Pigeon Feces Research Articles

Urban Pigeons as Reservoirs of Critical Pathogens: Improved protocol for sequencing pigeon faeces in disease monitoring

The spread of pathogens by animals is a serious issue around the world that causes a severe threat to human health. Feral pigeons (Columba livia forma domestica) that live in urban areas are zoonotic carriers of various pathogens that can be transmitted to humans by faecal contamination. This study aimed to detect the presence of bacterial, viral, and specifically fungal pathogens in pigeon faeces based on the World Health Organization's (WHO) priority pathogen list published in 2022. Fresh faecal samples were collected at Uppsala, Central Station, and Svandammen, the pigeons' most relevant gathering spots and feeding sites. Genomic DNA was directly extracted from these samples, and ScilifeLab performed High throughput sequencing through Oxford Nanopore Technologies(ONT) (PromethION). Metagenomic analysis revealed that most of the critically prioritized viral and bacterial pathogens listed by WHO were present in pigeon faeces. Regarding fungal pathogens, which were the main objective of this study, samples from both studied locations contained all critical, high and, medium-important fungal pathogens published in the WHO list, such as Aspergillus fumigatus, Candida albicans, Candida auris, Cryptococcus neoformans, Nakaseomyces glabratus, Candida tropicalis, and Cryptococcus gattii. These fungal pathogens pose the risk of invasive fungal diseases and severe infections in low-immunity individuals and vulnerable populations. The findings indicate the importance of conducting further research to comprehensively understand potential exposure to feral pigeons. Furthermore, keeping pigeons away from sensitive areas, such as hospitals, and implementing measures to control pigeon populations can significantly decrease the spread of pathogens.

Antimicrobial Susceptibility and Molecular Identification of Antibiotic Resistance Enteric Bacteria Isolated From Pigeon Feces in the City of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Background Due to their potential to carry a wide range of bacteria, pigeon feces may contribute to the spreading of infectious diseases in urban settings. Objective This study analyzed the presence of enteric bacteria from pigeon feces in Jeddah and their antimicrobial susceptibility and described the molecular characteristics of the carbapenem resistance genes it produced. Method Two hundred twenty-five pigeon feces specimens were collected from eight parks in Jeddah. Conventional microbiology techniques were employed to identifythe isolated bacteria, and the automated Vitek2® system (bioMérieux,Marcy-l'Étoile, Lyon, France) provided additional confirmation. Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method was utilized to screen for antimicrobial resistance. Only 50 antibiotic-resistance isolates further underwent molecular diagnosisfor testing groups of carbapenems-encoding genes (blaNDM, blaSIM, and blaAIM), using multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Result Of the 50 antibiotic-resistant isolates, 28% (14/50) were Klebsiella pneumoniae, 24% (12/50) were Enterobacter cloacae, and 48% (24/50) were Escherichia coli. Ninety percent (90%) of the isolates showed resistance to cefuroxime, 56% to gentamicin, 52% to amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, and 100% to meropenem. NDM beta-lactamase was the most often discovered gene (26%) and was followed by AIM beta-lactamase (5%) Conclusion According to this study, there may be a chance for resistant K. pneumoniae, E. cloacae, and E. coli to spread amongst several hosts within the same area. Consequently, to prevent the continued occurrence and dissemination of resistant strains among other hosts in the same location, it is essential to monitor the AMR (antimicrobial resistance) of E. coli, E. cloacae, and K. pneumoniae from pigeons.

Competitive relationships due to similar nutrient preferences reshape soil bacterial metacommunities

