History of the Venomous Animals Research and Anti-Venom Preparation Department

Document Type : Original Articles

Authors

1 Venomous Animals and Anti-Venom Preparation Department, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute.

2 Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization, Karaj, Iran.

10.32592/ARI.2025.80.SpecialIssue.41

Abstract

Iran's diverse regional conditions make it home to a rich variety of animals and plants. This includes venomous animals such as snakes, scorpions, and spiders. Historically, human bites from these animals have posed a significant threat to public health. Several decades after the establishment of Razi Institute, which was the only authorized center for producing therapeutic serum in the country, the institute began exploring the possibility of preparing and producing antivenom serum in the second half of 1957. The institute decided to establish a snake venom research and serum production laboratory to identify, classify, and extract venom from local and endemic snakes to achieve optimal results. In July 1960, the late Dr. Latifi realized this initiative, resulting in the establishment of a laboratory dedicated to studying venomous animals and venom production in Iran. Initially, the snake research unit focused on collecting and identifying snakes from Iran and around the world to build an extensive collection. They also published numerous books and articles on the subject. Training skilled personnel in collecting, maintaining, feeding, and extracting venom from snakes was also emphasized, highlighting the importance of specialized staff in this field. During this period, 20 milligrams of cobra venom and 13 milligrams of Macrovipera lebetinus (blunt-nosed viper) venom were lyophilized and prepared. In 1962, venom was extracted from two types of venomous snakes: The Central Asian cobra and the Macrovipera lebetinus (blunt-nosed viper). The divalent serum was produced. By 1963, the snake research laboratory had been upgraded to include units for producing serum and venom. Thirty-three species were identified, and a polyvalent serum was produced against four native Iranian venomous snake species. This serum was then provided to health organizations. Additionally, monovalent serum was prepared for each species of snake to treat potential bites among the staff.

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References

  • The department's academic achievements over time include:

    • Publication of over ten specialized scientific books on snakes, scorpions, and toxicology
    • Publication of over 150 scientific articles in international journals
    • Hosting dozens of workshops on venoms and antivenoms
    • Updating and improving first aid methods for envenomation

    Heads of the department:

    • Late Dr. Mahmoud Latifi from the beginning until 1991

    Dr. Abolfazl Akbari (1991-2005)

    • Dr. Abbas Zare Mirak Abadi from 2006 to 2011
    • Dr. Abolfazl Akbari again, from 2012 to 2014
    • Dr. Naser Mohammadpour from mid-2014 to mid-2024
    • Dr. Abbas Zarei, from mid-2024 (1403) to the present
Archives of Razi Institute
Volume 80, Special Issue - Serial Number 1
Special Issue_ 100th Anniversary
2025
Pages 41-44

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