Question

Suppose that a snake handler bitten by a particularly nasty snake species was treated with antivenin. Why might the same treatment for a second such bite have a harmful side effect?

Short answer

If a snake handler is bitten by a certain poisonous snake species and is treated with antivenin, the handler may develop immunity to the antivenin proteins, resulting in a solid immunological reaction to another injection.

Step-by-step solution

Immunity

Infections are fought by immunity, which is a defense mechanism of the human body. Innate immunity, often known as inborn immunity, is one type of immunity. A different kind of immunity that has been developed over time via practice or training is known as acquired immunity.

Immunological response

An immune response detects an invading material (antigen such as a virus, fungus, bacterium, or transplanted organ) and produces antibodies against it to protect the human body from infection. It is also known as the immunological response.

Antivenin

Some antibodies are directed against snake venom proteins called antivenins or antivenoms. Antivenin from the Crotalidae family is used to treat people who have been bitten by snakes, such as rattlesnake or water moccasin.

In the case of a second bite, a strong immunological response is developed, which can be severe for the snake handler and can cause death.