Table 1 Mycoplasmal detection rates using PCR1 in each of the snake families included in the study and in the various sample types used. Statistical evaluation of differences in detection rates between families are shown. For sample types, only the two most common sample types, oral swabs and nasal lavages were compared. A p < 0.05 was considered significant, and p values below this cut-off are bolded

Family

Boidae

Colubridae

Elapidae

Pythonidae

Viperidae

No. Mycoplasma spp. positive samples (% positive)

7/114 (6.1%)

3/109 (2.8%)

8/34 (23.5%)

155/301 (51.5%)

2/82 (2.4%)

Boidae

Colubridae

p = 0.369

Elapidae

p = 0.009

p < 0.001

Pythonidae

p < 0.001

p < 0.001

p = 0.002

Viperidae

p = 0.381

p = 1

p = 0.001

p < 0.001

Sample type

Oral swabs

Nasal lavage

Lung lavage

Tissue

No. Mycoplasma spp. positive sample material (% positive)

154/590 (26.1%)

21/34 (61.8%)

0/2 (0%)

0/14 (0%)

Oral swabs

Nasal lavage

p < 0.001

Lung lavage

Tissue