Semi-nested PCR for molecular identification of snake species from human snakebite wounds: recovery of snake DNA where conventional PCR fails.

Identifying the biting snake supports envenomation surveillance, yet molecular identification from bite-site swabs is limited because snake DNA is a minor component relative to human DNA. In two clinical specimens where conventional PCR failed, a semi-nested protocol targeting cytb recovered species-level identification of Gloydius blomhoffii and the non-venomous Elaphe climacophora, corroborated by phylogenetic placement. These preliminary observations suggest semi-nested amplification may aid molecular snakebite surveillance and warrant larger validation.