ABSTRACT
The first studies on snakebites in Brazil, including aetiological, clinical and epidemiological figures, were performed by the same author in the classical "La defense contre l'ophidisme". Other authors of importance include Houssay6 who started the production of antivenom in Argentina and Posados Arango who proposed the utilization of antivenom in Colombia. This chapter presents much of the information that is based on the experience of the authors at Hospital Vital Brazil (HVB). It tabulates the most important species known in South America. Human snakebites occur more frequently in rural areas, affecting mainly agricultural workers deprived of basic protection equipment. In rain forest snake bite injuries assume a particular importance because adequate medical facilities and personnel needed to provide specific treatment are often lacking. The first steps in the history of serumtherapy against snakebites in South America started with Vital Brazil.
