Fungal flora of the combs and wattles of Iranian native chickens

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Poultry are more susceptible to receiving and spreading of fungal infections in exact conditions. The goal of this study was to identify the normal fungal flora and dermatophytes agent of the combs and wattles of adult native chickens in Tehran, Iran. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 150 combs and wattles samples were collected by skin scraping or brushing of the margin of the suspected lesion and skin of organ. The mycological analyses were performed by direct microscopy and culture media. RESULTS: One hundred and ninety fungi were isolated from the combs of 150 native chickens’ samples that including non-dermatophytes isolates 165 (86.8%), dermatophytes 6 (3.2%) and yeast 19 (10%). Among different fungal isolates, Aspergillus was the predominant species. CONCLUSION: Our results showed that human in contact with poultry, both at the household and the industrial level, have a clear risk factor for exposure to fungal pathogens, especially dermatophytes.