Paddy soil, as an ecosystem with alternating drained and flooded conditions, microorganisms in it can maintain the stability of the ecosystem by regulating the composition and diversity of its species when disturbed by external biotic or abiotic factors, and the regulatory mechanism in this process is a controversial topic in ecological research. In this study, we investigate the effects of pigeon feces addition on bacterial communities in three textured soils, two conditions (drained and flooded) based on microcosm experiment using high-throughput sequencing techniques. Our results show that pigeon feces addition reduced environmental heterogeneity and community diversity, both under flooded and drained conditions and in all textured soils, thereby decreasing the effectiveness of environmental selection and increasing diffusion limitations among bacterial communities. Bacterial communities are altered by environmental factors including total organic carbon, available nitrogen, total phosphorus, available phosphorus and available potassium, resulting in the formation of new community structures and dominant genera. Bacteria from pigeon feces did not colonize the original soil in large numbers, and the soil bacterial community structure changed, with some species replaced the indigenous ones as new dominant genera. As nutrient diffusion increases the nutrient content of the soil, this does not lead to species extinction; however, nutrient diffusion creates new nutrient preferences of the bacterial community, which causes direct competition between species, and contributes to the extinction and immigration species. Our results suggest that species replacement is an adaptive strategy of soil bacterial community in response to dispersal of pigeon feces, and that bacterial community regulate diversity and abundance of the community by enhancing species extinction and immigration, thereby preventing bacteria in pigeon feces from colonizing paddy soils and maintaining ecosystem stability.

Treatment and prevention of pigeon diarrhea through the application of Lactobacillus SNK-6

In the pigeon industry, treating and preventing diarrhea is vital because it is a serious health problem for pigeons. This study investigated the incidence of diarrhea in three pigeon farms in Shanghai, and analyzed the microflora through 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing. Four strains of Escherichia coli (E. coli) isolated from pigeon diarrhea feces were administered via gavage to healthy pigeons, with each pigeon receiving 2×108 CFU. Pigeons that developed diarrhea after E. coli challenge were treated with 3g of Lactobacillus salivarius SNK-6 (L. salivarius SNK-6) health sand (1.6×107 CFU/g). Then, a mass feeding experiment expanded to 688 pairs of pigeons with three replicates, each receiving 3 g of health sand containing L. salivarius SNK-6 (1.6 × 107 CFU/g) every 2 weeks, and fecal status monitored and recorded. The study found that the relative abundance of the Lactobacillus genus and L. salivarius in feces from pigeons with diarrhea was significantly lower than in normal pigeon feces (P<0.05). In contrast, E. coli showed a higher abundance and diversity in feces from pigeons with diarrhea than in normal feces (P<0.05). Three out of the four isolated E. coli strains caused pigeon diarrhea, resulting in a significant reduction in microbial diversity in fecal samples (P<0.05). Both the small group attack experiment and the mass-fed additive experiment in pigeon farms demonstrated that feeding L. salivarius SNK-6 effectively cured and prevented diarrhea. Pigeons fed with L. salivarius SNK-6 exhibited no diarrhea, while the control group had a 10% diarrhea rate. In summary, a deficiency of Lactobacillus or a high abundance of E. coli in the intestine could easily cause pigeon diarrhea. Feeding L. salivarius SNK-6 could treat pigeon diarrhea, and continuous supplementation could maintain stable preventive effects.

First report of environmental isolation of Cryptococcus and Cryptococcus-like yeasts from Boyacá, Colombia

The Cryptococcus genus comprises more than 100 species, of which C. neoformans and C. gattii are the leading cause of cryptococcosis. The distribution of C. gattii and C. neoformans species complexes has been extensively studied and widely reported globally. Other species such as Naganishia albida, Papiliotrema laurentii, and Papiliotrema flavescens have been reported as pathogenic yeasts. Since there are no reports of environmental isolation in the Boyacá region (Colombia), this study aimed to isolate and characterize Cryptococcus and Cryptococcus-like yeasts from pigeon feces, Eucalyptus, and olive trees distributed in the municipalities of Tunja and Ricaute Alto. The environmental data was recovered, and the isolations obtained were identified by microscopy, biochemical test, MALDI-TOF MS, URA5-RFLP, and sequencing of the ITS and LSU loci. For the 93 pigeon dropping samples collected in Tunja, 23 yielded to C. neoformans, 3 to N. globosa, 2 N. albida and 1 to P. laurentii. Of the 1188 samples collected from olive trees, 17 (1.43%) positive samples were identified as C. gattii species complex (4), C. neoformans species complex (2), P. laurentii (3), N. albida (2), N. globosa (5) and P. flavescens (1). Likewise, specimens of C. neoformans presented molecular type VNI and molecular type VNII; for C. gattii the molecular types found were VGIII and one VGIV by URA5-RFLP but VGIII by MALDI-TOF and sequencing of the ITS and LSU. Therefore, it can be concluded that the species of Cryptococcus, Naganishia and Papiliotrema genera, are present in the environment of Boyacá, and show a predilection for climate conditions that are typical of this region.

