Candida species isolated from pigeon (Columbia livia) droppings may express virulence factors and resistance to azoles

Publication date: Available online 29 May 2019Source: Veterinary MicrobiologyAuthor(s): Luciana Magalhães Pinto, Francisco de Assis Bezerra Neto, Mariana Araújo Paulo de Medeiros, Diana Luzia Zuza Alves, Guilherme Maranhão ChavesAbstractEven though it is widely known that Cryptococcus spp. may transmit cryptococcosis trough aerosol formed when dried birds (mainly pigeons) droppings are dispersed and become airborne, little is known about the role of these birds in harboring other pathogenic yeasts in their gastrointestinal tract, feathers and beaks, specifically because these animals often stay and reproduce close or even above air conditioner units. Here we evaluated the prevalence of pathogenic yeasts isolated from pigeon droppings collected in the outside area of a University Hospital in Brazil. We also aimed to investigate the pathogenic potential and antifungal susceptibility of Candida species of medical interest isolated from these samples. Therefore, we performed the evaluation of virulence factors attributes expression in vitro, including the ability to adhere to human buccal epithelial cells and biofilm formation and to produce lytic enzymes, such as phospholipases, proteinases and hemolysins. Antifungal susceptibility testing against fluconazole, itraconazole, amphotericin and micafungin was also performed. The Candida genus was the most prevalent in our study, with several medically important species being isolated. Of note, these strains were able to express s...
Source: Veterinary Microbiology - Category: Veterinary Research Source Type: research