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Stephen M Secor - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • selected regulation of gastrointestinal acid base secretion and tissue metabolism for the diamondback water snake and burmese Python
    The Journal of Experimental Biology, 2012
    Co-Authors: Stephen M Secor, Josi R Taylor, Martin Grosell
    Abstract:

    SUMMARY Snakes exhibit an apparent dichotomy in the regulation of gastrointestinal (GI) performance with feeding and fasting; frequently feeding species modestly regulate intestinal function whereas infrequently feeding species rapidly upregulate and downregulate intestinal function with the start and completion of each meal, respectively. The downregulatory response with fasting for infrequently feeding snakes is hypothesized to be a selective attribute that reduces energy expenditure between meals. To ascertain the links between feeding habit, whole-animal metabolism, and GI function and metabolism, we measured preprandial and postprandial metabolic rates and gastric and intestinal acid–base secretion, epithelial conductance and oxygen consumption for the frequently feeding diamondback water snake ( Nerodia rhombifer ) and the infrequently feeding Burmese Python ( Python molurus ). Independent of body mass, Burmese Pythons possess a significantly lower standard metabolic rate and respond to feeding with a much larger metabolic response compared with water snakes. While fasting, Pythons cease gastric acid and intestinal base secretion, both of which are stimulated with feeding. In contrast, fasted water snakes secreted gastric acid and intestinal base at rates similar to those of digesting snakes. We observed no difference between fasted and fed individuals for either species in gastric or intestinal transepithelial potential and conductance, with the exception of a significantly greater gastric transepithelial potential for fed Pythons at the start of titration. Water snakes experienced no significant change in gastric or intestinal metabolism with feeding. Fed Pythons, in contrast, experienced a near-doubling of gastric metabolism and a tripling of intestinal metabolic rate. For fasted individuals, the metabolic rate of the stomach and small intestine was significantly lower for Pythons than for water snakes. The fasting downregulation of digestive function for Pythons is manifested in a depressed gastric and intestinal metabolism, which selectively serves to reduce basal metabolism and hence promote survival between infrequent meals. By maintaining elevated GI performance between meals, fasted water snakes incur the additional cost of tissue activity, which is expressed in a higher standard metabolic rate.

  • matched regulation of gastrointestinal performance in the burmese Python Python molurus
    The Journal of Experimental Biology, 2008
    Co-Authors: Christian L Cox, Stephen M Secor
    Abstract:

    In Burmese Pythons fasting and feeding cause dramatic regulation of gastric acid production and intestinal nutrient uptake. Predictably, other components of their gastrointestinal tract are similarly regulated with each meal. We therefore assessed the matched regulation of gastrointestinal performance by comparing the postprandial activities and capacities of gastric (pepsin), pancreatic (amylase and trypsin) and intestinal (aminopeptidase-N and maltase) enzymes, and intestinal nutrient uptake. Tissue samples were collected from Pythons fasted and at 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 10 and 15 days following their consumption of rodent meals equaling 25% of snake body mass. With feeding, Pythons experience no significant change in stomach mass, whereas both the pancreas and small intestine doubled in mass. Feeding also triggered a depletion of gastric mucosal pepsinogen, a respective 5.7- and 20-fold increase in the peak activities of pancreatic trypsin and amylase, and a respective 2.3- and 5.5-fold increase in the peak activities of intestinal maltase and aminopeptidase-N. Enzyme activities peaked between 2 and 4 days postfeeding and returned to fasting levels by day 10. Independent of digestive stage, Python intestine exhibited a proximal to distal decline in enzyme activity. For both sugars and proteins, intestinal capacities for enzyme activity were significantly correlated with nutrient uptake capacities. The concomitant postprandial upregulation of tissue morphology, intestinal nutrient transport rates and enzyme activities illustrate, for the Python, the matched regulation of their gastrointestinal performance with each meal.

