla Holst Dahl, Esperanza Rivera-de-Torre, Anne Ljungars, Andreas H Laustsen
Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
Snakebite envenoming remains a major global health issue, causing over 100,000 deaths each year and leaving many survivors with long‑term disabilities. The current therapeutic plasma‑derived methods may save plenty of lives but suffer from variable efficacy, risk of adverse reactions, batch‑to‑batch inconsistency and high costs. To overcome these problems, we are developing a simple antivenom based on recombinant single‑domain antibodies (VHHs). By combining a small mix of VHHs that neutralize key toxins from several venomous species, we aim to create a more broadly applicable and consistent treatment. In this poster, I will explain how we discover cross-reactive and high-affinity VHHs that neutralize the major viper toxins from sub‑Saharan Africa. We first purify four toxin families, — phospholipase A₂s (PLA₂s), disintegrins, snake‐venom metalloproteinases (SVMPs), and snake‐venom serine proteinases (SVSPs), —and then use phage display technology to select VHHs with strong, cross‑reactive binding. Finally, I will discuss the results from in vitro assays that identify the top VHH candidates.
First Investigation into IEC Snake Venom Toxic Fractions and Their Hematological Impact: Implications for Antivenom Development and Clinical Management
Nafiseh Nasri Nasrabadi1, Hossein Vatanpour2, Mehdi Kheirollahpour3
1Control of therapeutic antivenom serums, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization, Karaj, Iran
2Department of Toxicology & Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
3Department of human vaccine and serum, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute (RVSRI), Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran
Snake venom that affects the blood contain multitude proteins, including enzymes with diverse enzymatic potential to interfere on haemostatic and thrombosis mechanism when bites human. This study was carry out to investigate the biological effects of Echis carinatus (IEC) venom and its fractions on human body in Iran. This mixture has components with either synergistic or antagonistic effects on blood coagulation. Snake venoms far than some therapeutic effects, can be studied for the presence of endogenous antivenins that protect against their own toxins. In fact, without antivenin treatment, biological disturbances following snake envenomation in human quickly worsen and cause death. In-vitro and in-vivo coagulant assays were conducted to determine the effects of IEC venom and its fractions as well as the effectiveness of the polyvalent antivenin in neutralizing haematological manifestations. The results of the PT, APTT, TCT, FCT, haemorrhagic, defibrinogenating, platelet aggregation tests, and plasma hematologic parameters revealed the multifunctional features of toxins which can act on their multiple protein targets of prey. In this study, It is shown that EC bites can create severe haematological disorders within the first hours after envenoming, which require medical attention as soon as possible to reduce the severity of clinical symptoms. Further, numbers of purified fractions are more toxic than the crude venom. Eventually, in this study it is shown that polyvalent antivenin from Razi institute in Iran could led to neutralize the IEC venom biological and haematological effects.
Ethnic variation in susceptibility to early adverse reaction to snake antivenom among Nigerians
Hayatu Saidu1, Bolanle O.P Musa2, Muhammad Sani Isa2, Muhammad Y. Gwarzo1, Saidu B. Abubakar3, Nuhu Muhammed3, Olatunde A. Olusegun4 and Abdulrazaq G Habib5
1Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Bayero University Kano, Nigeria
2Department of Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Nigeria
3Snakebite Treatment and Research Hospital, Kaltungo, Gombe state, Nigeria, Nigeria
4Department of theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ilorin, Kwara state, Nigeria
5Department of Medicine, Bayero University Kano
Early adverse reaction is a common complication of snakebite antivenom use. There is no adequate data on the ethnic and occupational variation in the incidence of reaction to snake antivenom in Nigeria. This study investigated the rate and sociodemographic risk factors associated with early adverse reactions to snake antivenom. This is a hospital-based cross-sectional study involving 840 participants with a confirmed diagnosis of snakebite envenoming. All the participants were treated for snakebite envenoming using the EchiTab Plus ICP polyvalent antivenom. Participants were monitored for the development of early adverse reactions immediately after the commencement of antivenom therapy to four hours after completion of treatment with ASV. Two hundred and forty participants (240) developed early adverse reactions out of the 850 enrolled. Of the 240 with reactions to ASV, 53 had pyrogenic reactions, 99 had anaphylaxis and 88 had skin-only reaction. Five hundred and twelve participants were Fulani, and 328 participants belonged to other tribes such as Wurkun, Tangale, Waja, Hausa, and others. A binomial logistic regression model revealed Fulani ethnicity and herding as statistically significant predictors of early adverse reaction to snake antivenom (log odds of early adverse reaction among non-Fulani participants compared to Fulani participants: -1.922). Fulani participants have higher odds of early adverse reaction snake compared to non-Fulani participants (odds ratio: 1.649, 95%CI: 1.0455-2.601). Participants who were herders had higher odds of reacting to snake antivenom compared to participants pursuing other occupations like farming. (odds ratio: 2.707, 95%CI: 1.006-7.323). The findings from this study suggest that Fulani ethnicity and herding are important risk factors for early adverse reactions to snake antivenom among Nigerians.
