OBJECTIVE To determine the oral bacterial flora associated with two common local venomous snakes in Hong Kong, namely the Chinese cobra (Naja atra) and the bamboo pit viper (Trimeresurus albolabris). DESIGN Cross-sectional study. SETTING A non-government organisation and a regional hospital in Hong Kong. SUBJECTS Thirty-two Chinese cobras and seven bamboo pit vipers. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUR...

Pathogenic bacteria constitute a serious threat to viability of many organisms. Because growth of most bacteria is favored by humid and warm environmental conditions, earlier reproducers in seasonal environments should suffer less from the negative consequences of pathogenic bacteria. These relationships, and the effects on reproductive success, should be particularly prominent in predators bec...