  • effects of meal size clutch and metabolism on the energy efficiencies of juvenile burmese Pythons Python molurus
    Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology A-molecular & Integrative Physiology, 2007
    Co-Authors: Christian L Cox, Stephen M Secor
    Abstract:

    We explored meal size and clutch (i.e., genetic) effects on the relative proportion of ingested energy that is absorbed by the gut (apparent digestive efficiency), becomes available for metabolism and growth (apparent assimilation efficiency), and is used for growth (production efficiency) for juvenile Burmese Pythons (Python molurus). Sibling Pythons were fed rodent meals equaling 15%, 25%, and 35% of their body mass and individuals from five different clutches were fed rodent meals equaling 25% of their body mass. For each of 11–12 consecutive feeding trials, Python body mass was recorded and feces and urate of each snake was collected, dried, and weighed. Energy contents of meals (mice and rats), feces, urate, and Pythons were determined using bomb calorimetry. For siblings fed three different meal sizes, growth rate increased with larger meals, but there was no significant variation among the meal sizes for any of the calculated energy efficiencies. Among the three meal sizes, apparent digestive efficiency, apparent assimilation efficiency, and production efficiency averaged 91.0%, 84.7%, and 40.7%, respectively. In contrast, each of these energy efficiencies varied significantly among the five different clutches. Among these clutches production efficiency was negatively correlated with standard metabolic rate (SMR). Clutches containing individuals with low SMR were therefore able to allocate more of ingested energy into growth.

Mark D. Stenglein - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Respiratory disease in ball Pythons (Python regius) experimentally infected with ball Python nidovirus.
    Virology, 2018
    Co-Authors: Laura L. Hoon-hanks, Marylee L. Layton, Robert J. Ossiboff, John S. L. Parker, Edward J. Dubovi, Mark D. Stenglein
    Abstract:

    Abstract Circumstantial evidence has linked a new group of nidoviruses with respiratory disease in Pythons, lizards, and cattle. We conducted experimental infections in ball Pythons (Python regius) to test the hypothesis that ball Python nidovirus (BPNV) infection results in respiratory disease. Three ball Pythons were inoculated orally and intratracheally with cell culture isolated BPNV and two were sham inoculated. Antemortem choanal, oroesophageal, and cloacal swabs and postmortem tissues of infected snakes were positive for viral RNA, protein, and infectious virus by qRT-PCR, immunohistochemistry, western blot and virus isolation. Clinical signs included oral mucosal reddening, abundant mucus secretions, open-mouthed breathing, and anorexia. Histologic lesions included chronic-active mucinous rhinitis, stomatitis, tracheitis, esophagitis and proliferative interstitial pneumonia. Control snakes remained negative and free of clinical signs throughout the experiment. Our findings establish a causal relationship between nidovirus infection and respiratory disease in ball Pythons and shed light on disease progression and transmission.

  • Ball Python Nidovirus: a Candidate Etiologic Agent for Severe Respiratory Disease in Python regius
    mBio, 2014
    Co-Authors: Mark D. Stenglein, Elliott R. Jacobson, Edward J. Wozniak, James F. X. Wellehan, Anne Kincaid, Marcus Gordon, Brian F. Porter, Wes Baumgartner, Scott J. Stahl, Karen Kelley
    Abstract:

