Genetic characterization of Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis from wildlife, domestic and zoo animals

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Isolation of saprophytic filamentous fungi from avian fecal samples and assessment of its predatory activity on coccidian oocysts

Publication . Lozano, João; Louro, Mariana; Almeida, Cristina; Victório, Ana Cláudia; Melo, Pedro; Rodrigues, João Paulo; Oliveira, Manuela; Paz-Silva, Adolfo; Madeira de Carvalho, Luís

Fungal strains used in the biocontrol of animal gastrointestinal parasites have been mainly isolated from pasture soil, decaying organic matter, and feces from herbivores and carnivores. However, their isolation from birds and assessment of predatory activity against avian GI parasites has been scarce thus far. This research aimed to isolate flamentous fungi from avian fecal samples and evaluate their predatory activity against coccidia. A pool of 58 fecal samples from chickens, laying hens, and peacocks, previously collected between July 2020-April 2021, were used for isolation of flamentous fungi and assessment of their in vitro predatory activity against coccidian oocysts, using Water-Agar medium and coprocultures. The Willis-fotation technique was also performed to obtain concentrated suspensions of oocysts. A total of seven Mucor isolates was obtained, being the only fungal taxa identifed, and all presented lytic activity against coccidia. Isolates FR3, QP2 and SJ1 had signifcant coccidiostatic efcacies (inhibition of sporulation) higher than 70%, while isolates FR1, QP2 and QP1 had coccidicidal efcacies (destruction of the oocysts) of 22%, 14% and 8%, respectively, after 14 days of incubation, being a gradual and time-dependent process. To our knowledge, this is the frst report regarding the isolation of native predatory fungi from avian feces and demonstration of their lytic activity against coccidia

2023-06-29Journal article

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