Assessment of the Antimicrobial Activity of Few Saudi Arabian Snake Venoms

Abstract

BackgroundVenoms of two cobras, four vipers, a standard antibiotic and an antimycotic, were evaluated comparatively, as antimicrobials.Methods:Six venom concentrations and three of the standard antibiotic and the antimycotic were run in micro-dilution and diffusion plates against the microorganisms.RESULTS:Echis pyramidum, Echis coloratus andCerastes cerastes gasperettiihighest venom concentrations gave significant growth inhibition zones (GIZ) with respect to a negative control, exceptBitis arietans, whose concentrations were significant. The cobraWalterinnesia aegyptiahad significant venom concentrations more thanNaja haje arabica. TheStaphylococcus aureusMethicillin Resistant (MRSA) bacterium was the most susceptible, with a highly (P < 0.001) significant GIZ mean difference followed by the Gram positiveStaphylococcus aureus, (P < 0.001),Escherichia coli(P < 0.001),Enterococcus faecalis(P < 0.001) andPseudomonas aeruginosawhich, had the least significance (P < 0.05). The fungusCandida albicanswas resistant to both viper and cobra venoms (P > 0.05). The antibiotic Vancomycin was more effective than snake venoms though, they were more efficient in inhibiting growth of the resistantPseudomonas aeruginosa. This antibiotic was also inactive against the fungus, whilst its specific antifungal Fungizone was highly efficient with no antibacterial activity.Conclusions:These findings showed that snake venoms had antibacterial activity comparable to antibiotics, with a directly proportional relationship of venom concentration and GIZ, though, they were more efficient in combatting resistant types of bacteria. Both venoms and the standard antibiotic, showed no antifungal benefits.