Detection of fungal organisms in pigeons at selected areas in Selangor

The purpose of this study was to investigate the presence of fungal organisms in the pigeon droppings in selected areas in Hulu Langat & Kuala Langat, Selangor. The study demonstrated that pigeon droppings can be the platform for fungal growth and flourish. The fungal infection poses a significant public health threat as it can affect immunocompetent individuals and animals. Fifty samples of fresh pigeon droppings were obtained from exotic pigeons at the sampling area. Samples were transported to the Bacteriology laboratory in Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia and were immediately processed within 24 hours. Samples were cultures onto Sabouraud’s Dextrose agar and incubated at 37o C for 15 days. Identification of cultures was determined using Gram staining and API 20 C AUX identification test kits. Out of fifty samples, Candida species (88%), Trichosporon species (28%) and Saccharomyces species (6%) were isolated. In addition, mold fungi were also identified which include Aspergillus species (18%), Trichophyton species (6%), Mucor species (4%), Medurella species (1%) and Penicillium species (1%). This shows that the pigeons carry potential role as a reservoir for zoonotic yeasts and mold in the environment.

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