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[Fungal flora in chicken stalls and its etiopathogenic importance for humans and animals]
1Dr.Viss.@t-online.de
Abstract:
In order to find out the mycoflora prevailing in chicken pens, and to appreciate the health hazards for employees (incl. veterinarians) and animals, twenty litter samples and 6 sedimented dust trials were analysed mycologically. The following results were found: Bedding and dust samples all contained between 3.57 and 1.30 x 10(7) c.f.u./g DW. The commonest fungus is A. fumigatus with 3.41 x 10(4) - 1.30 x 10(7) c.f.u./g DW in bedding and 2.70 x 10(5) - 3.30 x 10(6) c.f.u./g DW in sedimented dust. In addition, the following fungal spp. were detected (in c.f.u./g DW): Scopulariopsis brevicaulis (3.57 x 10(3) - 6.50 x 10(7)), Pseudallescheria boydii (2.70 x 10(6)), A. flavus group (up to 8.41 x 10(5)), A. clavatus (6.00 x 10(5)), Candida albicans (4.88 x 10(5)), Alternaria spp. (4.49 x 10(5)), Penicillium spp. (up to 1.06 x 10(5)), A. terreus (8.47 x 10(4)), A. versicolor group (up to 8.44 x 10(4)), A. niger (5.93 x 10(4)), Aureobasidium sp. (3.96 x 10(3)), Mucor circinelloides (3.42 x 10(3)), Phialophora sp. (1.30 x 10(3)), C. pseudoiropicalis (4.04 x 10(2)), A. nidulans (3.90 x 10(2)), Acremonium sp. (3.55 x 10(2)), M. racemosus (1.19 x 10(2)). Negligible was the detected level of Chrysosporium pannorum (84.10), Rhizomucor pusillus (81.00), Beauveria alba (59.60), C. tropicalis (40.40), Trichoderma sp. (4.70), A. flavipes (4.38). Dermatophytes were not found. The fungal spectrum was broader in the dust than in litter samples.
Insights
Chicken pen litter and dust contain high levels of fungi, with Aspergillus fumigatus being most common. This mycoflora poses potential health risks to workers and animals.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Environmental Health
- Veterinary Science
Context:
- Poultry farming environments, specifically chicken pens, are often associated with microbial contamination.
- Understanding the mycoflora in these settings is crucial for assessing occupational and animal health risks.
Purpose:
- To identify the predominant fungal species in chicken pen litter and dust.
- To evaluate the potential health hazards associated with this mycoflora for humans and animals.
Summary:
- Mycological analysis of chicken pen litter and dust revealed significant fungal loads, ranging from 3.57 x 10^3 to 1.30 x 10^7 colony-forming units per gram dry weight.
- Aspergillus fumigatus was the most prevalent species, detected in high concentrations in both litter and dust samples.
- A broad spectrum of other fungal species, including Scopulariopsis brevicaulis, Pseudallescheria boydii, and various Aspergillus, Candida, and Alternaria species, were also identified.
Impact:
- The findings highlight the significant presence of potentially pathogenic and allergenic fungi in poultry environments.
- This underscores the need for effective hygiene and control measures to mitigate health risks for farm workers, veterinarians, and poultry.
- Further research into the specific health impacts of the identified mycoflora is warranted.