    ABSTRACT A severe, sometimes fatal respiratory disease has been observed in captive ball Pythons ( Python regius ) since the late 1990s. In order to better understand this disease and its etiology, we collected case and control samples and performed pathological and diagnostic analyses. Electron micrographs revealed filamentous virus-like particles in lung epithelial cells of sick animals. Diagnostic testing for known pathogens did not identify an etiologic agent, so unbiased metagenomic sequencing was performed. Abundant nidovirus-like sequences were identified in cases and were used to assemble the genome of a previously unknown virus in the order Nidovirales . The nidoviruses, which were not previously known to infect nonavian reptiles, are a diverse order that includes important human and veterinary pathogens. The presence of the viral RNA was confirmed in all diseased animals ( n = 8) but was not detected in healthy Pythons or other snakes ( n = 57). Viral RNA levels were generally highest in the lung and other respiratory tract tissues. The 33.5-kb viral genome is the largest RNA genome yet described and shares canonical characteristics with other nidovirus genomes, although several features distinguish this from related viruses. This virus, which we named ball Python nidovirus (BPNV), will likely establish a new genus in Torovirinae subfamily. The identification of a novel nidovirus in reptiles contributes to our understanding of the biology and evolution of related viruses, and its association with lung disease in Pythons is a promising step toward elucidating an etiology for this long-standing veterinary disease. IMPORTANCE Ball Pythons are popular pets because of their diverse coloration, generally nonaggressive behavior, and relatively small size. Since the 1990s, veterinarians have been aware of an infectious respiratory disease of unknown cause in ball Pythons that can be fatal. We used unbiased shotgun sequencing to discover a novel virus in the order Nidovirales that was present in cases but not controls. While nidoviruses are known to infect a variety of animals, this is the first report of a nidovirus recovered from any reptile. This report will enable diagnostics that will assist in determining the role of this virus in the causation of disease, which would allow control of the disease in zoos and private collections. Given its evolutionary divergence from known nidoviruses and its unique host, the study of reptile nidoviruses may further our understanding of related diseases and the viruses that cause them in humans and other animals.

Margaret E Hunter - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • environmental dna sampling reveals high occupancy rates of invasive burmese Pythons at wading bird breeding aggregations in the central everglades
    PLOS ONE, 2019
    Co-Authors: Sophia C Orzechowski, Peter C Frederick, Robert M Dorazio, Margaret E Hunter
    Abstract:

    The Burmese Python (Python bivittatus) is now established as a breeding population throughout south Florida, USA. However, the extent of the invasion, and the ecological impacts of this novel apex predator on animal communities are incompletely known, in large part because Burmese Pythons (hereafter "Pythons") are extremely cryptic and there has been no efficient way to detect them. Pythons are recently confirmed nest predators of long-legged wading bird breeding colonies (orders Ciconiiformes and Pelecaniformes). Pythons can consume large quantities of prey and may not be recognized as predators by wading birds, therefore they could be a particular threat to colonies. To quantify Python occupancy rates at tree islands where wading birds breed, we utilized environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis-a genetic tool which detects shed DNA in water samples and provides high detection probabilities. We fitted multi-scale Bayesian occupancy models to test the prediction that Pythons occupy islands with wading bird colonies at higher rates compared to representative control islands containing no breeding birds. Our results suggest that Pythons are widely distributed across the central Everglades in proximity to active wading bird colonies. In support of our prediction that Pythons are attracted to colonies, site-level Python eDNA occupancy rates were higher at wading bird colonies (ψ = 0.88, 95% credible interval [0.59-1.00]) than at the control islands (ψ = 0.42 [0.16-0.80]) in April through June (n = 15 colony-control pairs). We found our water temperature proxy (time of day) to be informative of detection probability, in accordance with other studies demonstrating an effect of temperature on eDNA degradation in occupied samples. Individual sample concentrations ranged from 0.26 to 38.29 copies/μL and we generally detected higher concentrations of Python eDNA in colony sites. Continued monitoring of wading bird colonies is warranted to determine the effect Pythons are having on populations and investigate putative management activities.

  • RESEARCH ARTICLE Environmental DNA (eDNA) Sampling Improves Occurrence and Detection Estimates of Invasive Burmese Pythons
    2016
    Co-Authors: Margaret E Hunter, Robert M Dorazio, Sara J. Oyler-mccance, Jennifer A. Fike, J. Smith, Charles T. Hunter, Robert N. Reed, Kristen M Hart
    Abstract:

