Anti-Trimeresurus albolabris venom IgY antibodies: preparation, purification and neutralization efficacy.

Background: Snakebite incidence in southwestern China is mainly attributed to one of the several venomous snakes found in the country, the white-lipped green pit viper Trimeresurus albolabris. Since antivenom produced from horses may cause numerous clinical side effects, the present study was conducted aiming to develop an alternative antivenom antibody (immunoglobulin Y - IgY) from leghorn chickens.

Methods: IgY in egg yolk from white leghorn chicken previously injected with T.