Characterization of the Oral Microbiota of Captive Viperid Snakes in Panama
This study aims to characterize the oral microbiota of medically important venomous snakes in Panama through 16S rRNA V3-V4 next-generation sequencing, marking the first time this methodology has been applied to captive species within the country. The investigation seeks to bridge a critical knowledge gap regarding the bacterial composition of snake oral flora, including potentially pathogenic species like Morganella morganii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which are frequently implicated in secondary wound infections following envenomation. By establishing a foundational microbiome dataset, this research addresses a significant public health challenge in a region where geographic and healthcare inequities disproportionately affect rural and Indigenous populations. Ultimately, the findings aim to move beyond empiric broad-spectrum antibiotic use, providing evidence-based microbiological insights to develop targeted antimicrobial strategies and mitigate the emergence of antibiotic resistance in snakebite management.