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Introducción: Las características de los donantes de sangre pueden variar entre centros de hemoterapia y pueden relacionarse con la seropositividad de marcadores infecciosos. Objetivo: Relacionar la seropositividad de marcadores infecciosos con los factores demográficos de los donantes de sangre peruanos. Métodos: Estudio observacional en los bancos de sangre del hospital nacional Cayetano Heredia y el Instituto Nacional Materno Perinatal durante el año 2019. La población la conformaron los 11 936 donantes que fueron tamizados para 7 agentes infecciosos según el Programa Nacional de Hemoterapia y Banco de Sangre. Se usó la prueba de correlación de Pearson para determinar la asociación entre las variables demográficas con los marcadores infecciosos. Resultados: Del total 8449 (70,8 por ciento) fueron varones y el grupo etario de 35 a 55 años fue el más frecuente en ambos hospitales (~ 44,5 por ciento). La mayoría de donantes procedían de la costa (4944; 41,4 por ciento), aunque en el Hospital Nacional Cayetano Heredia hubo 734 (8,9 por ciento) de la selva. La seropositividad fue de 507 (4,25 por ciento) donaciones; los más frecuentes fueron el antígeno del core del virus de Hepatitis B, los anticuerpos contra el virus linfotrópico de células T humanas 1-2, y sífilis, con 51,2 por ciento, 16,8 por ciento y 14,9 por ciento, respectivamente. La seropositividad de los marcadores infecciosos se asoció con factores demográficos como la edad, sexo y lugar de procedencia (p< 0,05). Conclusiones: Existe relación entre los factores demográficos con la seropositividad de los marcadores infecciosos en donantes peruanos(AU)

Introduction: The characteristics of blood donors may vary between hemotherapy centers and may be related to the seropositivity of infectious markers. Objective: To related the seropositivity of infectious markers with the demographic factors of Peruvian blood donors. Methods: Observational in the blood banks of the Hospital Nacional Cayetano Heredia and the Instituto Nacional Materno Perinatal during 2019. The population consisted of 11,936 donors who were screened for the seven infectious agents according to the National Hemotherapy and Blood Bank Program. Pearson's correlation test was used to determine the association between demographic variables and infectious markers. Results: Of the total, 8,449 (70.8 percent) were male and the age group from 35 to 55 years was the most frequent in both hospitals (~ 44.5 percent). Most donors came from the coast (4,944; 41.4 percent), although at the Cayetano Heredia National Hospital, there were 734 (8.9 percent) from the jungle. Seropositivity was 507 (4.25 percent) donations, then most frequent was Hepatitis B virus core antigen, antibodies against human T-cell lymphotropic virus 1-2, and syphilis, with 51.2 percent, 16.8 percent, and 14.9 percent, respectively. Seropositivity of infectious markers was associated with demographic factors such as age, gender, and place of origin (p< 0.05). Conclusions: There is a relationship between demographic factors with the seropositivity of infectious markers in Peruvian donors(AU)

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Despite potential exposure to soil-transmitted helminths, especially when stray dogs and cats are present, toxocariasis in inmate populations remains to be established. Accordingly, the present study assessed the seroprevalence and associated risk factors of toxocariasis at the Women's State Penitentiary of Parana, Brazil. A total of 234/370 (63.2%; 95% CI 58.2-68.0) women inmates and 28/87 (32.2%; 95% CI 23.3-42.6) correctional officers were seropositive for anti-Toxocara spp. IgG by ELISA, with inmates 2.62-fold more likely positive (p = 0.00000026). The univariate model has identified that non-white (OR = 1.58, p = 0.047) and older than 39 years (OR = 1.28, p = 0.032) inmates were associated with mild but significant odds for seropositivity. Elementary or higher educational level was considered a protective factor for seropositivity. The presence of Toxocara spp. eggs was observed in 10/15 (66.7%) collected soil samples by centrifuge-flotation in Zinc Sulfate, and molecular analysis by PCR identified only Toxocara cati in these eggs. An intervention program was established with regular trap-neuter-release, with gradual removal for adoption (donation campaigns), treatment, and euthanasia when necessary (particularly due to advanced sporotrichosis). In addition, an educational awareness agenda was proposed, aiming to reduce soil contamination and accidental intake by the incarcerated population. A total of 40 feral cats were trapped, 20 males and 20 females, mostly adults. After trapping, 36 cats were neutered, treated, and microchipped in the Veterinary Teaching Hospital (VTH) at the Federal University of Paraná. Five trapped feral cats were euthanized, four diagnosed with advanced sporotrichosis, and one already neutered cat (not herein) with complications due to feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). Female inmates presented higher seroprevalence for Toxocara spp. antibodies when compared to correctional officers, significantly associated with age, self-declared ethnicity (non-white), and lack of formal education. Despite the non-natural scenario of a state penitentiary, the One Health approach of Toxocara spp. has highlighted the interdisciplinary nature of the study and its relevance in understanding the complex interactions between human, animal, and environmental factors, particularly impacting female inmates. Further studies should establish the rate of inmate infection over time while deprived of liberty.

