Diversidad micótica asociada a heces de gallinas ponedoras, Gallus gallus, en dos granjas avícolas de Puerto Rico

Abstract

Coprophilous fungi are saprophytic organisms that live on dung. A study on coprophilous fungi associated with the feces of laying hens of the Rhode Island breed, at two poultry farms located at Moca and Lajas, was conducted during high and low rainfall seasons. The feces of laying hens present serious risks of contamination because they generate unpleasant odors, promotes invasion of insects and are a potential substrate for pathogenic microorganisms. At each farm, eight fecal samples were taken; four during each study season. Each sample consisted of 5 g of hen dung placed in a dilution bottle with Phosphate Buffered Saline (PBS). The samples were centrifuged, filtered and inoculated into Saboraud Dextrose Agar (SDA), Brain-Heart Infusion Agar (BHIA) and Brain-Heart Infusion Agar supplemented with bovine blood (BHIA + blood) culture media. One hundred and sixty fungal colonies were identified, out of which 136 were yeasts and 24 were filamentous fungi. From the fungal colonies, 12 genera and 18 species were isolated: Cladosporium cladosporioides, C. sphaerospermum, Aspergillus niger, A. versicolor, Penicillium frequentans, P. spinulosum, P. waksmani, Curvularia brachyspora, C. lunata, C. senegalensis, Nigrospora oryzae, Bipolaris spicifera, Gonabotrytis sp., Tripospermum sp., Coelomycete, Rhodotorula mucilaginosa, Rhodotorula sp., Candida famata, C. parapsilosis, C. guilliermondii, C. albicans, C. ciferrii, Candida sp. and Cryptococcus sp. This study ratifies that the feces of laying hens are an adequate organic substrate for several fungal species, some of which are pathogenic for humans.