Photobiomodulation with Combined Wavelengths Results in Improved Clinical Recovery in a Murine Model of <i>Bothrops leucurus</i> Venom Envenomation.

Abstract

Snakebite envenomation by <i>Bothrops</i> species is a neglected tropical disease and a major cause of local tissue damage and disability in Latin America. Antivenom therapy is effective against systemic effects but fails to prevent local myonecrosis, inflammation, and pain. This study evaluated photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) using infrared (808 nm) alone or in combination with red (660 nm) laser in a murine model of <i>Bothrops leucurus</i> envenomation. A single PBMT session was applied, and animals were evaluated at 24 and 72 h. Combined treatment significantly reduced edema, hyperthermia, plasma CK and LDH, restored nociceptive thresholds, and improved motor recovery compared with infrared alone. Principal component analysis demonstrated clustering of combined-treatment animals with negative controls, supporting a synergistic therapeutic effect. These findings highlight dual-wavelength PBMT as a promising adjunctive approach to antivenom, directly targeting local venom-induced pathology.