The identification of bacterial flora in oral cavity of snakes

Abstract

Snakebites are a great public health concern in tropical and subtropical countries. It cannot only cause poisoning but also yield some infections in victims. There are some pathogenic agents in snake's oral flora. This study was carried out to determine bacterial agents existing in the oral cavity of venomous and non-venomous snakes in Kashan, Iran. Using sterile swabs, the samples were obtained in two stages from the oral cavity of 11 venomous and non-venomous snakes before feeding and 3 weeks later. Then, they were cultured on Mac Conkey blood agar mediums. Gram staining of all samples was performed. Appropriate mediums and tests were fulfilled to determine gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. The highest rate of infection belonged to coagulasenegative Staphylococcus (34.5 %) and the lowest rate was for Pseudomonas (3.1 %). Salmonella (18.8 %); Escherichia and Providencia (each 12.5 %); and Proteus, Enterococcus, and Bacillus (each 6.2 %) were other contributing pathogens found in snakes oral cavity. The obtained findings demonstrated significant bacterial pathogens in oral cavity of venomous and non-venomous snakes. Therefore, not only anti-venom treatment but also, due the probability of infections, the diagnosis and treatment should be considered in victims.

Oral microbiota in healthy Bothrops atrox (Serpentes: Viperidae) and in snakes with stomatitis

“…In a recent study, Dehghani et al (2016) analyzed oral cavity of venomous and non-venomous snakes and related that were similarly with the present study. The authors revealed the presence of Staphylococcus (34.5 %) being the highest rate of infection and the lowest rate was represented for Pseudomonas (3.1 %), Proteus, Enterococcus, and Bacillus (each 6.2 %), Providencia (each 12.5 %), Salmonella (18.8 %) and Escherichia.…”

First Report of Micrococcus luteus in the Buccal Cavity of Bearded Dragon (Pogona vitticeps) in Namibia

“…Variations, however, may be present among bearded dragons depending on the diet based on whether they are kept as pets (captive) or in the wild 16 . As such, the oral cavity of snakes and other reptiles alike are more often than not infected by aerobic bacteria 17 .…”

“…The same concern is raised in snakes as venom is not the only challenge presented by venomous snakes. As such bacterial infections are often reported following snake bite incidents in cases were the patient survives the bite 16,17 .…”

Comparison of Various Methods of Collecting Scorpions (Arachnida, Scorpiones) in Khuzestan Province, Southwestern Iran

“…Although the fauna diversity stretches from Iranian islands in Persian Gulf to northern region of the country, they are more frequent in hot climates. Every year, there are reported cases of scorpion stings and snakebites (4)(5)(6)(7). Scorpions have been initially important for their grievous, toxic and in some cases deadly sting (8).…”