Liver function of mares submitted to Bothrops antigen inoculation for the production of anti-ophidian sérum

ABSTRACT: Ophidian accidents have been a medical and veterinary challenge. The only treatment available and recommended by the World Health Organization and the Ministry of Health is serotherapy. This study evaluated the liver function of equines submitted to the immunization protocol currently used by the “Instituto Vital Brazil” to produce anti-Bothrops serum. Five equines were evaluated with Bothrops venom inoculation during three immunization cycles. Blood samples were taken for a biochemical test and a liver assessment due to the damage caused to the liver. The biochemical data that presented significant differences in all animals compared to baseline were AST, ALT, GGT, FA, GLDH and serum protein. Creatinine did not change throughout the experiment. The results obtained suggest that liver alterations may occur throughout the three immunization cycles. There is a great need for new studies aimed at broadening knowledge about venom inoculation protocols in serum producer equines and minimizing the adverse effects of immunization.