Isolation, Characterization, and Comparative Genomic Analysis of Bacteriophage Ec_MI-02 from Pigeon Feces Infecting Escherichia coli O157:H7.

The most significant serotype of Shiga-toxigenic Escherichia coli that causes foodborne illnesses is Escherichia coli O157:H7. Elimination of E. coli O157:H7 during food processing and storage is a possible solution. Bacteriophages have a significant impact on bacterial populations in nature due to their ability to lyse their bacterial host. In the current study, a virulent bacteriophage, Ec_MI-02, was isolated from the feces of a wild pigeon in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for potential future use as a bio-preservative or in phage therapy. Using a spot test and an efficiency of plating analysis, Ec_MI-02 was found to infect in addition to the propagation host, E. coli O157:H7 NCTC 12900, five different serotypes of E. coli O157:H7 (three clinical samples from infected patients, one from contaminated green salad, and one from contaminated ground beef). Based on morphology and genome analysis, Ec_MI-02 belongs to the genus Tequatrovirus under the order Caudovirales. The adsorption rate constant (K) of Ec_MI-02 was found to be 1.55 × 10-8 mL/min. The latent period was 50 min with a burst size of almost 10 plaque forming units (pfu)/host cell in the one-step growth curve when the phage Ec_MI-02 was cultivated using the propagation host E. coli O157:H7 NCTC 12900. Ec_MI-02 was found to be stable at a wide range of pH, temperature, and commonly used laboratory disinfectants. Its genome is 165,454 bp long with a GC content of 35.5% and encodes 266 protein coding genes. Ec_MI-02 has genes encoding for rI, rII, and rIII lysis inhibition proteins, which supports the observation of delayed lysis in the one-step growth curve. The current study provides additional evidence that wild birds could also be a good natural reservoir for bacteriophages that do not carry antibiotic resistance genes and could be good candidates for phage therapy. In addition, studying the genetic makeup of bacteriophages that infect human pathogens is crucial for ensuring their safe usage in the food industry.

The microbiota in feces of domestic pigeons in Seoul, Korea

In Korea, feral pigeons pose significant public health risks because they carry various zoonotic pathogens. Human population density is a significant factor in zoonotic disease events. Seoul is one of the largest cities by population density among developed countries and where most of the homeless population in Korea exists. We designed this study to compare the microbiota of pigeon feces by regional characteristics and the presence of homeless individuals. Therefore, this study used 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing to detect possible pathogenic microbes and assess the current risk of zoonosis in Seoul, South Korea. Pigeon fecal samples (n = 144) obtained from 19 public sites (86 and 58 fecal samples from regions in and outside Seoul, respectively) were examined. Potentially pathogenic bacteria were also detected in the fecal samples; Campylobacter spp. was found in 19 samples from 13 regions, Listeriaceae was found in seven samples, and Chlamydia spp. was found in three samples from two regions. Principal coordinates analysis and permutational multivariate analysis of variance revealed a significant difference in bacterial composition between the regions in Seoul (n = 86) and outside Seoul (n = 58) and between the regions with (n = 81) and without (n = 63) homeless individuals. Overall, this study identified various potentially pathogenic microorganisms in pigeon feces at public sites in South Korea. Moreover, this study demonstrates that the microbial composition was influenced by regional characteristics and homelessness. Taken together, this study provides important information for public health strategic planning and disease control.

Prevalence of Mycobacterium avium Subsp. paratuberculosis in Feral Pigeons (Columba livia) Associated with Difficulties Controlling Paratuberculosis in a Bovine Herd (Fighting Bull Breed).

