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Bacterial community associated with the surface and inside of centipede forcipules: Identification and

Yasutaka Tanaka1, Daiki Mizushima2, Yoshimitsu Izawa1

  • 1Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan.

Plos One
|January 16, 2026
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Centipede forcipules harbor diverse bacteria, with Staphylococcus identified as a minor component. Thorough wound cleaning after a centipede bite is crucial to prevent secondary infections.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Toxicology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Centipede bites in tropical/subtropical regions can cause discomfort and infections, including necrotizing soft tissue infection (NSTI).
  • Limited information exists on bacteria residing on centipede forcipules, the venom-injecting appendages.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify bacterial species present on centipede forcipules.
  • To assess the potential role of these bacteria in post-bite infections.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of bacterial communities on forcipules of Scolopendra mutilans, Scolopendra japonica, and Bothropolys rugosus using 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid gene sequencing.
  • Microbiome analysis of collected centipede samples from Japan.

Main Results:

  • A diverse bacterial community was detected on the centipede forcipules.
  • Staphylococcus, a genus associated with NSTI, was found as a minor bacterial population.

Conclusions:

  • This study is the first to report bacteria on centipede forcipules, with some previously isolated from centipede bite infections.
  • The risk of infection from these bacteria appears low, but thorough wound cleaning is essential to prevent secondary infections.

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