    Environmental DNA (eDNA) methods are used to detect DNA that is shed into the aquatic environment by cryptic or low density species. Applied in eDNA studies, occupancy models can be used to estimate occurrence and detection probabilities and thereby account for im-perfect detection. However, occupancy terminology has been applied inconsistently in eDNA studies, and many have calculated occurrence probabilities while not considering the effects of imperfect detection. Low detection of invasive giant constrictors using visual sur-veys and traps has hampered the estimation of occupancy and detection estimates needed for population management in southern Florida, USA. Giant constrictor snakes pose a threat to native species and the ecological restoration of the Florida Everglades. To assist with detection, we developed species-specific eDNA assays using quantitative PCR (qPCR) for the Burmese Python (Python molurus bivittatus), Northern African Python (P. sebae), boa constrictor (Boa constrictor), and the green (Eunectes murinus) and yellow an-aconda (E. notaeus). Burmese Pythons, Northern African Pythons, and boa constrictors are established and reproducing, while the green and yellow anaconda have the potential to be

  • Rapid Microsatellite Marker Development Using Next Generation Pyrosequencing to Inform Invasive Burmese PythonPython molurus bivittatus—Management
    MDPI AG, 2013
    Co-Authors: Kristen M Hart, Margaret E Hunter
    Abstract:

    Invasive species represent an increasing threat to native ecosystems, harming indigenous taxa through predation, habitat modification, cross-species hybridization and alteration of ecosystem processes. Additionally, high economic costs are associated with environmental damage, restoration and control measures. The Burmese Python, Python molurus bivittatus, is one of the most notable invasive species in the US, due to the threat it poses to imperiled species and the Greater Everglades ecosystem. To address population structure and relatedness, next generation sequencing was used to rapidly produce species-specific microsatellite loci. The Roche 454 GS-FLX Titanium platform provided 6616 di-, tri- and tetra-nucleotide repeats in 117,516 sequences. Using stringent criteria, 24 of 26 selected tri- and tetra-nucleotide loci were polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplified and 18 were polymorphic. An additional six cross-species loci were amplified, and the resulting 24 loci were incorporated into eight PCR multiplexes. Multi-locus genotypes yielded an average of 61% (39%–77%) heterozygosity and 3.7 (2–6) alleles per locus. Population-level studies using the developed microsatellites will track the invasion front and monitor population-suppression dynamics. Additionally, cross-species amplification was detected in the invasive Ball, P. regius, and Northern African Python, P. sebae. These markers can be used to address the hybridization potential of Burmese Pythons and the larger, more aggressive P. sebae

Tobias Wang - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • endothelin 1 induces a strong pressor effect in ball Pythons Python regius
    Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology, 2020
    Co-Authors: Maja Fuhlendorff Jensen, Nini Skovgaard, Signe Nedergaard, Hang Nguyen Nielsen, Tinna Stevnsner, Tobias Wang
    Abstract:

    Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is a very potent vasoactive peptide released from endothelial cells, and ET-1 plays an important role in the maintenance and regulation of blood pressure in mammals. ET-1 signaling is mediated by two receptors: ETA and ETB. In mammals, ETA receptors are located on vascular smooth muscle where they mediate vasoconstriction. ETB receptors located on the endothelium mediate vasodilatation through the release of nitric oxide, whereas stimulation of ETB receptors placed on vascular smooth muscle leads to vasoconstriction. Less is known about ET-1 signaling in reptiles. In anaesthetized alligators, ET-1 elicits a biphasic blood pressure with a long-lasting initial decrease followed by a smaller increase in systemic blood pressure. In anaesthetized freshwater turtles, ET-1 causes a dose-dependent systemic vasodilatation mediated through ETB receptors. In the present study, we investigated the cardiovascular effects of ET-1 on the systemic and pulmonary vasculature of Pythons. The presence of ETA and ETB receptors in the vasculature of Pythons was verified by means of immunoblotting. Myography on isolated vessels revealed a dose-dependent vasoconstrictory response to ET-1 in both mesenteric and pulmonary arteries. Pressure measurements in recovered specimens revealed an ET-1-induced rise in systemic blood pressure supporting our in vitro findings. In conclusion, our study shows that ET-1 induces a strong pressor effect in the systemic circulation.

