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Normal oral bacterial flora from some southern African snakes
1Leslie Williams Memorial Hospital, Carletonville, South Africa.
The Onderstepoort Journal of Veterinary Research
|January 5, 2002
Summary
Snake oral bacteria are common, with venomous snakes harboring more diverse bacteria than non-venomous ones. Bacterial presence varied over time and location, with higher diversity in venomous snakes during winter.
Area of Science:
- Herpetology
- Microbiology
- Veterinary Medicine
Background:
- The oral microbiome of snakes is not fully characterized.
- Understanding snake oral flora is crucial for reptile health and disease management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the bacterial composition of snake oral swabs.
- To compare oral bacterial flora between venomous and non-venomous snakes.
- To identify factors influencing oral bacterial diversity in snakes.
Main Methods:
- Mouth swabs were collected from 18 snakes (11 species) on 58 occasions.
- Bacterial isolates were cultured and identified.
- Statistical analysis was used to compare bacterial prevalence and diversity.
Main Results:
- 52.2% of swabs were positive for bacteria, with 92 isolates from 30 species.
- Enterobacteriaceae comprised the majority (81.5%) of isolates.
- Oral swabs from venomous snakes were less frequently sterile than from non-venomous snakes (P = 0.0107).
- Bacterial flora varied over time, species, and location.
- Proteus spp., Pseudomonas spp., Salmonella arizonae, and Staphylococcus epidermidis were most common.
- Higher bacterial diversity was observed in venomous snakes during winter (P=0.0192).
Conclusions:
- Snakes harbor a diverse oral microbiome, predominantly Enterobacteriaceae.
- Venomous snakes exhibit a more complex oral bacterial flora than non-venomous snakes.
- Oral bacterial composition in snakes is dynamic and influenced by season, particularly in venomous species.