Abstract
Background Naja mandalayensis is a spitting cobra from Myanmar. To the best of our knowledge, no studies on this venom composition have been conducted so far. On the other hand, few envenomation descriptions state that it elicits mainly local inflammation in the victims’ eyes, the preferred target of this spiting cobra. Symptoms would typically include burning and painful sensation, conjunctivitis, edema and temporary loss of vision.MethodsWe have performed a liquid-chromatography (C18-RP-HPLC) mass spectrometry (ESI-IT-TOF/MS) based approach in order to biochemically characterize N. mandalayensis venom.ResultsA wide variety of three-finger toxins (cardiotoxins) and metallopeptidases were detected. Less abundant, but still representative, were cysteine-rich secretory proteins, L-amino-acid oxidases, phospholipases A2, venom 5'-nucleotidase and a serine peptidase inhibitor. Other proteins were present, but were detected in a relatively small concentration.ConclusionThe present study set the basis for a better comprehension of the envenomation from a molecular perspective and, by increasing the interest and information available for this species, allows future venom comparisons among cobras and their diverse venom proteins.
Highlights
Naja mandalayensis is a spitting cobra from Myanmar
Naja mandalayensis is a spitting cobra described for the first time in 2000 by Slowinski and Wüster [1], which is endemic in the central region of Myanmar, covering the Mandalay, Magwe and Sagaing regions
Naja mandalayensis belongs to a parafiletic group that comprises N. mossambica, N. annulifera and it is closer to N. siamensis, N. kaouthia and N. atra. [1]
Summary
Naja mandalayensis is a spitting cobra from Myanmar. To the best of our knowledge, no studies on this venom composition have been conducted so far. The first description of a N. mandalayensis envenoming was published by a Myanmar research group that reported eight patients that were spat in the eyes by this venomous snake. Patients reported a burning and painful sensation (ophthalmia) and presented conjunctivitis, edema and temporary loss of vision [2, 3]. This is very similar to the N. mossambica accident, whose venom, when in contact with eyes, induces lacrimation, blepharospasm, conjunctivitis, keratitis and iritis miosis or mydriasis, symptoms related to inflammatory and cytotoxic compounds [4]. In the year 2000, published a letter depicting a self-accident with a N. mandalayensis specimen that spat venom directly to the author’s eyes inducing a burning painful reaction, and conjunctivitis, according to the report [1]
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