A bovine herd with a high prevalence of paratuberculosis (PTB) cohabiting with a population of pigeons was studied (2011−2020). After finding the disease in 2011, annual monitoring was performed in 2012−2014 by obtaining blood samples for ELISA and intradermal tuberculinization (IT) tests for Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP). Positive animals were eliminated. PTB prevalence dropped from 10% to 0% but returned to similar values (9.5%) after 6 years without tests. In all animals, Ac values according to the optical density (OD) determined by ELISA increased each year and could be used to isolate herds close to the cutoff point to improve PTB control. Possible reservoirs were considered after evaluating the little success of the PTB control program, and the population of feral pigeons was studied. Specifically, 10% of the pigeon population (n = 13) was necropsied. Samples of intestine, feces, and foot skin for PCR study for MAP and samples of terminal intestine for histopathological analysis were taken. Eleven pigeons were PCR-positive against MAP, in the intestine (10/11), foot skin (3/11), and feces (1/11). The presence of MAP in pigeon feet could demonstrate its role as a mechanical disseminator of PTB, while the presence in pigeon intestine and feces could also suggest its role as a reservoir.

Detection of blaOXA-48 and mcr-1 Genes in Escherichia coli Isolates from Pigeon (Columba livia) in Algeria.

The emergence and spread of β-lactams and colistin-resistant Escherichia coli in birds deserve a special concern worldwide. This study aimed to investigate the presence of β-lactams and colistin-resistant Escherichia coli strains isolated from the faeces of urban and rural pigeons in Batna, Algeria, and to characterise their molecular traits of resistance. Between March and April 2019, a total of 276 faecal droppings samples were collected in Batna, Algeria. Samples were subjected to selective isolation of β-lactams and colistin-resistant Escherichia coli. The representative colonies were then identified using Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using the disc diffusion method. β-lactamases, as well as mcr genes, were screened for by PCR and confirmed by sequencing. Genetic relatedness of the mcr-positive E. coli strains was determined using multi-locus sequence typing analysis. Transferability features of carbapenemase genes were assessed by conjugation experiments. Overall, thirty-five E. coli isolates were obtained only from urban pigeon samples. All carbapenem-resistant isolates harboured the blaOXA-48 gene as the only carbapenemase gene detected (n = 11), while blaESBL genes were detected in eighteen isolates. Out of the thirty-five isolates, four E. coli isolates were positive for the mcr-1 gene. The obtained mcr-1 positive E. coli isolates belonged to four STs, including ST1485, ST224, ST46, and a new ST. This study is the first to report the isolation of E. coli strains carrying the mcr-1 gene from pigeon faeces in Algeria and also the first to report the detection of blaOXA-48-positive E. coli in pigeons. Close surveillance is, therefore, urgently needed to monitor the dissemination of blaOXA-48 and mcr-1 producing E. coli strains in wildlife.

Highly mobile seed predators contribute to interisland seed dispersal within an oceanic archipelago

Long‐distance dispersal (LDD) is an essential event for species colonization and expansion in oceanic island ecosystems. Endozoochory by birds is an important factor promoting the LDD of plant seeds, but its contribution to interisland seed dispersal is still unclear. Here, we show possible seed dispersal by a seed predator pigeon, the Japanese wood pigeon Columba janthina, among oceanic islands in the Izu archipelago, Japan. Although some previous studies showed that most seeds swallowed by this pigeon are crushed, intact seeds were found in 44.5% of pigeon feces, indicating the contribution of these birds to seed dispersal. Seasonal population fluctuations and movements by pigeons between neighbouring islands which are 4 km apart by pigeons can promote interisland seed dispersal. We found seeds from fruiting trees not located on the islands where the pigeon feces were collected, which could have been transported from another island. Although many tree species overlap their fruiting phenology with pigeon movement between islands, the seeds of only six species were dispersed by pigeons, and most of the dispersed seeds were from species with small seeds less than 1.5 mm in diameter. Fruit consumption and frequent interisland movement of Japanese wood pigeons might homogenize the distribution of plants with small seeds among neighboring islands. In contrast, their intensive seed consumption might disturb the recruitment of plants with large seeds and make their expansion to other islands difficult. Such effects of mutualistic (dispersal) and antagonistic (predation) interactions with highly mobile seed predators may modify plant distributions and gene flow in oceanic archipelagos.

