Isolation of Aspergillus spp. in penguin Magellan captive environment (Spheniscus magellanicus)

Abstract

Aspergillosis is frequently associated to immunocompromised hosts, and for this reason is considered an opportunistic mycosis. It is caused by fungi belonging to Aspergillus genera that comprise more than 300 species which 20 of them are pathogenic to humans and animals. Aspergillus are saprobe and anemophilous fungi found in soil, air, water, surfaces, decaying material and are common laboratory contaminant. It reaches the host by inhalation of conidia and deposition of the conidia in a pre-existing cavity, such as lung cavity, wounds and external ear canal. The disease is commonly related in neutropenic human patients and in animals was related in dogs, ruminants and birds, highlighting penguins in capitivity, in which it is observed dissemination of the fungus to all tissues, causing high rates of lethality and a serious problem in creating these animals in captivity and their conservation in the wild.It is intended to evaluate the occurrence of Aspergillus spp. in the capitivity environment of penguins from the Municipal Aquarium of Santos/SP by cultivating samples of air, water and feces of the enclosures of these animals. Our findings may assist in the adoption of preventive measures of aspergillosis in this species.