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Serodiagnosis of strongyloidiasis is usually performed by ELISA for the detection of IgG antibodies due to its high sensitivity and practicality, but its main limitation is a constant source of S. stercoralis antigens. The use of S. venezuelensis as a heterologous source of antigens has facilitated several published studies on the serodiagnosis and epidemiology of human strongyloidiasis. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of surface cuticle antigens of infective larvae of S. venezuelensis extracted with CTAB detergent (L3-CTAB) in comparison with soluble somatic extracts (L3-SSE) using a panel of sera from immunocompetent and immunocompromised individuals, at three different cut-offs. ROC curve analysis showed that L3-CTAB had an AUC of 0.9926. At the first cut-off value (OD 450 nm = 0.214), sensitivity and specificity were 100% and 90.11%, respectively, with a diagnostic accuracy of 0.93. At a second cut-off value (OD 450 nm = 0.286), sensitivity and specificity were 70% and 100%, respectively, with a diagnostic accuracy of 0.91. However, at an alternative third cut-off value (OD 450 nm = 0.589), sensitivity and specificity were 95% and 97.8%, respectively, with a diagnostic accuracy of 0.97. Using L3-CTAB as an antigenic source, the seropositivity rate in immunocompromised patients was 28.13% (9/32) whereas a seropositivity rate of 34.38% (11/32) was found when L3-SSE was used in ELISA. Therefore, the L3-CTAB is simple and practical to obtain and was found to be highly sensitive and specific.

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ABSTRACT Serodiagnosis of strongyloidiasis is usually performed by ELISA for the detection of IgG antibodies due to its high sensitivity and practicality, but its main limitation is a constant source of S. stercoralis antigens. The use of S. venezuelensis as a heterologous source of antigens has facilitated several published studies on the serodiagnosis and epidemiology of human strongyloidiasis. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of surface cuticle antigens of infective larvae of S. venezuelensis extracted with CTAB detergent (L3-CTAB) in comparison with soluble somatic extracts (L3-SSE) using a panel of sera from immunocompetent and immunocompromised individuals, at three different cut-offs. ROC curve analysis showed that L3-CTAB had an AUC of 0.9926. At the first cut-off value (OD 450 nm = 0.214), sensitivity and specificity were 100% and 90.11%, respectively, with a diagnostic accuracy of 0.93. At a second cut-off value (OD 450 nm = 0.286), sensitivity and specificity were 70% and 100%, respectively, with a diagnostic accuracy of 0.91. However, at an alternative third cut-off value (OD 450 nm = 0.589), sensitivity and specificity were 95% and 97.8%, respectively, with a diagnostic accuracy of 0.97. Using L3-CTAB as an antigenic source, the seropositivity rate in immunocompromised patients was 28.13% (9/32) whereas a seropositivity rate of 34.38% (11/32) was found when L3-SSE was used in ELISA. Therefore, the L3-CTAB is simple and practical to obtain and was found to be highly sensitive and specific.

