Abstract

Background:
A significant number of snake bite is reported every year from Mizoram, majority of which are considered to be Trimeresurus erythrurus. Occurrence of deaths from deadly venomous to mildly venomous snake bites have also been reflected in records. Even if the bites are not fatal, they cause a significant problem as they are often associated with secondary bacterial infection. This is believed to significantly contribute to complications in addition to the effect of venom.

Aim:
Here we attempt to capture aerobic bacterial diversity from the oro-pharyngeal swabs of wild displaced snakes through culture and automated bacterial identification system.

Methods:
Oro-pharyngeal swabs were collected from 10 snakes (Trimeresurus erythrurus). The swabs were cultured using standard microbiological techniques and bacterial isolates were identified with BD PHOENIX automated microbiology system (Becton Dickinson Diagnostic Systems, Sparks, Md.).

Results:
The assay showed the presence of Enterobacter cloacae, Staphylococcus sciuri, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus porcinus, Alcaligens faecalis, Yersinia pseudotuberculosis and Proteus vulgaris in the oral swab culture.

Conclusion:
The detection of various pathogenic bacteria in the oral swab culture highlights the infectious potential and emphasizes their significance in the management of snakebite wounds and affirms the importance of administering antibiotic prophylaxis in snakebites.

Key words: Oral microflora, snakes, Mizoram, snake bite