Probiotic supplementation containing Bacillus velezensis enhances expression of immune regulatory genes against pigeon circovirus in pigeons (Columba livia).

In this study, we aimed to isolate and evaluate the efficacy of Bacillus velezensis as a probiotic and to assess its activity towards pigeons infected with pigeon circovirus (PiCV). Bacillus velezensis, isolated from pigeon faeces, was orally administered to pigeons for 60days. After pigeons were challenged with PiCV, the PiCV viral load and expression of indicator genes for innate immunity were detected in spleen tissue and faeces of pigeons. Bacillus velezensis significantly reduced the PiCV viral load in the faeces and spleen of pigeons 5days post-challenge (dpc). The mRNA expression levels of treated pigeons showed that interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), myxovirus resistance 1 (Mx1), and signal transducers and activators of transcription 1 (STAT1) genes were upregulated, whereas no expression of interleukin-4 (IL-4) was detected. Moreover, toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) and 4 (TLR4) were significantly upregulated in probiotic-treated pigeons (P<0·05). This is the first report showing that probiotic supplementation can effectively enhance the T-helper type 1 immune response and decrease the PiCV viral loads in pigeons. This study proposes that the administration of a probiotic strain, B. velezensis, to pigeons can protect against PiCV infection.

Yeasts in Feces of Pigeons (Columba livia) in the City of Moscow.

The yeast number and species diversity in feces of pigeons (Columba livia) were studied in various locations of the city of Moscow: parks, playgrounds and school grounds. The total number and species composition of yeasts in feces depended on the isolation temperature. The average yeast number at a cultivation temperature of 25°C was 3.2 × 105CFU/g, at 37°C-2.5 × 106CFU/g. At 37°C, the number of yeasts was higher due to a more abundant growth of pathogenic and opportunistic yeast species. In total, 13 species of yeasts were isolated from feces: eight ascomycetes and five basidiomycetes. The study revealed high values of relative abundance and frequency of occurrence of pathogenic species Candida albicans and opportunistic yeasts, i.e. Diutina catenulata, Millerozyma farinosa, Pichia kudriavzevii, and Trichosporon asahii. Pigeon feces were found to present a constant source of "infection" of the urban environment with yeast species that are hazardous to human health, especially for immunosuppressive individuals.

Investigation and Genotyping of Chlamydia psittaci ompA Gene in Pigeon (Columbia domestica) Feces

Avian chlamydiosis, is a highly contagious, systemic disease occuring in domestic and wild birds. Chlamydia psittaci, the causative agent of the disease, is a gram-negative bacterium in the Chlamydiaceae family that can only live within the cell. The agent can be transmitted directly to humans by contact with infected animals or feces of infected animals. It can also be transmitted by inhalation of fecal dust. Since the disease has a zoonotic character, it is also important in terms of public health. By using the monoclonal antibodies against cell wall proteins (OMP) of C.psittaci, six (A-F) and two (WC and M56) serotypes were determined in mammals. The aim of this study was to investigate and genotype the presence of C.psittaci ompA gene in domestic pigeon feces grown in family management style in ten different districts in Ankara in winter and summer seasons. Within the scope of the study, 100 pigeon stool samples were collected from birdhouses in 10 different districts of Ankara (Beypazari, Haymana, Kizilcahamam, Cubuk, Pursaklar, Bala, Cankaya, Polatli, Golbasi and city center) in two different seasons. DNA extraction from fecal samples was performed by classical methods. The presence of the agent in the extracted DNA samples was investigated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis of the ompA gene. Two-way sequence analysis of the ompA gene was performed with the primers used in the study from the target DNA products amplified by PCR. The results of sequence analysis were compared with the international database and serotyping/genotyping was performed. In the study, C.psittaci ompA gene was detected in 6 (6%) samples of 100 pigeon stool samples. Among these positive samples, two were from Bala (one sample from winter, one sample from summer), two were from Haymana (one sample from winter, one sample from summer) and two were from Golbasi (one sample from winter, one sample from summer); where the same agent was isolated in the same aviaries in different seasons. In this study, no difference was found between the presence of C.psittaci in pigeon droppings and season. In addition when the sequence analysis of the isolated samples were compared with the World database; all isolates were found to be 100% genotype B and 99% genotype E. In this study, the sequence analysis of the ompA gene of C.psittaci from domestic pigeon feces was determined for the first time in Turkey. Although the presence of C.psittaci in domestic pigeons is low, it is a zoonotic bacterium and is important for the public health.

