Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 5, 2026
06:34
Identification of Rare Bacterial Pathogens by 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing and MALDI-TOF MS
Published on: July 11, 2016
Identification of Clinically Relevant Yeasts from Avian Isolates Using API ID32C, MALDI-TOF MS, and ITS Sequencing:
Begoña Acosta-Hernández1,2, Nicolás Cabrera Guerle1, Pablo Lorenzo García1
1Departamento de Patología Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35413 Arucas, Spain.
Veterinary Sciences
|July 28, 2026
Summary
Wild birds carry diverse yeasts, some clinically relevant. Comparing identification methods revealed sequencing is crucial for accurate yeast identification in avian samples, highlighting One Health implications.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Mycology
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Wild and synanthropic birds host a variety of yeasts, including clinically significant species.
- Birds' close proximity to human activities makes them ideal for studying environmental yeasts and evaluating identification techniques.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate yeasts from bird samples in Gran Canaria.
- To compare routine identification methods (biochemical profiling and MALDI-TOF MS) with molecular sequencing.
- To assess host-associated yeast distribution and method performance.
Main Methods:
- Yeasts were isolated from cloacal and crop samples of birds.
- Biochemical profiling (API ID32C) and MALDI-TOF MS were used for routine identification.
- ITS sequencing was employed to resolve discordant identifications between routine methods.
Main Results:
- Phenotypic and proteomic methods showed low agreement (33.3%) at the species level, with sequencing resolving 16 discordant cases.
- Pigeon isolates were predominantly *Kazachstania bovina*, while partridges yielded clinically important yeasts like *Candida parapsilosis* and *Pichia kudriavzevii*.
- Significant host-associated differences in yeast distribution were observed (p < 0.05), with substantial genus-level agreement between API and MALDI-TOF when compared to ITS sequencing (κ = 0.71).
Conclusions:
- Sequencing integration into diagnostic workflows is recommended for accurate yeast identification.
- Yeast carriage by wild birds has significant One Health relevance due to potential human exposure.
- Targeted surveillance is needed at interfaces between urban environments, game handling, and human activity.
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