The puff adder (Bitis arietans) is a highly venomous viper responsible for many snakebite fatalities in Africa, yet there have been few geographically comprehensive analyses of its venom proteins, particularly of the proteases that play a key role in pathology of envenoming. New research characterises venom metalloproteases from populations across Africa, identifying a key enzyme present in all samples. These findings provide new insight into how puff adder venom causes damage and may help inform the development of therapeutic interventions.

 

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