  • Anaesthetic induction with alfaxalone in the ball Python (Python regius): dose response and effect of injection site
    Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia, 2018
    Co-Authors: Lauren E. James, Catherine J. A. Williams, Mads Frost Bertelsen, Tobias Wang
    Abstract:

    Abstract Objective To characterise the minimum dose of intramuscular alfaxalone required to facilitate intubation for mechanical ventilation, and to investigate the impact of cranial versus caudal injection on anaesthetic depth. Study design Randomised crossover study. Animals Six healthy juvenile ball Pythons (Python regius). Methods Three dosages (10, 20 and 30 mg kg–1) of alfaxalone were administered to each Python in a caudal location with a minimum 2 weeks washout. Induction and recovery were monitored by assessing muscle tone, righting reflex, response to a noxious stimulus and the ability to intubate. A subsequent experiment assessed the influence of injection site by comparing administration of 20 mg kg–1 alfaxalone in a cranial location (1 cm cranial to the heart) with the caudal site. Respiration rate was monitored throughout, and when intubation was possible, snakes were mechanically ventilated. Results Regardless of dose and injection site, maximum effect was reached within 10.0 ± 2.7 minutes. When administered at the caudal injection site, intubation was only successful after a dosage of 30 mg kg-1, which is higher than in previous reports for other reptiles. However, intubation was possible in all cases after 7.2 ± 1.6 minutes upon cranial administration of 20 mg kg–1, and anaesthetic duration was significantly lengthened (p Conclusions and clinical relevance Alfaxalone provided rapid, smooth induction when administered intramuscularly to Pythons, and may serve as a useful induction agent prior to provision of volatile anaesthetics. The same dosage injected in the cranial site led to deeper anaesthesia than when injected caudally, suggesting that shunting to the liver and first-pass metabolism of alfaxalone occur when injected caudally, via the renal portal system.

  • Humoral regulation of heart rate during digestion in Pythons (Python molurus and Python regius)
    American Journal of Physiology-regulatory Integrative and Comparative Physiology, 2012
    Co-Authors: Sanne Enok, Tobias Wang, Lasse Stærdal Simonsen, Signe Vesterskov Pedersen, Nini Skovgaard
    Abstract:

    Pythons exhibit a doubling of heart rate when metabolism increases several times during digestion. Pythons, therefore, represent a promising model organism to study autonomic cardiovascular regulation during the postprandial state, and previous studies show that the postprandial tachycardia is governed by a release of vagal tone as well as a pronounced stimulation from nonadrenergic, noncholinergic (NANC) factors. Here we show that infusion of plasma from digesting donor Pythons elicit a marked tachycardia in fasting snakes, demonstrating that the NANC factor resides in the blood. Injections of the gastrin and cholecystokinin receptor antagonist proglumide had no effect on double-blocked heart rate or blood pressure. Histamine has been recognized as a NANC factor in the early postprandial period in Pythons, but the mechanism of its release has not been identified. Mast cells represent the largest repository of histamine in vertebrates, and it has been speculated that mast cells release histamine during digestion. Treatment with the mast cell stabilizer cromolyn significantly reduced postprandial heart rate in Pythons compared with an untreated group but did not affect double-blocked heart rate. While this study indicates that histamine induces postprandial tachycardia in Pythons, its release during digestion is not stimulated by gastrin or cholecystokinin nor is its release from mast cells a stimulant of postprandial tachycardia.

  • effects of preoperative administration of butorphanol or meloxicam on physiologic responses to surgery in ball Pythons
    Javma-journal of The American Veterinary Medical Association, 2008
    Co-Authors: Mette G Olesen, Mads F Bertelsen, Steve F Perry, Tobias Wang
    Abstract:

    Objective—To characterize physiologic responses of ball Pythons (Python regius) following a minor surgical procedure and investigate the effects of 2 commonly used analgesics on this response. Animals—15 healthy ball Pythons. Procedures—Snakes were randomly assigned to receive 1 of 3 treatments: meloxicam (0.3 mg/kg [0.14 mg/lb]; n = 5), butorphanol (5 mg/kg [2.3 mg/lb]; 5), or saline (0.9% NaCl) solution (5) before catheterization of the vertebral artery. Plasma concentrations of catecholamines and cortisol, blood pressure, heart rate, and blood gas values were measured at various times for 72.5 hours after catheterization. The 72.5-hour point was defined as baseline. Results—Heart rate of ball Pythons increased significantly during the first hour following surgery. Mean plasma epinephrine concentration increased slightly at 2.5 hours after surgery, whereas mean plasma cortisol concentration increased beginning at 1.5 hours, reaching a maximum at 6.5 hours. Mean blood pressure increased within the first ...

  • mediates postprandial intestinal hyperemia in the Python, Python regius.
    2007
    Co-Authors: Nini Skovgaard, Michael J. Conlon, Tobias Wang
    Abstract:

    of large meals in Pythons produces substantial increases in heart rate and cardiac output, as well as a dilation of the mesenteric vascular bed leading to intestinal hyperemia, but the mediators of these effects are unknown. Bolus intra-arterial injections of Python neurotensin ([His3, Val4, Ala7]NT) (1 1,000 pmol/kg) into the anesthetized ball Python Python regius (n 7) produced a dose-dependent vasodilation that was associated with a decrease in systemic pressure (Psys) and in-crease in systemic blood flow (Qsys). There was no effect on pulmo-nary pressure and conductance. A significant (P 0.05) increase in heart rate (fH) and total cardiac output (Qtot) was seen only at high doses (30 pmol/kg). The systemic vasodilation and increase in Qtot persisted after -adrenergic blockade with propranolol, but the rise in fH was abolished. Also, the systemic vasodilation persisted after histamine H2-receptor blockade. In unanesthetized Pythons (n 4), bolus injection of Python NT in a dose as low as 1 pmol/kg produce

En Zannou - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Identification par coprologie des helminthes de Python regius dans le département du zou au Bénin, Afrique de l’Ouest
    Université d'Abomey-Calavi (UAC), 2014
    Co-Authors: Mn Assogba, It Akoiret, Karim Iya, Fagbohoun F, En Zannou
    Abstract:

    L’étude de la charge helminthique du Python regius a été réalisée de décembre 2007 à juin 2008 dans 4 fermes d’élevage de reptiles installées dans les villes de Bohicon et d’Abomey. Les examens coprologiques ont été réalisés sur 45 Pythons. Au total, 10 espèces de nématodes et 1 espèce de cestode ont été identifiées. Un oeuf de nématode est resté non identifié. Les nématodes identifiés étaient : Strongyloides sp  (Strongyloididae), Trichostrongylus sp (Trichostrongylidae), Trichuris sp (Trichuridae), Capilaria sp1 (Capilariidae), Capilaria sp2 (Capilariidae), Capilaria sp3 (Capilariidae), Heterakis sp (Heterakidae), Toxocara sp (Toxocaridae), Syphacia muris (Oxyuridae), Tetrameres sp (Spiruridae), Ophidascaris sp. (Hétérakidés). Le seul cestode était : Oochoristica sp, de la famille des Linstowiidae. Dans les échantillons de fèces examinés, tous les animaux inspectés étaient parasités à des degrés divers. Ainsi, ils étaient tous infestés par des oeufs de Capillaria sp1 et de Trichuris sp. Les helminthes, parasites du Python regius en captivité sont ainsi très diversifiés. La prise en compte des prophylaxies sanitaire et médicale est donc nécessaire pour lutter contre ces parasites.Mots-clés : Abomey, Bohicon, cestode, nématode, oeufs, serpent.IDENTIFICATION OF HELMINTHES OF Python REGIUS BY COPROLOGY IN THE DEPARTMENT OF ZOU IN BENIN, WEST AFRICAThe study of helminthes, parasite load in Python regius was done from december 2007 to june 2008 in four reptile breeding farms in Bohicon and Abomey. The coprological examination was done on 45 Python regius. A total of 10 species of nematodes and 1specie of cestode were identified. One egg of nematode remained unidentified. The nematodes identified during this study were: strongyloides sp (strongyloididae), trichostrongylus sp, trichuris sp (trichuridae), capilaria sp1 (capilariidae), capilaria sp2 (capilariidae), capilaria sp3 (capilariidae), heterakis sp (heterakidae), toxocara sp (toxocaridae), syphacia muris (oxyuridae), tetrameres sp (spiruridae) , ophidascaris sp (hétérakidés). Only one cestod was found. It was: oochoristica sp of linstowiidae family. Through the faecal samples examined we reported that, all the studied animals were parasitized at various degrees. We then found capillaria sp and trichuris sp eggs in all the animals. The diversity of helminthes parasites of Python regius in captivity was high. The using of health and medical prophylaxis is therefore  necessary to control infestation.Keywords : Abomey, Bohicon, cestod, eggs, nematode, snake.