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Serodiagnosis of human strongyloidiasis is a practical alternative to parasitological methods due to its high sensitivity. However, cross-reactivity with other helminth infections limits its utility, and this problem is due to the use of homologous or heterologous somatic extracts of the parasite as an antigen source. Excretory-secretory (E/S) products from Strongyloides infective larvae can be used to improve the serodiagnosis. The combined use of western blot and proteomics became an interesting strategy to identify immunological markers for the serodiagnosis of strongyloidiasis. The present study describes the proteomic analysis of the antigenic components from E/S products of S. venezuelensis infective larvae that were recognized by IgG antibodies from patients with strongyloidiasis. Our results showed that IgG antibodies from patients with strongyloidiasis recognized between 15 and 16 antigenic bands in the E/S products from S. venezuelensis that were incubated in PBS or in RPMI culture medium, respectively. Overall, antigenic bands of low and high molecular weight were more specific than those of intermediate molecular weight, which were cross-reactive. A 36-kDa antigenic band was 93% sensitive and 100% specific (a probably arginine kinase of 37 kDa), while other antigenic bands were highly sensitive but low specific. Proteomic analysis revealed differences between the protein profiles from E/S-RPMI and E/S-PBS since only one-third of all proteins identified were common in both types of E/S products. Bioinformatic analysis showed that more than 50% of the proteins from E/S products are secreted within extracellular vesicles and only a small percentage of them are actually released by the classical secretory pathway. Several components from the E/S products were identified as plasminogen-binding proteins, probably used as an immune evasion mechanism. The data provided here provide valuable information to increase understanding of E/S products from S. venezuelensis infective larvae. This may help us to find new targets for the immunodiagnosis of human strongyloidiasis.

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Serodiagnosis of human strongyloidiasis is a practical alternative to parasitological methods due to its high sensitivity. However, cross-reactivity with other helminth infections limits its utility, and this problem is due to the use of homologous or heterologous somatic extracts of the parasite as an antigen source. Excretory-secretory (E/S) products from Strongyloides infective larvae can be used to improve the serodiagnosis. The combined use of western blot and proteomics became an interesting strategy to identify immunological markers for the serodiagnosis of strongyloidiasis. The present study describes the proteomic analysis of the antigenic components from E/S products of S. venezuelensis infective larvae that were recognized by IgG antibodies from patients with strongyloidiasis. Our results showed that IgG antibodies from patients with strongyloidiasis recognized between 15 and 16 antigenic bands in the E/S products from S. venezuelensis that were incubated in PBS or in RPMI culture medium, respectively. Overall, antigenic bands of low and high molecular weight were more specifc than those of intermediate molecular weight, which were cross-reactive. A 36-kDa antigenic band was 93% sensitive and 100% specifc (a probably arginine kinase of 37 kDa), while other antigenic bands were highly sensitive but low specifc. Proteomic analysis revealed diferences between the protein profles from E/S-RPMI and E/S-PBS since only one-third of all proteins identifed were common in both types of E/S products. Bioinformatic analysis showed that more than 50% of the proteins from E/S products are secreted within extracellular vesicles and only a small percentage of them are actually released by the classical secretory pathway. Several components from the E/S products were identifed as plasminogenbinding proteins, probably used as an immune evasion mechanism. The data provided here provide valuable information to increase understanding of E/S products from S. venezuelensis infective larvae. This may help us to find new targets for the immunodiagnosis of human strongyloidiasis.

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Toxocariasis, caused by Toxocara spp. nematodes, is among the top 5 neglected parasitic diseases worldwide; however, no comprehensive study to date has serologically compared infections in people and their dogs and environmentally contaminated soil or sand of mainland and island locations. Accordingly, this study aimed to assess the seroprevalence of anti-Toxocara antibodies in traditional human seashore populations, the presence of eggs in dogs' feces and hair, and the presence of eggs in environmental samples from islands compared to the adjacent mainland of southern Brazil. Overall, 212/328 (64.6%) people were positive for Toxocara spp. antibodies, including 125/190 (65.8%) island and 87/138 (63.0%) mainland residents. For dog samples, 12/115 (10.43%) were positive for the presence of Toxocara spp. eggs, all from dogs living in islands, and 22/104 (21.15%) dog hair samples contained eggs of Toxocara spp. Environmental contamination with Toxocara spp. eggs was observed in 50/130 (38.46%) samples from all sampled sites. No significant association was found between risk factors (age, sex, educational level, monthly income, owning dogs or cats, ingestion of treated water, and consumption of raw or uncooked meat) and Toxocara spp. seropositivity. The present study is the first concurrent report on people, their dogs, and environmental contamination of Toxocara spp. The high prevalence we observed in the seashore populations of both in island and mainland areas may be caused by exposure to contaminated sand and climatic factors favoring frequent exposure to Toxocara spp. In conclusion, seashore lifestyle and living conditions of both island and mainland areas may have predisposed higher contact with infected pets and contaminated soil, favoring the high prevalence of toxocariasis.

