Vol. 10, Issue 5, Part D (2024)

Abstract
In order to provide effective veterinary care and management, the present study aimed to understand the aerobic microflora yielding from oral and cloacal cavities of the Indian rock python (Python molurus). Oral and cloacal samples collected from the rescued P. molurus (n=10) involved in human-snake conflict situations at Agra, Uttar Pradesh were subjected to microbiological analysis. Bacterial isolates were evaluated using Gram staining and IMViC biochemical tests. Whereas the fungal isolates were evaluated through Lactophenol cotton blue staining. Eleven bacterial and three fungal strains were isolated from both oral and cloacal cultures. Compared to other strains, the incidence of Pseudomonas Sp. was found to be higher (15%) in both oral and cloacal cultures. Among the three isolated fungal strains isolated, 2 from oral and 3 from cloacal, majorly, Candida glabrata was represented with a rate of incidence of 8% and 7% in oral and cloacal cavities respectively. All the isolated aerobic microflora were opportunistic pathogens and capable of causing healthcare-associated infections in humans. The prevalence of various zoonotic microbial strains in P. molurus reveals that the snake could be potentially transferring pathogens to other animals, snake handlers, general public, and snake-bite victims. Further studies need to be conducted to understand the antibiotic resistance of these pathogens in order to prevent infections.