Spread of Pigeon eimeriosis in the conditions of individual farms of the eastern region of Ukraine

Compliance with veterinary sanitary norms and rules for keeping pigeons does not completely solve the problem of eimeriosis due to the high reproductive ability of the parasite and the long (about a year) preservation of oocysts in the external environment. The aim of the work was to study the epizootic situation regarding the spread of pigeon eimeriosis in individual farms in the eastern region of Ukraine and to determine the species composition of pathogens. Feces of pigeons from individual farms of the eastern region of Ukraine (Kharkiv, Donetsk, Sumy and Poltava regions) served as material for research. 926 samples of pigeon feces were investigated by flotation methods. The species belonging of the causative agents of eimeriosis was determined by the results of own studies of oocyst morphologies and by data from L. P. Pellerdy tables (1974). As a result of studies, it was found that pigeon eimeriosis is widespread in individual farms in the eastern region of Ukraine (prevalence — 52.3%). The smallest eimeriosis invasion was detected in pigeons in Donetsk and Poltava regions, 46.9% and 47.2% respectively, in Kharkov region — 50.2%, and the largest in Sumy region — 65.9%. At the same time, a weak degree of invasion (1–10 oocysts in 1 g of feces) was recorded in 43–64%, medium (11–100 oocysts in 1 g of feces) — 26–45% and strong (&gt; 100 oocysts in 1 g feces) — 10–12% of the number of invaded birds. In the eastern region of Ukraine, three species of Eimeria that cause eimeriosis of pigeons (Eimeria columbae, Eimeria columbarum, Eimeria labbeana) were identified, the ratio of which in the total number of oocysts ranged: Eimeria labbeana — 71.0–81.5%, Eimeria columbarum — 14.5–26.5%, Eimeria columbae — 2.5–4.0%

Non-biogroup 1 or 2 Strains of the Emerging Zoonotic Pathogen Escherichia albertii, Their Proposed Assignment to Biogroup 3, and Their Commonly Detected Characteristics.

Escherichia albertii, a zoonotic enteropathogen, is responsible for outbreaks of disease in humans. Identifying strains of E. albertii by phenotypic characterization tests is difficult because of its poorly defined properties. Screening its phenotypic characteristics is, nevertheless, a necessary prerequisite for further genetic analysis of its properties, and species-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis can be used to type the pathogen. While two E. albertii biogroups (1 and 2) have been described, strains with characteristics divergent from both biogroups have been reported worldwide. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the characteristics of non-biogroup 1 or 2 strains, and discern the characteristics common to all of the E. albertii strains from this study. Altogether, 107/414 field isolates were selected for examination based on pulsed-field gel electrophoresis analysis. The 107 strains were isolated from 92 sources, including humans and pigeon feces, other wild birds, and retail chicken livers. All strains were then examined using various culture-based, biochemical (API 50CHE tests, API Zym test, and others) and molecular (virulence gene screening, multi-locus sequence analysis) testing methods. Our results revealed that all field strains (n = 107) showed non-biogroup 1 or 2 characteristics, with multiple sequence differences. Variations in indole production and the lysine decarboxylase activity profiles among the isolates made identification of E. albertii very difficult. Therefore, we propose that non-biogroup 1 or 2 of E. albertii should be assigned to biogroup 3 to make screening of them easier in public health and clinical laboratory settings. Clearly, having group criteria for indole-negative/lysine-positive, indole-positive/lysine-negative, and indole-positive/lysine-positive E. albertii biogroups 1, 2, and 3 strains, respectively, should provide for more accurate identification of E. albertii isolates. Based on our findings, we recommend that isolates displaying phenotype mobility-negativity (sulfide-indole-motility medium, 37°C), hydrogen sulfide production-negativity (triple sugar iron medium), acid production-negativity from xylose, negative β-glucuronidase activity properties, and showing indole production and lysine decarboxylase activity profiles in accordance with one of the three biogroups, should be further assessed using an E. albertii-specific PCR assay.

