Oral flora of Python regius kept as pets

• DOI: 10.1111/lam.12214
• Publication Date: 2014-01-03T09:27:59Z
• Authors: L. Dipineto; T.P. Russo; M. Calabria; L. De Rosa; M. Capasso; L.F. Menna; L. Borrelli; A. Fioretti
• Keywords: Morganella morganii; Acinetobacter calcoaceticus

This study was aimed at evaluating the oral bacterial flora of 60 Python regius kept as pets by culture and biochemical methods. All isolates were also submitted to antimicrobial susceptibility testing using disc diffusion method. The cavity snakes sampled harboured a wide range Gram-negative bacteria mainly constituted Pseudomonas spp., Morganella morganii, Acinetobacter calcoaceticus, Aeromonas hydrophila, but Salmonella spp. Staphylococcus commonest Gram-positive isolates, various anaerobic Clostridium species found. most effective agents enrofloxacin ciprofloxacin, followed doxycycline gentamicin.The bacteria. Our results suggest that people who come in contact with could be risk infection should follow proper hygiene practices when handling these reptiles.