STUDIES ON THE RESPIRATORY MYCOTIC FLORA OF THE PSITTACINE BIRDS

Abstract

Mycotic flora in the respiratory tract of 50 (Budgerigar) psittacine birds

from Alexandria Governorate were investigatted during January 1996 till • December 1997. 35 out of the investigated birds were apparently healthy while

15 of them were suffering from respiratory manifestations.

From the examined nasal cavities of the apparently healthy birds, Aspergillus fumigatus (2.86%), Penicillium chrysogenum (2.86%%), Penicillium notatum (2.86%), Candida albicans (12.28%) and Candida guilliermondii (2.86%) were isolated. Penicillium chrysogenum (6.66%), unclassified Penicillium WQ. (6.66%), Candida pseudotropicalis (13.33%), Candida tropicaJis (13.33%) and Candida rugosa (6.60%) were isolated from nasal cavities of respiratory sick birds.

• Fungal inhabitants of trachea from healthy birds included Aspergillus flavus (5.72%), Penicillium notatum (2.86%), Penicillium thomii (2.86%),

Penicillium expansum (5.72%), unclassified Penicillium WP• (2.86%), Candida

albican s

(45.14%) and Candida tropicalis (2.86%). Yet, in birds showing

respiratory manifestations Aspergillus niger (20%) and Aspergillus flavus

(6.60%) were the predominant fungi.