Isolation, identification and significance of Cryptococcus neoformans and Candida albicans from faecal specimen of pigeon

Abstract

To understand the distribution of the deep fungal from faecal specimen of pigeon and further explore the importance of bird species as source of infection of the deep mycosis, We collected 58 faecal specimen of pigeon from different places (16 provinces and cities). These specimen were inoculated in medium to isolate Cryptococcus neoformans and Candida albicans which were identified by gram staining, budding development, chlamydospore formation, sugar fermented test, sugar assimilated test, urea testes and capsule staining. Then three purified strains of Cryptococcus neoformans and Candida albicans were dispensinged the suspension which were respectively injected into mice and rabbits. Results showed Cryptococcus neoformans alone was isolated from 29.3% (17/58) of the samples, Candida albicans alone from 20.7% (12/58) and both fungi were found together in 10.3% (6/58). These strains can cause rabbits and mice infection, disease and death and which can be re-isolated from infected animals. These results indicate there are Cryptococcus neoformans and Candida albicans in faecal specimen of pigeon and these strains have certain pathogenicity to animal. © 2012 Springer-Verlag GmbH.