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Isolation of Cryptococcus neoformans and other opportunistic fungi from pigeon droppings
Maryam Soltani1, Mansour Bayat, Seyed J Hashemi
1Department of Medical and Veterinary Mycology, Faculty of Specialized Veterinary Science, Science and Research Branch, Tehran, Iran.
Background:
Invasive fungal infections cause considerable morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised hosts. Pigeon droppings could especially be a potential carrier in the spread of pathogenic yeasts and mold fungi into the environment. The objective of this study was to isolation of Cryptococcus neoformans and other opportunistic fungi from pigeon droppings.
Materials And Methods:
One hundred twenty samples of pigeon droppings were suspended 1:10 in saline solution and then cultured. Identification of C. neoformans was performed on bird seed agar, presence of a capsule on India ink preparation, urease production on urea agar medium and RapID yeast plus system. The identification of candida species was based on micro-morphological analysis on corn meal-Tween 80 agar, RapID yeast plus system and growth in CHROMagar candida. The identification of other fungi was based on macromorphologic, microscopic, biochemical and physiological characteristics.
Results:
The highest frequency of yeasts and mold fungi were observed in Candida albicans 6.6% and Penicillium spp. 25%. The frequency rate of C. neoformans isolation was 2.5%.
Conclusion:
Several types of fungi are present in pigeon droppings that can spread in environment and transmit to children and elderly as well as immunocompromised patients who are at increased risk of contracting opportunistic diseases.
Insights
Pigeon droppings harbor opportunistic fungi like Candida albicans and Cryptococcus neoformans. This study isolated these fungi, highlighting the risk of environmental transmission to vulnerable populations.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Environmental Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Invasive fungal infections pose significant risks to immunocompromised individuals.
- Pigeon droppings are a potential environmental source for pathogenic yeasts and molds.
- Understanding fungal carriage in pigeon populations is crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and identify opportunistic fungi, specifically Cryptococcus neoformans, from pigeon droppings.
- To assess the prevalence of pathogenic yeasts and molds in pigeon excreta.
- To evaluate pigeon droppings as a potential reservoir for fungi transmissible to humans.
Main Methods:
- Collected 120 pigeon dropping samples for fungal isolation.
- Utilized selective media (bird seed agar, CHROMagar Candida) and biochemical tests for identification.
- Employed India ink preparations for capsule visualization and RapID yeast systems for speciation.
Main Results:
- Candida albicans (6.6%) and Penicillium spp. (25%) were the most frequently isolated fungi.
- Cryptococcus neoformans was isolated at a frequency of 2.5%.
- Diverse fungal species were identified, indicating environmental contamination potential.
Conclusions:
- Pigeon droppings serve as a reservoir for various opportunistic fungi.
- Environmental dissemination of fungi from pigeon droppings poses a risk to children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals.
- Further research on fungal transmission dynamics from avian sources is warranted.
