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Procedures for Identifying Infectious Prions After Passage Through the Digestive System of an Avian Species
Published on: November 6, 2013
First Documentation of Exophiala spp. Isolation in Psittaciformes
Gonçalo N Marques1, João B Cota2,3, Miriam O Leal1
1Zoomarine Portugal, E.N. 125, Km 65, 8201-864 Guia, Portugal.
Abstract:
Several fungi species are reported to act as opportunistic agents of infection in avian species. After the isolation of Exophiala spp., a dematiaceous fungal pathogen associated with a mucosal lesion in a military macaw (Ara militar), samples were collected from another 24 birds of the order Psittaciformes to study the possibility of Exophiala spp. being part of the commensal microbiota of these animals or its possible association with other clinical conditions. Swab samples were collected from the trachea and/or choanae of the birds and inoculated in Sabouraud chloramphenicol agar for fungal isolation. After incubation, fungal species were identified through their macroscopic and microscopic morphology. The presence of Exophiala spp. was identified in 15 of the 25 birds sampled and no statistical association was found between the clinical record of the birds and the fungal isolation. Our results suggest that Exophiala spp. can colonize the upper respiratory airways of psittaciform birds and has a low pathogenic potential in these animals. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of Exophiala spp. isolation from samples of the upper respiratory tract of Psittaciformes.
Insights
Exophiala fungi can colonize the upper respiratory tracts of psittaciform birds, acting as commensal microbiota rather than a significant pathogen. This study is the first to report Exophiala species in the avian respiratory system.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Avian Medicine
- Veterinary Pathology
Background:
- Fungal infections are an opportunistic threat to avian health.
- Exophiala species, a dematiaceous fungus, was previously identified in a military macaw with a mucosal lesion.
- The role of Exophiala in psittaciform birds remained unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of Exophiala species in psittaciform birds.
- To determine if Exophiala species are part of the commensal microbiota or associated with clinical conditions in these birds.
- To assess the pathogenic potential of Exophiala species in the avian upper respiratory tract.
Main Methods:
- Fungal isolation from tracheal and/or choanae swab samples of 25 psittaciform birds.
- Culturing on Sabouraud chloramphenicol agar.
- Identification of fungal species based on macroscopic and microscopic morphology.
Main Results:
- Exophiala species were detected in 15 out of 25 sampled birds.
- No statistical association was found between Exophiala isolation and the birds' clinical records.
- This marks the first report of Exophiala species isolation from the upper respiratory tract of Psittaciformes.
Conclusions:
- Exophiala species can colonize the upper respiratory airways of psittaciform birds.
- Exophiala species appear to have low pathogenic potential in this avian population.
- The fungus may represent a component of the commensal microbiota in psittaciform birds.
