Isolation and Identification of Candida albicans in Pigeon in Diyala Province Iraq

Abstract

Background: Candidiasis is the most frequent fungal infection in the oral cavity of pigeons. Overcrowding and inadequate management by inexperienced pigeon fancier make these birds more susceptible to disease unknown in this region. A farmer stated that roughly a hundred pigeons were unable to eat correctly and regurgitated grain. As a result, they have the potential to produce an opportunistic infection known as oral candidiasis or thrush disease. The purpose of this study was to isolate Candida.albicans by using Sabouraud's Dextrose agar media and to perform preliminary differentiating of Candida and other yeasts according to NICKERSON and its connection with Oral mucosal diseases. Methods: 50 infected pigeons with clinically confirmed oral mucosal lesions and 22 healthy pigeons with no symptoms were used. The data obtained was statistically analyzed: Candida spp growth was detected in SDA in 28 (56%) infected pigeons and 7 (31.8%) control pigeons. Candida albicans was found in 26(52 %) infected pigeons and 5 (22.7 %) control pigeons on candida elective agar. In conclusion, Candida albicans , among other Candida spp. causes thrush illness in pigeons.