Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 17, 2026

Non-invasive Imaging of Disseminated Candidiasis in Zebrafish Larvae
10:45

Non-invasive Imaging of Disseminated Candidiasis in Zebrafish Larvae

Published on: July 30, 2012

Filamentous fungi transported by birds during migration across the mediterranean sea

Antonio Alfonzo1, Nicola Francesca, Ciro Sannino

  • 1DEMETRA Department, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze 4, 90128, Palermo, Italy.

Current Microbiology
|November 13, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Migratory birds can transport potentially pathogenic filamentous fungi across regions. This study identified twelve fungal species, including common ones like Aspergillus niger, highlighting potential public health risks from avian dispersal.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental microbiology
  • Avian ecology
  • Public health

Background:

  • Migratory birds are recognized vectors for microorganism dispersal.
  • Understanding the role of migratory birds in pathogen transport is crucial for public health.
  • Biotic and abiotic factors influence pathogen survival and spread by migratory birds.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the presence and diversity of filamentous fungi carried by migratory birds.
  • To identify fungal species isolated from birds captured at key migratory stop-over points.
  • To assess the public health implications of fungal species transported by migratory birds.

Main Methods:

  • Capture and sampling of 349 migratory birds across four key stop-over sites.
  • Isolation and identification of filamentous fungi using a combined phenotypic-genotypic approach.
  • Species-level identification of over 2,337 fungal isolates.

Main Results:

  • Filamentous fungi were isolated from 216 out of 349 birds.
  • Twelve distinct species of filamentous fungi were identified.
  • Cladosporium cladosporioides, Alternaria alternata, and Aspergillus niger were the most prevalent species.

Conclusions:

  • Migratory birds serve as significant carriers for various filamentous fungi.
  • The identified fungal species, including Aspergillus niger, pose potential risks to human health.
  • Further research is warranted to understand the full scope of fungal dispersal by migratory birds.

More Related Videos

Measuring the Flight Ability of the Ambrosia Beetle, Platypus Quercivorus (Murayama), Using a Low-Cost, Small, and Easily Constructed Flight Mill07:37

Measuring the Flight Ability of the Ambrosia Beetle, Platypus Quercivorus (Murayama), Using a Low-Cost, Small, and Easily Constructed Flight Mill

Published on: August 6, 2018

Efficient Method for Imaging Murine Lungs that Preserves Spatial Dynamics of Fungal Spores in the Airways10:06

Efficient Method for Imaging Murine Lungs that Preserves Spatial Dynamics of Fungal Spores in the Airways

Published on: December 13, 2024

Related Concept Videos

Fungal Phylum Microsporidia01:28

Fungal Phylum Microsporidia

Microsporidia are a group of obligate intracellular fungi that were initially classified as protists but were later reclassified based on phylogenetic, molecular, and structural evidence linking them to the Chytridiomycota. These unicellular, non-motile organisms are highly specialized parasites that infect a wide range of animal hosts, including humans. They have evolved extensive genomic and metabolic reductions, making them highly dependent on their hosts for survival.Morphology and Genomic...
Fungal Phylum Ascomycota01:28

Fungal Phylum Ascomycota

Phylum Ascomycota, a major division within the subkingdom Dikarya, comprises a diverse range of fungal species, including both unicellular yeasts and filamentous molds such as Aspergillus and Penicillium. These fungi thrive in a variety of habitats, from aquatic ecosystems to terrestrial environments, playing crucial ecological and economic roles.Morphology and ReproductionThe defining characteristic of Ascomycetes, commonly referred to as sac fungi, is the ascus—a sac-like structure that...
Fungal Group Zygomycota01:29

Fungal Group Zygomycota

Zygomycota, previously classified as a distinct fungal group, are primarily terrestrial, saprophytic molds that play a crucial role as decomposers. Recent phylogenetic studies have revealed that these fungi are now divided into two major clades — Mucoromycota, which includes many symbiotic species, and Zoopagomycota, which primarily consists of parasitic and pathogenic fungi. These groups exhibit distinct ecological roles and reproductive strategies while sharing key structural and...
Diversity of Protists IV01:27

Diversity of Protists IV

Amoebozoa represent a diverse group of terrestrial and aquatic protists that utilize lobe-shaped pseudopodia for locomotion and feeding. This characteristic differentiates them from the Rhizaria, which possess threadlike pseudopodia. The primary classifications within Amoebozoa include gymnamoebas, entamoebas, and the plasmodial and cellular slime molds. Phylogenetic evidence indicates that Amoebozoa diverged from a lineage that ultimately gave rise to fungi and animals.Gymnamoebas and...
Cell Migration01:09

Cell Migration

Cell migration, the process by which cells move from one location to another, is essential for the proper development and viability of organisms throughout their life. When cells are not able to migrate properly to their ordained locations, various disorders may occur. For example, disruption in cell migration causes chronic inflammatory diseases such as arthritis.
Diversity of Protists II01:27

Diversity of Protists II

Alveolates are a group of organisms recognized by the presence of alveoli, which are cytoplasmic sacs located beneath the cell membrane. While their function remains uncertain, alveoli may help regulate water balance by controlling how much water enters and leaves the cell. In dinoflagellates, these structures may serve as armor plates. There are three major types of alveolates: ciliates, which move using cilia; dinoflagellates, which use flagella for movement; and apicomplexans, which are...