engleski

Bacteria and fungi of the digestive system in wild birds

Beside all the benefits that humans have from the birds, they can also represent a potential treat to human and animal health. Nevertheless, investigations that reveal spreading of potentially pathogen microorganism by migratory birds are rare. Investigations were conducted in two different temporary or permanent habitats of birds in Croatia ; in one small, very close to the City of Zagreb (Savica) and the other, big, near the Adriatic cost (Vransko Lake, Dalmatia). Altogether 91 wild birds were captured during the period of spring-summer 2004 and the prevalence of bacteria and fungi in pharyngeal and cloacal swabs was investigated. In the location of the Savica, 68 wild birds were captured and pharyngeal and cloacal swabs were taken from each of them. From four (5.88%) pharyngeal swabs E. coli and Staphylococcus spp. were isolated, while fungi: Candida spp., Cladosporium spp., Mucor spp. and Penicillium spp. were isolated from ten (14.7%) pharyngeal swabs. From 12 (22.22%) out of 54 cloacal swabs Bacillus spp., E. coli, Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. were isolated, while fungi Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus niger, Candida spp., Candida albicans, Cladosporium spp., Mucor spp., Penicillium spp. and Rodotorula rubra were isolated from 20 (37.03%) cloacal swabs. In the location Vransko Lake, 23 free living birds were captured and bacteria E. coli, Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. were isolated from three (13.04%) pharyngeal swabs while bacteria Bacillus spp., E. coli, Enterobacter cancerogenus, Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. from nine (39, 13%) cloacal swabs. Fungi: Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus fumigatus, Cladosporium spp., Mucor spp. and Penicillium spp. were isolated from 11 (47, 82%) pharyngeal swabs, while fungi Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus niger, Candida spp., Cladosporium spp. and Mucor spp. were isolated from ten (43, 47%) cloacal swabs. Comparing the results from two different locations, similarities of bacterial and fungal species and their number is evident. Majority of the microorganism are commonly isolated from digestive tract of the birds, but the large number of isolated bacteria and fungi, especially E. coli and Aspergillus species, indicating that wild birds can be possible source of infection for human and economically usable animals.

bacteria; fungi; wild birds; digestive system

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