Combination of two antibody fragments F(ab′)2/Fab: An alternative for scorpion envenoming treatment

Immunotherapy is the only effective treatment for scorpion stings. However the efficiency of this treatment varies depending on the forms of the antibodies and route of administration used. The antibodies are mostly injected as F(ab ́)2 fragments. In this study, we investigated damage to the heart and lung tissue and the inflammatory response caused by Androctonus australis hector venom, its toxic fraction after molecular filtration or the isolated main alpha toxin (Aah II) in the presence or absence of different antibody molecules. A mixture of antibody fragments, F(ab ́)2 and Fab, significantly reduced local leukocytosis, hemorrhage and inflammatory oedema induced by the A. australis hector venom and its toxins. © 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.