Parasites and microorganisms associated with the snakes collected for the "festa Dei serpari" in Cocullo, Italy
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View abstract on PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.Snakes in Italy's Cocullo ritual carry zoonotic pathogens like Rickettsia and Leishmania. This study identified parasites and microorganisms in 112 snakes, revealing potential risks in this unique cultural event.
Area Of Science
- Veterinary Parasitology
- Zoonotic Disease Epidemiology
- Cultural Anthropology
Background
- The town of Cocullo, Italy, annually celebrates a unique ritual involving the collection and display of non-venomous snakes.
- This tradition, known as the
Purpose Of The Study
- To investigate the presence of zoonotic pathogens in snakes involved in the Cocullo ritual.
- To understand the epidemiological context of potential disease transmission between snakes and humans in this unique setting.
Main Methods
- Examined 112 snakes, collecting ectoparasites, blood, and fecal samples.
- Identified ectoparasites morpho-molecularly.
- Performed molecular screening for various parasites and microorganisms in collected samples.
Main Results
- 28.5% (32/112) of snakes tested positive for at least one parasite or microorganism.
- Identified endosymbiont Wolbachia bacteria in mites.
- Detected zoonotic pathogens (Rickettsia, Leishmania) and orally transmitted pathogens (Cryptosporidium, Giardia) in snake samples.
Conclusions
- Snakes in Cocullo harbor a range of parasites and zoonotic pathogens.
- Findings can inform conservation policies for human-snake interactions.
- Preserving cultural heritage while managing public health risks is crucial.
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