Preliminary characterization of the cutaneous fungal microbiota of domesticated Psittaciformes in Acre, Brazilian Amazon

Wild birds are commonly raised as pets; however, they can be reservoirs of important microorganisms, including those of zoonotic interest. The aim of this study was to perform a preliminary characterization of the cutaneous fungal microbiota of Psittaciformes in the Brazilian Amazon, Acre, Brazil. We swabbed 10 individuals within different locations from the skin and screened for fungal presence. The biological material was sent for fungal isolation on Mycosel agar, with incubation at 30 °C in aerobiosis. Fungal identification was based on morphological evaluation and biochemical tests. From the skin samples analyzed, 20 fungal isolates were identified in total, which belonged to the genera Acremonium sp., Aspergillus sp., Aureobasidium sp., Candida sp., Exophiala sp., Penicillium sp., Rhodotorula sp. and Scedosporium sp. The findings indicate that domesticated Psittaciformes may be reservoirs of a variety of surface fungi. The epidemiological monitoring of these animals should be expanded in order to contribute to health surveillance.