Tremellomycetes isolated from organs of Columba livia.

ABSTRACT

Brain, lungs, and intestines of Columba livia captured in Brazil were analyzed for research on Tremellomycetes. Mycological culture presented the growth of colonies suggestive of Cryptococcus spp. in 11.60% (13/112) of the samples. Microscopy revealed capsulated yeast cells. Molecular analysis evidenced Papiliotrema flavescens, Naganishia diffluens, Filobasidium magnum, and Naganishia randhawae. Thermotolerance of Tremellomycetes isolates from brain and lung (n = 10) evidenced cell growth and viability at 37 °C. At 42 °C/24 h, these isolates showed viability, except for one P. flavescens isolate. Here, we report the first isolation of Tremellomycetes species from the brain and lungs of a healthy C. livia.

The study reported the first isolation of Tremellomycetes species, including P. flavescens, N. diffluens, F. magnum, and N. randhawae from the organs of domestic pigeons. All isolates expressed important virulence factors such as capsule and thermotolerance, indicating their pathogenic potential.