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BACKGROUND: Toxocariasis, caused by a nematode species of the genus Toxocara, has been described as one of the most prevalent zoonotic helminthiases worldwide. Human transmission may occur by ingesting Toxocara spp. larvae from raw or undercooked meat or organs; however, no comprehensive serosurvey study has been conducted to date investigating the role of cattle as paratenic hosts. The aim of the study reported here was to assess the prevalence of anti-Toxocara spp. antibodies and associated risk factors in bovines from two slaughterhouses located in Presidente Prudente, southeastern Brazil. METHODS: Blood samples were collected and tested by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Cattle farmers voluntarily responded to an epidemiologic questionnaire. RESULTS: Overall, 213 of the 553 (38.5%) bovine samples were assessed as seropositive for anti-Toxocara spp. antibodies by indirect ELISA. Multivariate analysis revealed that the source of beef cattle and the presence of dogs or cats at the farm were associated with seropositivity. The use of feedlot systems was associated with lower likelihood of seropositivity. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate a high level of anti-Toxocara seropositivity in slaughterhouse cattle, with potentially contaminated meat posing an infection risk to humans. In addition, the presence of dogs and cats where the slaughtered beef cattle were raised was statistically associated with bovine seropositivity, probably due to the overlapping environment at the farm and the lack of pet deworming. The use of feedlot systems was a protective factor likely due to the absence of dog and cat contact, elevated feeding troughs that avoid contact with contaminated soil or grass, and younger age at slaughter of feedlot cattle. In summary, bovines may be used as environmental sentinels of Toxocara spp. contamination, and high seropositivity of slaughterhouse cattle may indicate a potential risk of human toxocariasis through the ingestion of raw or undercooked contaminated meat.

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To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of three types of antigenic preparations from Strongyloides venezuelensis infective larvae for detection of serum IgG anti-Strongyloides antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Soluble somatic fractions (SSF) and membrane somatic fractions (MSF) and excretory−secretory (E/S) products from S. venezuelensis infective larvae were evaluated against 71 sera from individuals with strongyloidiasis, 105 sera from healthy individuals, and 84 sera from individuals with other helminth infections. Using an ELISA cut-off for 100% sensitivity, E/S products were 97.88% specific followed by MSF (93.12%) and then by SSF (85.2%). The occurrence of cross-reactivity with other helminths was 4.76% (4/84) with E/S products, 8.33% (7/84) with MSF, and 17.86% (15/84) with SSF. For a cut-off for 100% specificity, E/S products showed a sensitivity of 88.73% whereas MSF and SSF showed sensitivities of 59.15% and 53.52%, respectively. In conclusion, E/S products were the best antigenic option for the serodiagnosis of human strongyloidiasis.

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Introducción: Las infecciones se ha señalado que son causa de la descompensación de algunas enfermedades del tejido conectivo. Objetivos: Describir la frecuencia de infecciones asociadas a las diversas patologías reumatológicas en los pacientes que acuden al Hospital Universitario de Los Andes. Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo en el que se revisaron 3 328 historias clínicas pertenecientes a los pacientes del servicio de Reumatología. Resultados: La mayor parte de los pacientes eran del género femenino. La principal patología reumatológica fue artritis reumatoide, seguido del lupus eritematoso sistémico, artrosis en 3 lugar y finalmente otras entidades. Las principales infecciones fueron las del tracto urinario, en segunda instancia piel y partes blandas, en tercer lugar neumonías y en último lugar las no incluidas anteriormente. En cuanto al uso de la terapéutica y el tipo de patología reumatológica se encontró significancia estadística P 0,001. En cuanto al tipo de infección y la patología reumatológica en la cual se presentó dicho evento el valor de P fue 0,724. La principal causa de hospitalización en los 4 grupos de pacientes fue debido a causas infecciosas con un valor de P de 0,001. Discusión: Las infecciones fueron la principal causa de hospitalización en estos pacientes. La infección es causa de morbimortalidad importante en los pacientes reumatológicos. Conclusiones: Se recomienda en base a las observaciones obtenidas en el presente estudio, se evalúen a través de sistemas de estratificación los riesgos para el desarrollo de infecciones en los pacientes reumatológicos y así generar estrategias que disminuyan su frecuencia.

