Analysis of Fang Puncture Wound Patterns in Isfahan Province’s, Iran, Venomous and Non-Venomous Snakes

Aims Venomous snake bites are public health problems in different parts of the world.The most specific mainstay in the treatment of envenomation is anti-venom. To treat theenvenomation, it is very important to identify the offending species. This study was designedto determine the penetrating pattern of fangs and teeth of some viper snakes.Materials & Methods This descriptive study was performed on live venomous and nonvenomoussnakes from 2010 till 2011. All 47 sample snakes were collected from differentregions of Isfahan province such as Kashan City, Ghamsar, Niasar, Mashhad Ardehal, Taher-Abad and Khozagh. Their mouths were inspected every two weeks and development of theirfangs and teeth were recorded by taking clear digital photos. Fangs and teeth patterns ofsamples were drawn and the results were compared.Findings One or two wounds appeared as typical fang marks at the bite site of venomoussnakes while non-venomous snakes had two carved rows of small teeth. Three different teethand fang patterns were recognized in venomous snakes which were completely different.Conclusion The fang marks of venomous snakes do not always have a common and classicpattern and there are at least 3 different patterns in Isfahan province, Iran.

Keywords:

Bites and Stings , Snake Venoms , Venoms , Viper Venoms