ARTICLE INFO

Article Type

Original Research

Authors

Dehghani   R. (1 )
Fathi   B. (* )
Sedaghat   M.M. (2 )






(* ) Pharmacology Department, Veterinary Medicine Faculty, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
(1 ) “Social Determinants of Health Research Center” and “Environment Health Department, Health Faculty”, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
(2 ) Medical Entomology Department, Health Faculty, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

Correspondence

Address: Pharmacology Department, Veterinary Medicine Faculty, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Azadi Square, Mashhad, Iran. Postal Box: 91775-1793
Phone: +985118813907
Fax: +985118703700
behrooz840@yahoo.com

Article History

Received:   July  23, 2014
Accepted:   October 29, 2014
ePublished:   January 10, 2015

ABSTRACT

Aims Venomous snake bites are public health problems in different parts of the world. The most specific mainstay in the treatment of envenomation is anti-venom. To treat the envenomation, it is very important to identify the offending species. This study was designed to determine the penetrating pattern of fangs and teeth of some viper snakes.
Materials & Methods This descriptive study was performed on live venomous and nonvenomous snakes from 2010 till 2011. All 47 sample snakes were collected from different regions of Isfahan province such as Kashan City, Ghamsar, Niasar, Mashhad Ardehal, Taher- Abad and Khozagh. Their mouths were inspected every two weeks and development of their fangs and teeth were recorded by taking clear digital photos. Fangs and teeth patterns of samples were drawn and the results were compared.
Findings One or two wounds appeared as typical fang marks at the bite site of venomous snakes while non-venomous snakes had two carved rows of small teeth. Three different teeth and fang patterns were recognized in venomous snakes which were completely different.
Conclusion The fang marks of venomous snakes do not always have a common and classic pattern and there are at least 3 different patterns in Isfahan province, Iran.

Keywords: Bites and Stings, Snake Venoms, Venoms, Viper Venoms,

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