Bacterial Diversity in Certain Captive Snake Species in Bulgaria: A One Health Challenge—Pilot Study

Snakes are becoming increasingly popular as companion animals in Bulgaria, yet their potential as reservoirs for zoonotic pathogens remains underexplored. This study investigates bacterial carriage in domesticated snakes and evaluates the public health risks associated with their handling. Materials and methods: Bacteriological analysis was performed on 29 snake samples from various species, including pythons, boas, corn snakes, and a venomous species. All individuals were raised in controlled environments and primarily fed frozen rodents. Standard microbiological techniques were employed for bacterial isolation and identification, and the results were confirmed using the Vitek 2 Compact System. Results: Salmonella enterica (group B) was isolated from 8 samples, indicating a notable prevalence of this pathogen among the examined snakes. Additionally, several other bacterial genera were identified, including Pseudomonas spp., Staphylococcus spp., Proteus spp., Enterobacteriaceae spp., Sphingomonas paucimobilis, Enterococcus spp., Bacillus spp., Achromobacter denitrificans, Citrobacter koseri, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Conclusion: The study highlights the zoonotic risks associated with snake ownership, particularly through direct contact with the reptiles or exposure to contaminated environments. Food sources may act as vectors for microbial contamination. To mitigate the risk of bacterial transmission between snakes and humans, it is crucial to adopt rigorous hygiene practices, conduct regular health monitoring of the snakes, and implement proper protocols for feeding and cleaning.