Introduction: Infections have been reported to be the cause of the decompensation of some connective tissue diseases. Objectives: To describe the frequency of infections associated with the rheumatological pathologies in patients of the University Hospital of the Andes. Methods: Retrospective study in which 3 328 clinical histories belonging to the patients of the Rheumatology service were reviewed. Results: Most of the patients were female. The main rheumatological pathology was Rheumatoid Arthritis, followed by Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Arthrosis in third place and finally other entities. The main infections were those of the urinary tract, secondly skin and soft tissues, thirdly Pneumonia and lastly not previously included. Regarding the use of therapeutics and the type of rheumatological pathology, statistical significance was found P 0.001. Regarding the type of infection and the rheumatological pathology in which the event was presented, the P value was 0.724. The main cause of hospitalization in the 4 groups of patients was due to infectious causes with a p-value of 0.001. Discussion: Infections were the main cause of hospitalization in these patients. Infection is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in rheumatological patients. Conclusions: It is recommended based on the observations obtained in the present study, the risks for the development of infections in rheumatological patients be evaluated through stratification systems and generate strategies that decrease their frequency.

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Introducción. La aparición de algunas zoonosis en varias provincias de la región Lima en el año 2015, motivó una investigación de diversas zoonosis por la Dirección de Salud de la Región Lima Provincias. Objetivo. Determinar la seroprevalencia de hidatidosis (equinococosis) mediante el test de ELISA IgE comparado con el Western Blot en cinco provincias de la Región Lima. Métodos. Se recolectó un total de 560 muestras de suero de pobladores de cinco provincias de la Región Lima: Canta (n=180), Huaral (n=55), Yauyos (n=133), Cajatambo (n=32), y Huaura (n=160). Se detectaron anticuerpos IgE y anticuerpos IgG mediante el test de ELISA y Western-Blot respectivamente. Resultados. Un total de 39 muestras procedentes de pobladores de las provincias de Canta, Yauyos y Huaura, fueron positivas al test de ELISA IgE (seroprevalencia de 6,96%) y 33 fueron positivas al Western Blot IgG (seroprevalencia de 5,89%), con presencia de bandas débiles de 8 y 16 kDa. Se determinó una concordancia del 99% entre ambos tests, (índice kappa =0,91). El 50% (20/39) de los sujetos seropositivos tuvieron entre 25 y 60 años de edad, mientras que la menor proporción de seropositivos (1/39) fueron niños menores de cinco años. Conclusiones: El test de ELISA IgE puede ser utilizado para la detección de individuos seropositivos a anticuerpos anti Echinoccocus spp., mostrando alta concordancia con el Western Blot IgG. Podría utilizarse esta técnica en estudios seroepidemiológicos de campo.

Introduction. Diagnosis of some zoonosis in different provinces from the Lima region, motivated on epidemiological investigation. Objective. To determine the prevalence of hydatidosis (echinococosis) in population from Lima region by ELISA IgE test compared with Western Blot. Methods. 560 sera samples were collected from people living in five provinces of Lima region: Canta (n=180), Huaral (n=55), Yauyos (n=133), Cajatambo (n=32) and Huaura (n=160). Antibodies IgE and IgG were detected by ELISA test and Western Blot respectively. Results. 39 samples were positives to ELISA IgE test (seroprevalence 6,96%) and 33 samples were positives to Western Blot IgG test (seroprevalence 5,89%), with light bands of 8 and 16 kDa. Positivesamples proceeded from people of provinces of Canta, Yauyos and Huaura. Concordancy were determinedbetween both tests (kappa index = 0,91). 50% (20/39) of positive subjects are from 25 to 60 years old, while less proportion of positives (1/39) were children under 5 years. Conclusions. ELISA IgE test can be used for the detection of positive person to anti Echinococcus spp. antibody, showing very high concordance with Westrn Blot IgG. Could be used in seroepidemiologic studies.

