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[Desiccated rattlesnake capsules: a potential source of gram-negative bacterial infection]
G Márquez-Dávila1, C Martínez-Barreda, I Suárez-Ramírez
1Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Laboratorios Clínicos de Puebla, México.
Abstract:
The ingestion of rattlesnake powder capsules is frequent in Mexico in view of their alleged curative properties in various diseases, among them different malignancies. Based on previous reports showing both bacteremia and septicemia in patients with malignant diseases ingesting such capsules, we conducted a study to evaluate the presence of microorganisms in 16 different preparations of rattlesnake powder capsules, obtained in six different cities of our country. We found that all the samples were significantly contaminated with gram-negative coliform bacteria: Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter agglomerans, E. cloacae, Salmonella arizona and Salmonella of groups B, E4 and G. Eighty one percent of the capsules were contaminated with Salmonella sp. The most frequent was S. arizona with a natural reservoir in snakes. Contamination was probably derived from both the flesh of the snake and fecal contamination during the domestic preparation of the powder to produce the capsules. These data, together with those previously published regarding bacteremia and septicemia derived from the ingestion of the capsules, suggests that there is danger in their use.
Insights
Rattlesnake powder capsules, used in Mexico for alleged health benefits, are frequently contaminated with harmful bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella. This contamination poses a significant health risk to consumers, especially those with existing conditions.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Public Health
- Ethnobotany
Background:
- Rattlesnake powder capsules are widely consumed in Mexico for purported medicinal benefits, including cancer treatment.
- Previous studies have linked the ingestion of these capsules to bacteremia and septicemia in patients with malignant diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the microbiological contamination of rattlesnake powder capsules available in Mexico.
- To identify specific microorganisms present in these preparations and assess potential health risks.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 16 rattlesnake powder capsule samples from six different cities in Mexico.
- Microbiological culturing and identification of bacterial contaminants, focusing on gram-negative coliforms and Salmonella species.
Main Results:
- All tested capsule samples showed significant contamination with gram-negative coliform bacteria, including Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter agglomerans, E. cloacae.
- Eighty-one percent of the samples were contaminated with Salmonella species, with Salmonella arizona being the most frequent isolate.
- Contamination likely originated from the snake's tissues and fecal matter during capsule preparation.
Conclusions:
- The widespread microbiological contamination of rattlesnake powder capsules indicates a substantial health hazard.
- Findings support previous reports of bacteremia and septicemia associated with capsule ingestion, underscoring the danger of their use.
- Public health interventions are needed to address the risks associated with consuming contaminated traditional remedies.