Opportunistic pathogenic fungi isolated from feces of feral pigeons in Mafikeng, North West Province of South Africa.

Background and Aim:Pigeon feces are increasingly being implicated in the spread of bacterial pathogens such as Escherichia coli, Campylobacter, Salmonella, Listeria, and Chlamydia. Fungi are rarely investigated except for Cryptococcus that has emerged as an important pathogen in old people and immunosuppressed patients. This study investigated fungi in pigeon feces collected from Mafikeng, the North West Province of South Africa.Materials and Methods:Freshly dropped feces were collected and enriched in phosphate-buffered saline overnight at 48°C and then subcultured on Sabouraud’s dextrose agar and incubated at 48°C for 2 weeks observing any fungal growth from day 2. The growths were picked up, DNA extracted, and polymerase chain reaction was done using the internal transcribed spacer primers.Results:Fungi isolated included: Aspergillus (Aspergillus tubingensis), Cryptococcus (Cryptococcus albidus and Cryptococcus randhawai), Fusarium spp., and Rhodotorula (Rhodotorula mucilaginosa and Rhodotorula kratochvilovae). Most of these isolates are known opportunistic pathogens and have been isolated in clinical conditions elsewhere. Other isolates such as Graphium dubautiae, Myrmecridium schulzeri, Naganishia albida, Paecilomyces lilacinus, and Zygopleurage zygospora were not found to be of any human health significance.Conclusion:We, therefore, concluded that the presence of these opportunistic pathogens is a significant human health risk, especially in the face of the HIV/AIDS pandemic that results in immunosuppression.

Detection and identification of medically important microorganisms isolated from pigeon excreta collected in a university in a newly industrialized country

A exposição humana a fezes de animais contaminados com microrganismos patogênicos representa um risco para a saúde. A presença de fungos e leveduras em ambientes está relacionada a efeitos adversos na saúde respiratória. A abordagem objetiva para a mitigação de possíveis efeitos à saúde devido à exposição a fungos e leveduras em ambientes fechados é difícil devido à falta de diretrizes. O objetivo deste trabalho foi conhecer as condições higiênico-sanitárias, identificar e caracterizar organismos de importância médica isolados de fezes de pombos coletadas na laje de um telhado de um prédio público. Para tais pontos, a coleta de excrementos foi estabelecida e os microrganismos foram identificados por métodos bioquímicos e microbiológicos padronizados, seguidos da abordagem proteômica de MALDI-TOF para a identificação do nível de espécie. Os resultados da identificação microbiana revelaram a presença de microrganismos de importância médica nas amostras analisadas, a saber: Candida krusei, Candida rugosa, Aspergillus spp., Cryptococcus neoformans, Klebsiella pneumoniae e Trichosporon asahii. Os resultados encontrados revelam a necessidade do desenvolvimento de metodologias que permitam mitigar os riscos à saúde humana devido à exposição a agentes patogênicos no ambiente examinado.

Caracterización molecular de Cryptococcus neoformans recuperado de guano de palomas en Rivera y Neiva, Colombia

Objetivo. Caracterizar fenotípica y genotípicamente aislados de Cryptococcus neoformans y Cryptococcus gattii presentes en heces de palomas (Columba livia) y en suelo, hojas y detritos de árboles de almendro (Terminalia catappa) en los municipios de Neiva y Rivera, Colombia. Materiales y métodos. Ciento dieciocho muestras fueron recogidas en 13 zonas caracterizadas por la presencia de árboles de almendro y alta densidad de palomas, entre enero y junio de 2016. La incubación de las muestras procesadas se hizo a 27°C durante dos semanas en agar Guizottia abyssinica. La caracterización fenotípica, la determinación de la especie y la posterior tipificación molecular se hizo mediante PCR huella digital con el iniciador (GTG)5 y Polimorfismos de Longitud de Fragmentos de Restricción empleando los iniciadores URA5 y SJ01. Resultados. Un 5.9% de las muestras de heces de palomas fueron positivas para C. neoformans var grubii (patrón molecular VNI). Las muestras recolectadas a partir de almendros no fueron positivas para ninguna de las dos especies estudiadas. Conclusiones. El aislamiento de C. neoformans de heces de palomas (Columba livia) en los municipios de Rivera y Neiva aporta al escaso conocimiento que se tienen acerca de este patógeno en el departamento del Huila, revelando la importancia de continuar con estos estudios, no solo en el ambiente sino en la población expuesta.

