The Shiro Copr - Python or Bungarus candidus Known as one of the most deadly venomous snake species in Southeast Asia. Although often compared to cobras because both are venomous, research has proven that the venom of the king cobra is even more dangerous than its popular relative. What makes this snake's venom so deadly?
Neurotoxic: Attacking Nerves in Hours
According to Syahfitri Anita, a venom researcher from the Biology Research Center of LIPI (now BRIN), the banded krait can be neurotoxic, meaning it directly attacks the central nervous system. The initial effects can appear within just a few hours, characterized by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, drooping eyelids, and difficulty breathing.
"If not treated medically immediately, the victim can die within 12-24 hours," said Syahfitri to Antara in February 2020.
Toxicology studies show that the lethal dose (LD50) for mice is only 0.06–0.23 micrograms per gram of body weight. For comparison, the lethal dose for a human weighing 75 kg is only 1 mg, while this snake is capable of injecting up to 5 mg in one bite—enough to kill several people at once if not treated immediately.
Weling snake bites can only be treated with specific antivenom for weling snakes. Although general antivenom is sometimes used, its effectiveness is not optimal. The antibodies in the antivenom should work by binding to toxin molecules and then neutralizing their effects. However, the type of toxins in weling snake venom—especially three-finger toxins (3FTxs) dan Kunitz-type inhibitors —proven to be very strong and fast in paralyzing the neuromuscular system.
"Antidote must be specific to the king cobra venom. Without it, treatment only relieves some symptoms, not neutralizes the poison," explained Syahfitri.
Systemic Impact: Not Just Nerves, but Also Heart and Kidneys
Research conducted in July 2010 and published in Asian Biomedicine revealed that the venom of the king cobra not only causes paralysis, but also damages the circulatory system and kidney function. Within two minutes after injection, blood pressure dropped drastically and remained low for more than two hours.
"The drop in blood pressure and cardiac output caused by this toxin is similar to the effect of calcium channel blockers, but in this case, it is dangerous," said the lead researcher of the study.
Decreased renal blood flow and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) indicate potential acute kidney failure. Excretion of sodium, potassium, and chloride also decreases, which can lead to serious electrolyte disturbances if left untreated. In some cases, it is also detected rhabdomyolysis , that is muscle tissue damage causing a spike in CPK and LDH enzymes - a condition that can trigger life-threatening heart rhythm disturbances.
High Mortality If Not Treated Immediately
Data from Thailand shows that before antivenom was available, the death rate due to Russell's viper bites reached 33%, and some international literature mentions that the death rate could reach 60-70% if not treated.
Common symptoms that appear include:
- Progressive muscle paralysis
- Hypotension (low blood pressure)
- Respiratory disorder
- Heart rhythm disorder
- Kidney function decline
First Aid for a Bite: Stay Calm and Seek Help Immediately
When a bite occurs, the first step is to stay calm and minimize movement. High body mobility will only accelerate the spread of poison through the blood vessels. If possible, remember the physical characteristics of the snake that bit you—color, pattern, and size—because this information is important for identification and proper treatment.
"Try to remember the characteristics of the snake and immediately seek medical help," said Syahfitri.
Snakebite from a king cobra is a medical emergency, and recent research shows that treatment approaches cannot focus solely on neurological effects. Monitoring of heart function, kidney function, and blood pressure is also crucial for patient safety.
With this real threat, it is already time for Indonesia to develop a specific antivenom for Bungarus candidus , as well as socializing first aid measures to the general public.
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