Isolation and identification of filamentous fungi and yeasts with zoonotic potential obtained from cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis) droppings

The different microorganisms that make up the normal microbiota of birds can be present in different substrates such as the soil and other elements that make up the habitat. In the case of the cattle egret, the intestinal microbiota can change due to partially migratory habits. Thus, this study aimed to isolate and identified fungi and yeasts with zoonotic potential obtained from cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis) droppings settler in Tulancingo, Hidalgo, at Eastern economic zone of Mexico. Cattle egret droppings were collected for analysis, a total of 240 pool samples, which were spread on Sabouraud agar and incubated at 25.00 - 37.00 ˚C for 2 to 3 days. Filamentous fungi and yeast were identified by morphology and Lactophenol Blue staining or Chinese Ink stains. Filamentous fungi genera Mucor spp. (42.35%), Rhizopus spp. (26.71%); Penicillium spp. (13.35%); Paecilomyces spp. (11.40%); Scedosporium spp. (1.95%); and, from yeasts such as Cryptococcus spp. (2.29%); Rhodotorula spp. (1.95%) were identified. In this work, the presence of filamentous fungi genera and yeasts with zoonotic potential were isolated from droppings of cattle egret. The clinical presentation of fungal infections in humans can occur when immunosuppression is present or different predisposition factors are conjugated. The presence of birds and their dropping in anthropogenic activities is not a predisposing factor for the presentation of the disease in immunologically competent humans.