Namibian spitting cobra, Naja nigricincta nigricincta (Zebra snake): Antibiotic profile of bacteria cultured from the oral pharynx, venom and snakebite wounds

Abstract

This was a cross-sectional study with the aim of characterising Naja nigricincta nigricincta’s oral bacterial flora as well as accompanying sensitivities and resistance towards antibiotics. Naja nigricincta nigricincta (zebra snake) is a spitting cobra indigenous to Namibia. Nasopharyngeal and venom swabs for bacterial culture and antibiotic sensitivity were taken from 37 native zebra snakes originating from the Khomas region that were captured for removal and relocation. Enterococcus faecalis, Proteus spp., Morganella morganii and Pseudomonas spp. were the organisms most often cultured. The antibiotic sensitivity profiles of these organisms suggest ciprofloxacin or a third-generation cephalosporin plus gentamicin or piperacillin-tazobactam as prophylactic antibiotics in case of Naja nigricincta nigricincta bites.

Keywords

• Naja nigricincta nigricincta
• snake bite
• wound infection
• oral flora Enterococcus faecalis
• Proteus spp, Morganella morganii