Antibacterial and Hemolytic Activity of Crotalus triseriatus and Crotalus ravus Venom

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Rattlesnakes (Crotalus ravus and Crotalus triseriatus) have some compounds that resemble polypeptides and proteins in their venoms which can be used in therapeutic treatment as antibacterial compounds. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the antibacterial and hemolytic activity of two rattlesnake venoms. The results of the present study indicate that the evaluated venoms have bactericidal activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, an important bacterium that affects animals and humans, thereby providing a new and efficient treatment alternative against this pathogenic bacterium. ABSTRACT: Rattlesnakes have venoms with a complex toxin mixture comprised of polypeptides and proteins. Previous studies have shown that some of these polypeptides are of high value for the development of new medical treatments. The aim of the present study is to evaluate, in vitro, the antibacterial and hemolytic activity of Crotalus triseriatus and Crotalus ravus venoms. A direct field search was conducted to obtain Crotalus triseriatus and Crotalus ravus venom samples. These were evaluated to determine their antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa through the techniques of Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC). Hemolytic activity was also determined. Antibacterial activity was determined for treatments (Crotalus triseriatus 2) CT2 and (Crotalus ravus 3) CR3, obtaining a Minimum Inhibitory Concentration of 50 µg/mL and a Minimum Bactericidal Concentration of 100 µg/mL against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. CT1 (Crotalus triseriatus 1), CT2, and CR3 presented hemolytic activity; on the other hand, Crotalus ravus 4 (CR4) did not show hemolytic activity. The results of the present study indicate for the first time that Crotalus triseriatus and Crotalus ravus venoms contain some bioactive compounds with bactericidal activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa which could be used as alternative treatment in diseases caused by this pathogenic bacterium.