[Distribution of antivenoms in Cameroon]

Bull Soc Pathol Exot. 2005 Nov;98(4):302-3.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Two snake antivenoms are distributed in Cameroon, though their availability in district hospitals varies. These snake antivenoms are FAV-Afrique (Aventis Pasteur) available at Centre Pasteur Cameroun and Polyvalent serum (Serum Institute of India = SII) distributed by a wholesaler (CENAME). The price remains a very important factor. We have noted that some district hospitals do not stock antivenom at all, while others stock very few and sometimes only one vial whereas a good management of snakebite may require up to 14 vials for some envenomations. However, data collected by the CAMHERP project that permit to identify high-risk areas of envenomation might be used as a database for the distribution of snake antivenom in Cameroon.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Antivenins*
  • Cameroon
  • Humans
  • Needs Assessment / statistics & numerical data*
  • Snake Venoms / antagonists & inhibitors*

Substances

  • Antivenins
  • Snake Venoms