Diversity and antibiotic resistance profiles of bacteria isolated from the oral cavity of captive snakes

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  Diversity and antibiotic resistance profiles of bacteria isolated from the oral cavity of captive snakes Abstract Venomous snake bites are a global public health issue, causing between 81 000 and 138 000 annual deaths and 400 000 permanent disabilities. This study investigated the oral bacterial diversity and antibiotic resistance profiles in captive  Viperidae  snakes. Oral swabs from 48 specimens across four species ( Porthidium lansbergii ,  Bothriechis nigroviridis ,  Cerrophidion sasai , and  Bothrops asper ) were analyzed using culture-dependent methods. Bacterial isolation and identification using the VITEK 2 automated system revealed 41 strains from 12 genera, predominantly Gram-negative bacteria, including  Morganella morganii  (11 isolates) and  Providencia rettgeri  (10 isolates). Antibiotic susceptibility testing demonstrated significant resistance patterns, with 100% resistance to cephalothin and cefazolin i...

Comparative Histological Characterization of the Venom Apparatus in Five Iranian Scorpion Species

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Comparative Histological Characterization of the Venom Apparatus in Five Iranian Scorpion Species

Abstract

Background: Scorpion envenomation represents a significant public health concern worldwide. The telson is located at the distal part of the metasoma, where venom is secreted from a pair of venom glands. The curved stinger is responsible for venom delivery.

Methods: This study conducted a histological examination of five scorpion species, including Hottentotta juliae, Hotten­totta zagrosensis, Odontobuthus kermanus, and Scorpio maurus, which were gathered from Fars Province, as well as Hemiscorpius lepturus, collected from Khuzestan Province. The telson histology was assessed using the hematoxylin-eosin method.

Results: The exocuticle, endocuticle, and secretory epithelium, which consists of secretory and supporting cells, were identified in the tissues of all species. Cuticle pores were distributed throughout the telson. Each venom gland possesses a central lumen, where secreted venom accumulates within a venom sac. The intercalated tendon is located beneath the basal membrane and connects the glandular epithelium to the cuticle. The sizes and shapes of the secretory epithelial cells vary depending on the species.

Conclusion: While histology elucidates the structural organization of scorpion venom glands, integrating histological findings with proteomic and histochemical approaches would provide a more comprehensive understanding of venom composition and interspecific variation.

Soltan-Alinejad, P., Kargar-Jahromi, H., Karimi, F., & Azizi, K. (2025). Comparative histological characterization of the venom apparatus in five Iranian scorpion species. Journal of Arthropod-Borne Diseases, 19 (2). https://doi.org/10.18502/jad.v19i2.20193