BP saliva characteristics

[covah-pariah]

Does anyone know or can help point me in the direction of information about the characteristics of the normal saliva of a BP? Basically, I'm trying to find out if are there bacteria that naturally live there, or anything else in there. All the searches I've done came up with mouth rot or something for another snake. thanks.

- Rich

[Mike41793]

My bps saliva seems to be moist, very moist. Other than that i got nothing for you bud. Sorry!

[covah-pariah]

I'm more wondering if they carry bacteria like E.coli, staph, clostridium, pasturella, or something like that. thanks though

[coolballsdave]

I'd get on scholar.google.com and search for it. Not much research has been done on ball pythons but you may find something.

[The Serpent Merchant]

I wouldn't be worried about that, I haven't ever heard of anyone ever catching any of that from a BP.

I seriously doubt anyone has ever studied this. If you are really worried maybe your vet can swab your BP's mouth and do a culture

As I said I wouldn't be worried.

[covah-pariah]

I know there isn't much research done on this, that's why I'm trying to do some now to do it as a research project for my bio degree. I was just hoping if anyone had some information already I could use as a reference.

I've already swabbed the mouth of one of my snakes and am trying to identify the culture right now but it's proving difficult. An early test on an agar plate for E. coli tested neg but a different test later tested pos so I just did another on Friday. I keep gaining more questions than answers :/

[mackynz]

Bacteria live everywhere... If you found that there were none I would be absolutely shocked.

For some reason E. coli rings a bell.

Two seconds on google brought this up http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8874723
Sounds like whatever types there are don't hold the stain (that would make it a bit hard to ID them) I am guessing if you spend a little time on google you will find your answers.

[covah-pariah]

OUTSTANDING! this is something I've been trying to find. it doesn't give TOO much information on it, but it's better than what I had. thank you.

[Andybill]

I would assume a vet that specializes in reptiles would know. I am not sure if they are willing to take calls but if you find some numbers its worth a shot i suppose...

[mackynz]

OUTSTANDING! this is something I've been trying to find. it doesn't give TOO much information on it, but it's better than what I had. thank you.

If I get bored at work tomorrow and remember this thread I will look and see if I can come up with anything else.