Agapornis sp. pet birds: Source of dissemination of azole-resistant yeasts

Med Mycol. 2019 Jun 1;57(4):515-518. doi: 10.1093/mmy/myy061.

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to identify yeasts in 40 feces samples of Agapornis birds and determine their antifungal susceptibility profile by two methodologies. Results indicated 92.5% of positivity (46 isolates). Six genera were identified (14 species): Cryptococcus (39.13%), four species; Candida (36.96%), four species; Rhodotorula (13.05%), two species; Trichosporon (6.52%), two species; Kodamaea ohmeri (2.17%); and Sporobolomyces salmonicolor (2.17%). Regarding the susceptibility profiles, 41.3% of the isolates showed low sensibility to fluconazole and 47.8% to itraconazole. Thus, Agapornis sp. disseminate potentially pathogenic and resistant yeasts. Precautionary measures should be taken regarding breeding and keeping them as pets.

Keywords: Agapornis; Candida; Cryptococcus; antifungal susceptibility testing; yeasts.

MeSH terms

  • Agapornis / microbiology*
  • Animals
  • Antifungal Agents / pharmacology*
  • Azoles / pharmacology*
  • Drug Resistance, Fungal*
  • Feces / microbiology
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests
  • Pets / microbiology*
  • Yeasts / drug effects*
  • Yeasts / isolation & purification*

Substances

  • Antifungal Agents
  • Azoles