  • identification par coprologie des helminthes de Python regius dans le departement du zou au benin afrique de l ouest
    Annales des Sciences Agronomiques, 2012
    Co-Authors: Mn Assogba, Iya Karim, It Akoiret, F Fagbohoun, En Zannou
    Abstract:

    L’etude de la charge helminthique du Python regius a ete realisee de decembre 2007 a juin 2008 dans 4 fermes d’elevage de reptiles installees dans les villes de Bohicon et d’Abomey. Les examens coprologiques ont ete realises sur 45 Pythons. Au total, 10 especes de nematodes et 1 espece de cestode ont ete identifiees. Un oeuf de nematode est reste non identifie. Les nematodes identifies etaient : Strongyloides sp  (Strongyloididae), Trichostrongylus sp (Trichostrongylidae), Trichuris sp (Trichuridae), Capilaria sp1 (Capilariidae), Capilaria sp2 (Capilariidae), Capilaria sp3 (Capilariidae), Heterakis sp (Heterakidae), Toxocara sp (Toxocaridae), Syphacia muris (Oxyuridae), Tetrameres sp (Spiruridae), Ophidascaris sp. (Heterakides). Le seul cestode etait : Oochoristica sp , de la famille des Linstowiidae. Dans les echantillons de feces examines, tous les animaux inspectes etaient parasites a des degres divers. Ainsi, ils etaient tous infestes par des oeufs de Capillaria sp1 et de Trichuris sp . Les helminthes, parasites du Python regius en captivite sont ainsi tres diversifies. La prise en compte des prophylaxies sanitaire et medicale est donc necessaire pour lutter contre ces parasites. Mots-cles : Abomey, Bohicon, cestode, nematode, oeufs, serpent. IDENTIFICATION OF HELMINTHES OF Python REGIUS BY COPROLOGY IN THE DEPARTMENT OF ZOU IN BENIN, WEST AFRICA The study of helminthes, parasite load in Python regius was done from december 2007 to june 2008 in four reptile breeding farms in Bohicon and Abomey. The coprological examination was done on 45 Python regius. A total of 10 species of nematodes and 1specie of cestode were identified. One egg of nematode remained unidentified. The nematodes identified during this study were: strongyloides sp (strongyloididae), trichostrongylus sp, trichuris sp (trichuridae), capilaria sp1 (capilariidae), capilaria sp2 (capilariidae), capilaria sp3 (capilariidae), heterakis sp (heterakidae), toxocara sp (toxocaridae), syphacia muris (oxyuridae), tetrameres sp (spiruridae) , ophidascaris sp (heterakides). Only one cestod was found. It was: oochoristica sp of linstowiidae family. Through the faecal samples examined we reported that, all the studied animals were parasitized at various degrees. We then found capillaria sp and trichuris sp eggs in all the animals. The diversity of helminthes parasites of Python regius in captivity was high. The using of health and medical prophylaxis is therefore  necessary to control infestation. Keywords : Abomey, Bohicon, cestod, eggs, nematode, snake.