Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Parasitic Infections in Captive Snakes, Bangladesh.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Gastrointestinal (GI) parasitic infections are a common health concern in captive snakes, potentially affecting their well-being. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of helminth and protozoan infections in venomous and non-venomous snakes. METHODS: A total of 174 faecal samples were collected from venomous and non-venomous captive snakes housed at the Venom Research Centre of Chattogram, Bangladesh, between September 2024 and January 2025. Venomous snakes were housed individually in climate-controlled terrariums and received biannual deworming; faecal samples were collected six months post-treatment. In contrast, non-venomous snakes were not dewormed and were kept either individually in climate-controlled terrariums or group-housed in unregulated terrariums. All collected faecal samples underwent routine coproscopy to identify the eggs and oocysts of helminths and protozoan parasites. RESULTS: Results demonstrated that the overall prevalence of GI parasitic infections was 39.1% (95% CI: 31.8-46.8). Helminths were significantly more prevalent (100%) than protozoa (8.8%). Non-venomous snakes exhibited a higher prevalence of parasitic infections (70.8%) than venomous snakes (34%). Multiple infections were more common in non-venomous snakes (76.5%) than in venomous snakes (47.1%). Nematodes were the most frequently detected helminths (91.2%), while Cestodes were found only in venomous snakes. Among venomous snakes, Ophiophagus hannah had the highest infection rate (66.7%), while among non-venomous species, Python molurus and Ptyas mucosa showed the highest prevalence (80%). Risk factor analysis revealed that juveniles had significantly higher odds of infection (aOR = 2.55, p = 0.005), while snakes housed in controlled terrariums had lower infection risks (aOR = 0.143, p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: This study provides the first record of GI parasitic infections in venomous and non-venomous captive snakes in Bangladesh, highlighting the need for regular monitoring and appropriate therapeutic measures to mitigate their impact.