Abstract
Snakebite envenomation, a Neglected Tropical Disease, affects millions annually, causing fatalities mainly in rural areas. Snakes employ constriction or venomous bites to subdue prey. Between 4.5 to 5.4 million snakebites occur yearly, with 80,000 to 130,000 fatalities. It is most prevalent in rural, low-income areas of Africa and Asia, Australia reports few deaths despite having venomous snakes. High-risk groups for snakebite envenomation, such as rural workers and children, face elevated morbidity and mortality rates, with significant vulnerability among women, especially pregnant individuals, due to cultural and healthcare access barriers. Envenomation outcomes depend on venom composition, with clinical manifestations varying widely. Snake venom delivery systems differ among species, impacting the severity and mechanism of envenomation. Thrombocytopenia is common in severe cases, influenced by venom type and quantity. Various snake venoms contain cytotoxic, neurotoxic, hemotoxic, and myotoxic components, each with distinct pathophysiological effects on victims. To conclude this review snakebite envenomation presents significant global health challenges, necessitating improved epidemiological data collection, antivenom accessibility, and public health interventions therefore it is recommended that for prevention and management,there should be enhanced Epidemiological Surveillance, Increased Access to Antivenom, Public Health Education, Training of Healthcare Providers, Research and Development, Community Engagement, Regulatory Measures and International CollaborationSnakebite envenomation, a Neglected Tropical Disease, affects millions annually, causing fatalities mainly in rural areas. Snakes employ constriction or venomous bites to subdue prey. Between 4.5 to 5.4 million snakebites occur yearly, with 80,000 to 130,000 fatalities. It is most prevalent in rural, low-income areas of Africa and Asia, Australia reports few deaths despite having venomous snakes. High-risk groups for snakebite envenomation, such as rural workers and children, face elevated morbidity and mortality rates, with significant vulnerability among women, especially pregnant individuals, due to cultural and healthcare access barriers. Envenomation outcomes depend on venom composition, with clinical manifestations varying widely. Snake venom delivery systems differ among species, impacting the severity and mechanism of envenomation. Thrombocytopenia is common in severe cases, influenced by venom type and quantity. Various snake venoms contain cytotoxic, neurotoxic, hemotoxic, and myotoxic components, each with distinct pathophysiological effects on victims. To conclude this review snakebite envenomation presents significant global health challenges, necessitating improved epidemiological data collection, antivenom accessibility, and public health interventions therefore it is recommended that for prevention and management,there should be enhanced Epidemiological Surveillance, Increased Access to Antivenom, Public Health Education, Training of Healthcare Providers, Research and Development, Community Engagement, Regulatory Measures and International Collaboration