Geographic Variation in the Peptidome Fraction of the Venom of Naja naja naja (Indian Cobra) Species as Analysed by MALDITOF; Implications on Antivenin Development

Purpose: Several studies have shown that the commercially available antivenoms are ineffective in neutralizing the toxic and lethal effects. In this study, we aimed at analysing the comparative peptidome fractions of venoms of Indian Cobra (Naja naja) species from three distinct geographical (western, southern and eastern) egions of India. MALDI spectra of the regional venoms were recorded in positive ion mode using a Bruker Daltonics Ultraflex TOF/TOF spectrometer. Results: It was observed that the peptidome fraction of Naja naja species of different regions, varied greatly in MALDI-TOF spectral profile in the 1-40 KDa window. The peptide pattern of the three regional venoms had similarities in containing 27, 20, 13 and 6.7 KDa toxin components. Further, it was interesting to note that the eastern regional venom sample contained an abundant ~5.7 KDa peptide which was completely absent in other regional venoms, which might be the reason for high toxic and lethal effect. Conclusion: The geographical venom variability in peptidome fraction reported here may have an impact in the selection of specimens for antivenom production and highlights the necessity of use of pooled venoms as representative venom for antivenom production.