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Objetivo: Estimar la frecuencia de toxocariosis en la Región Lima. Métodos: Durante el ano 2013, se realizó una encuesta serológica no aleatorizada mediante la técnica de Elisa en pobladores de cuatro provincias de la Región Lima (Cajatambo, Canta, Huaral y Yauyos). Las muestras fueron obtenidas por personal de la DIRESA Lima, del Laboratorio de Referencia Regional en Salud Pública y procesadas en el Instituto de Medicina Tropical “Daniel A. Carrión” de la Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Perú. Resultados: Se recolectaron 442 muestras de suero, de las cuales 142 (32,1 por ciento) fueron positivas a toxocara. El 54 por ciento de participantes fue de sexo femenino, 31 por ciento tenia entre 31 y 59 años, 45 por ciento manifestó tener un perro o un gato en su hogar. No hubo diferencias significativas entre los resultados de serolog¡a y las edades y sexos ni tenencia de canes o gatos en la población estudiada. Conclusiones: La toxocariosis es frecuente en la población de la Región Lima, por lo que es necesario realizar estudios representativos para determinar la prevalencia de esta infección.

Objective: To estimate frequency of toxocariosis in Lima Region. Methods: During 2013, a non- randomized serological survey was performed by Elisa technique in four Lima Region provinces’ (Cajatambo, Canta, Huaral and Yauyos) inhabitants. Sera samples were obtained by DIRESA Lima and Regional Reference Laboratory of Public Health workers and processed at Tropical Medicine Institute “Daniel A. Carrion” of Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru. Results: From 442 sera samples obtained 142 (32.1 per cent) were positive to Toxocara; 54 per cent of participants were female, 31 per cent were between 31-59 years, 45 per cent had a dog or cat at home. There were no significant differences between serology and ages or sex or in having dog or cats. Conclusions: Toxocariosis is frequent in Lima Region inhabitants. It is necessary to perform representative studies to determine prevalence of this infection.

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Se estudiarón la inmunogenicidad del veneno de la serpiente Bothrops atrox, "jergón", utilizando los métodos inmunoenzimáticos de ELISA y Western Blot, así como los patrones de reactividad cruzada empleando los venenos de las serpientes Bothrops brazili, Lachesis muta y Crotalus durissus. Para este fin se inmunizaron conejos albinos Nueva Zelanda (2 kg aprox) con cuatro dosis de 500 µg del veneno de B. atrox en un periodo de 90 días. La producción de anticuerpos fue monitoreada mediante la técnica de ELISA, determinándose el título del suero hiperinmune obtenido al final del protocolo de inmunización. Adicionalmente se analizaron los patrones electroforéticos de los venenos en estudio mediante PAGE-SDS y su reactividad frente al suero obtenido mediante ELISA y Western Blot. El esquema de inmunización utilizado permitió una producción sostenida de anticuerpos a partir del día 20 del protocolo. Finalizado este proceso, el título del suero fue calculado en 256000, lo cual mostró la eficacia y practicidad del procedimiento desarrollado. Por otro lado, los venenos estudiados mostraron una heterogeneidad en su composición proteica a partir del análisis de sus patrones electroforéticos, mientras que a partir de los estudios inmunoenzimáticos, se pudo obtener valores de reactividad cruzada entre el veneno de B. atrox y los venenos de B. brazili, L. muta y C. durissus, de 23,7%, 4,0% y 1,8%, respectivamente. Los resultados obtenidos constituyen el paso inicial para posteriores ensayos dirigidos a la optimización en la producción de inmunosueros para el tratamiento del envenenamiento, así como para el desarrollo de kits de diagnóstico e identificación de especies de serpiente.

The immunogenicity of Bothrops atrox, “jergon”, venom was studied using ELISA and Western Blot methods, as well as cross-reactivity patterns against venoms of Bothrops brazili, Lachesis muta and Crotalus durissus. For this purpose, New Zealand white rabbits (2 kg aprox) were immunized with four 500 µg doses of B. atrox venom in a period of 90 days. Antibody production was followed using ELISA technique, and title of hiper-immune serum was determined at the end of immunization protocol. Additionally, electrophoretic patterns of venoms were analyzed by SDS-PAGE and venom reactivity against obtained serum by ELISA and Western Blot. Immunization schedule allowed a pronounced antibody production since day 20 of protocol. At the end of process, serum title was 256000, which demonstrated both efficacy and usefulness of the developed procedure. On the other hand, studied venoms showed a heterogenic protein composition according to their electrophoretic patterns, whereas cross-reactivity values of 23,7%, 4,0% and 1,8% were obtained between B. atrox venom and B. brazili, L. muta and C. durissus venoms, respectively, using immunoenzymatic methods. According to our results, this procedure constitutes an initial step for further assays directed to optimization in immunoserum production for envenoming treatment and development of kits for diagnosis and species identification of snakes.

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