Copromonas

Microbial community profiles of the snake cloaca in the presence and absence of Chlamydiota

Chlamydiota are obligate intracellular bacteria detected in snake cloacal microbiota, yet their biological significance remains poorly understood. Members range from recognised pathogens, such as Chlamydia serpentis, to potential environmental symbionts, raising questions about whether they represent transient contaminants, persistent colonisers, or subclinical infectious agents. Despite the cloaca serving as a primary site of chlamydial shedding in snakes, its interaction with the broader...