Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Parasitic Infections in Captive Snakes, Bangladesh

Gastrointestinal (GI) parasitic infections are a common health concern in captive snakes, potentially affecting their well-being. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of helminth and protozoan infections in venomous and non-venomous snakes.

A total of 174 faecal samples were collected from venomous and non-venomous captive snakes housed at the Venom Research Centre of Chattogram, Bangladesh, between September 2024 and January 2025. Venomous snakes were housed individually in climate-controlled terrariums and received biannual deworming; faecal samples were collected six months post-treatment. In contrast, non-venomous snakes were not dewormed and were kept either individually in climate-controlled terrariums or group-housed in unregulated terrariums. All collected faecal samples underwent routine coproscopy to identify the eggs and oocysts of helminths and protozoan parasites.

Results demonstrated that the overall prevalence of GI parasitic infections was 39.1% (95% CI: 31.8-46.8). Helminths were significantly more prevalent (100%) than protozoa (8.8%). Non-venomous snakes exhibited a higher prevalence of parasitic infections (70.8%) than venomous snakes (34%). Multiple infections were more common in non-venomous snakes (76.5%) than in venomous snakes (47.1%). Nematodes were the most frequently detected helminths (91.2%), while Cestodes were found only in venomous snakes. Among venomous snakes, Ophiophagus hannah had the highest infection rate (66.7%), while among non-venomous species, Python molurus and Ptyas mucosa showed the highest prevalence (80%). Risk factor analysis revealed that juveniles had significantly higher odds of infection (aOR = 2.55, p = 0.005), while snakes housed in controlled terrariums had lower infection risks (aOR = 0.143, p = 0.001).

This study provides the first record of GI parasitic infections in venomous and non-venomous captive snakes in Bangladesh, highlighting the need for regular monitoring and appropriate therapeutic measures to mitigate their impact.