6/11/2023 0 Comments Taipan snakeUnfortunately the Mulga Snake is not immune to the toxic Cane Toad, which is thought to have led to the snake’s decline in some northern parts of its range. Mulga Snakes are apparently immune to the venom of at least one of their snake prey, the Western Brown Snake Pseudonaja nuchalis, and show no ill-effects when bitten by their own species. The species also occasionally eats invertebrates and carrion. In the wild, Mulga Snakes feed on a wide variety of vertebrate prey, including frogs, reptiles, reptile eggs, bird eggs, birds and mammals. Southern specimens that are typically darker coloured have been observed basking in winter. They shelter in disused animal burrows, in deep soil cracks, under fallen timber and large rocks, and in deep crevices and rock cavities in outcrops. Mulga Snakes may also occur in highly disturbed areas such as wheat fields. The species occurs in a wide variety of habitats, from closed tropical mosoon forest to Triodia hummock grassland, chenopod shrubland and almost bare gibber or sandy desert. Mid body scales in 17 rows, ventrals 185-225, anal scale divided, subcaudals single anteriorly and divided posteriorly (occasionally all single). The belly is cream to salmon-coloured, and often has scattered orange blotches. The eyes are relatively small with a pale reddish brown iris. The tail is usually darker than the body and the top of the head is a uniform colour similar to the dark of the body scales. Individuals from the far northern arid areas have almost no darker pigment whereas southern populations are almost black. The base of the scale is usually yellowish white to greenish yellow, contrasting with the darker colour to produce a reticulated effect. The scales on the back, sides and tail are usually two-toned a darker colour covers the distal portion of the scale to various degrees (from just the very tip to almost the entire scale) and may be brown, reddish brown, coppery brown or brownish black. Juvenile snakes may be of average built but adults are usually quite robust, with a broad deep head and bulbous cheeks. Recent molecular studies have lent support to the identification of a number of cryptic species within P. Number of speciesĪ number of new species of mulga snake have been proposed, however at present only one species is universally recognised, Pseudechis australis. Further clinical correlation of patients’ phenotype with LA results will inform on whether TSVT is still needed given the efficacy of DOAC-Stop.As debate continues over its taxonomic identity, there’s no doubting the Mulga Snake’s status as one of Australia’s most formidable snakes. AnticoagulantĬonclusions: DOAC-Stop™ removed anti-Xa activity, allowing interpretation of dRVVT and dAPTT results, and may reduce the rate of positive LA results seen in our laboratory if TSVT is not used. 16/20 control results were consistent with LA by TSVT, including 10 positive by both TSVT and DRVVT/ DAPTT (Table 2). Post-DOAC-Stop™, 17/70 DOAC results were consistent with LA, 15/70 by TSVT and 5/70 by dRVVT/dAPTT, with 3/17 samples positive by both TSVT and dRVVT/dAPTT. No significant change in TSVT results was seen pre/post tablet in either patient group. Post-treatment results showed normalisation of dRVVT and dAPTT ratio ( p <0.001) for patients on DOAC as compared with control samples. LA test results for neat plasma and post DOAC removalĦ9/70 (99%) DOAC anti-Xa levels were reduced from 20-651ng/ml to below assay detection limits by use of DOAC-Stop™, 1 measureable Edoxaban level of 6.6ng/ml post DOAC-Stop™ was reduced from 73.4ng/ml (detection limit =5ng/ml). Data were compared using the paired student t-test. Methods: Samples from patients on DOACs (n=70) ((Rivaroxaban (n=39), Apixaban (n=22), Edoxaban (n=9)) and a control group (n=20) (VKA / no anticoagulation) were tested using drug specific anti-Xa, dRVVT, dAPTT and TSVT, pre and post addition of DOAC-Stop™. DOAC-Stop™, an activated charcoal tablet designed to adsorb DOAC to restore normal Xa activity, we assess its use to determine the ongoing need for TSVT.Īims: To determine LA detection rates pre / post addition of DOACstop™ to DOAC samples using dRVVT, dAPTT and TSVT. Local LA screening includes Taipan Snake Venom Time (TSVT) for patients on oral anticoagulation. Direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) can interfere with dRVVT and dAPTT testing. Theme: Venous Thromboembolism » Antiphospholipid Syndromeīackground: The dilute Russell’s viper venom time (dRVVT) and dilute APTT (dAPTT) remain guideline recommended assays for Lupus Anticoagulant (LA) screening.
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