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Isolation of Candida albicans and their sensitivity to antifungal agents
Abstract:
During 1978 and 1979 outbreaks of candidiasis were encountered in about 500,000 broiler chickens on 30 farms, 30,000 guinea fowl on 4 farms, 500 geese on 1 farm, and 10 penguins in a zoo. This represents the first report of avian candidiasis in Taiwan. Diagnoses were based on typical gross and microscopic pathology consistent isolation of Candida albicans from crop and esophageal lesions, virulence of isolates in rabbits, identification of the isolates as C. albicans serotype A by chlamydospore and germ tube formation, fermentation tests, and agglutination by specific antisera, and the lack of any sign of fowl pox or trichomoniasis. The upsurge of candidiasis is attributed to the modernization stressors which interact deleteriously with opportunistic pathogens. In vitro sensitivity testing recorded the following order of effectiveness against 20 isolates: nystatin greater than gentian violet greater than copper sulfate = propionic acid = p-hydroxy benzoic acid greater than calcium propionate = propylene glycol.
Insights
Avian candidiasis outbreaks occurred in Taiwan broiler chickens, guinea fowl, geese, and penguins. Modernization stressors are linked to these opportunistic infections, with nystatin showing the most effectiveness against Candida albicans.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Mycology
- Avian Pathology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Candidiasis, caused by Candida albicans, is an opportunistic fungal infection.
- Avian candidiasis outbreaks were documented in Taiwan between 1978 and 1979.
- Affected species included broiler chickens, guinea fowl, geese, and penguins.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the first occurrence of avian candidiasis in Taiwan.
- To identify the causative agent and its characteristics.
- To investigate potential contributing factors and effective treatments.
Main Methods:
- Diagnosis involved gross and microscopic pathology, and isolation of Candida albicans.
- Isolate identification included chlamydospore and germ tube formation, fermentation tests, and serological agglutination.
- Virulence was assessed in rabbits, and in vitro sensitivity testing was performed.
Main Results:
- Candida albicans serotype A was consistently isolated from crop and esophageal lesions.
- No evidence of fowl pox or trichomoniasis was found.
- Nystatin was the most effective antifungal agent, followed by gentian violet, copper sulfate, propionic acid, and p-hydroxy benzoic acid.
Conclusions:
- Modernization stressors are implicated as a contributing factor to the upsurge in candidiasis.
- Effective treatment strategies involve antifungal agents like nystatin.
- This study highlights the emergence of avian candidiasis in Taiwan, necessitating further research and preventative measures.