The fight against malaria has been given a significant boost after scientists made a genetically modified fungus containing spider venom and found that it wiped out disease-carrying mosquitoes within days.

It was found to enhance the lethal efficacy of the spider venom by acting together with oxyopinins.

Each vial of the product contains 125 units of antivenom which has been standardized to neutralize 1.25 mg of funnel web spider venom.

Most primates, including humans, appear to be extremely sensitive to the funnel web spiders venom.

In various combinations and concentrations, medically significant spider venoms include necrotic agents, neurotoxins, and pharmacologically active compounds such as serotonin.