Oral bacterial flora of the Chinese cobra (Naja atra) and bamboo pit viper (Trimeresurus albolabris) in Hong Kong SAR, China.

Abstract

'Prophylactic' antibiotic treatment for Chinese cobra bites may be beneficial, owing to the multiple pathogenic bacteria in its oral cavity and the higher risk of ensuing necrosis. The regimen of levofloxacin plus amoxicillin/clavulanate appears promising for this purpose, but further study is required to confirm its clinical utility in patients.