Systemic Cryptococcosis in a Miniature Schnauzer Dog

Background: Cryptococcosis is an important zoonotic disease that occurs worldwide. The disease is caused by a soilborne opportunistic fungus of the genus Cryptococcus, which can also be found in the feces of birds, especially pigeons. In Brazil, the geographical distribution of the agent is fairly defined, with the species C. gattii predominantly found in thenorth-eastern states. Diagnosis is based on the clinical history, physical examination findings, and results of complementary testing, such as cytopathological and histopathological examinations. This report aims to describe the clinical and anatomopathological findings in a case of systemic cryptococcosis in a dog.Case: A 4-year-old female Miniature Schnauzer was referred for necropsy. For 3 months prior to death, the dog had displayed generalized alopecia, pruritus, and severe weight loss, Initially, a private veterinarian had suspected leishmaniasis. Gross examination was performed and samples for cytopathology, histopathology, and fungal culture were obtained. Themacroscopic examination revealed generalized alopecia, congested mucosa, cachexia, hyperemia of the brain, and multiple white nodules measuring 0.5 cm to 4 cm in the lungs and the kidneys. None of the other organs showed significant lesions. Cytopathological examination of the nodules revealed a highly cellular sample, with a severe chronic inflammatory response, characterized by multinucleated giant cells and round-to-elliptical, yeast-shaped structures (5-10 μm), suggestive ofCryptococcus organisms. Histopathological examination of the lungs, kidneys, and brain revealed a severe diffuse chronic inflammatory process, with lymphocytic infiltration and multinucleated giant cells; countless yeast-shaped, round-to-ovoid structures (similar in appearance to “soap bubbles”) that were negative in hematoxylin-eosin stain were also present.Grocott’s methenamine silver stain was then applied, which positively stained the organism capsules black, confirming Cryptococcus. For mycological diagnosis, samples from the lungs nodules were cultured on Sabouraud’s dextrose agar supplemented with chloramphenicol 0.4% and incubated for 7 days at 25-30ºC. Abundant small, smooth, irregular-sized,cream-colored colonies were obtained, and a mycological smear, stained by India ink, was performed.Discussion: Considered an uncommon disease, canine cryptococcosis can be misdiagnosed. Clinical findings, such as alopecia, lymphadenopathy, and cutaneous nodules that may be ulcerated, are commonly seen in these patients due to the hematogenous spread of the organism. In the case described, the dog’s owner was contacted and asked to provide epidemiological information. The owner reported that the dog had lived in an apartment, with little access to the street; however, pigeons were frequently observed on the balcony, along with pigeon feces in the dog feeder. The presence of pigeon feces is a risk factor for the development and spread of the fungus, which may be problematic to public health. Cytopathological examination is a simple, quick diagnostic tool with good sensitivity for some infectious agents. Mycological culture can provide results due to the characteristic of the Cryptococcus sp., since the encapsulated yeast produces a mucous-like colony. Cryptococcosis has a relevant role in public health, so a precise diagnosis is imperative. Its diagnosis is based upon culture, cytology and serological tools. When the animal does not survive to the ilness, the association between necropsyfindings and histopathological examinations is essencial.Keywords: canine, diagnostic, yeast, anatomopathology.

Research for Cryptococcus spp. in pigeon's feces newly issued collected in public spaces of Goiânia-GO

Research for Cryptococcus spp. in pigeon's feces newly issued collected in public spaces of Goiânia-GO