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Avian aspergillosis is reported in several avian species, with Aspergillus fumigatus as the main aetiological agent. Predisposing factors such as starvation, thermal stress, migratory stress, primary infectious disease or toxicosis may play a role. Eight cases of disseminated aspergillosis in free ranging seagulls sheltered at C.R.U.M.A. (Centro Recupero Uccelli Marini e Acquatici, Livorno, Italy) with different clinical histories are presented. The infection was demonstrated by cultural and histological methods from lesions of all birds, and the presence of airborne A. fumigatus viable elements ranging from 450 to 525 CFU/m(3) inside and outside the shelter by means of a surface air sampler (SAS) Super-90 was also assessed. The role of this fungal species as an opportunistic factor in the captivity of seagulls is considered and some control measures, such as a clean and stress free environment and the use of antifungal drugs are suggested.

Fungal agents are responsible for a variety of respiratory diseases both in humans and animals. The nature and seasonal variations of fungi have been investigated in many environments with wide ranging results. The aims of the present report were (i) to evaluate the quality and magnitude of exposure to airborne fungi in three differently structured equine stalls (open air, partially and completely enclosed buildings) during a one-year period, using an air sampling technique and (ii) to compare the distribution and frequency of fungal species, with regards to these different environments. Air samples were collected monthly from December 2001 to November 2002 by means of a surface air sampler (SAS) Super-90, (PBI International, Milan, Italy). Penicillium and Aspergillus spp. were cultured from all the stables in all seasons. Mucoraceae were also recovered in all seasons in stalls 1 and 2, while they were not isolated in spring and fall in stall 3. These fungi were detected in 28.4%, 72.9% and 60.5% of the total number of samples, respectively. Other fungal genera such as Alternaria, Cladosporium, Fusarium, Beauveria and Drechslera were also occasionally recovered. Viable fungal concentrations varied greatly, ranging from below the limit of detection to more than 3000 CFU/m3 for stables 1 and 2, and 1750 CFU/m3 for stable 3. The median fungal concentration was approximately 178 CFU/m3. Total fungal concentration appeared to be highest in summer, winter and spring, and lowest in the fall.

The presence of Malassezia spp. yeasts was investigated in dermatological specimens of 224 dogs, 164 dermatologically diseased and 60 normal dogs. Subjects included in the study were of different breed, age, sex and habitat. Malassezia spp. positive cultures were obtained in 142 (63.4%) specimens: 67.6% from dermatologically diseased subjects and 51.6% from healthy dogs. Malassezia pachydermatis, either as a pure culture or in association with lipid-dependent species, was identified in 138 (97%) specimens. Malassezia furfur was identified in 69 (48.6%) specimens and was associated with other Malassezia species in 68 dogs, as a pure culture in one subject: at the best of our knowledge, this species was identified before as the sole species from canine dermatitis. Malassezia sympodialis was identified in 11 (7.7%) specimens, always in association with other species: it was never isolated from kennel dogs. Statistical analysis of data showed a very significant difference (P < 0.01) in the prevalence of isolation of Malassezia spp. between animals with and without dermatological signs, and in the distribution of cultural burden between diseased and healthy dogs. A statistically significant difference (P<0.05) was also detected in the group of animals between 1- and 5-years of age. No significant difference was found between male and female dogs.

Three-hundred twenty five droppings from parrots raised in the premises of 4 breeders and in several private households were cultured for yeasts. One-hundred sixty droppings (49.2%) resulted positive. From these specimens 212 isolates belonging to 27 different species were obtained. Mainly Candida species such as C. albicans, C. catenulata, C. curvata, C. famata, C. glabrata, C. guilliermondi, C. holmii, C. intermedia, C. krusei, C. lambica, C. lusitaniae, C. membranaefaciens, C. parapsilosis, C. pelliculosa, C. sake and C. valida were isolated. Debarvomyces marama, D. polymorphus, Geotrichum sp., Pichia etchelsii, P. ohmeri, Rhodotorula glutinis, R. rubra, Rhodotorula sp., Saccharomyces cerevisiae, S. kluyiveri and Zygosaccharomyces sp. were also obtained. Dark colonies on Staib medium were never observed. The psittacine birds apparently serve as carriers for several Candida species or their perfect states and to a lesser extent for other opportunistic yeasts such as Rhodotorula, Trichosporon and Saccharomyces spp., which are considered part of the transient microbiota of the gastrointestinal tract. The most striking finding was the absence of Cryptococcus spp. among the isolates. The present survey confirms the role of pet birds in carrying potential zoonotic yeasts.

Between January, 1, 1986 and December, 31, 2000, dermatological specimens from 10.678 animals (7.650 cats and 3.028 dogs) were examined for dermatophytes. All the animals presented clinical signs of ringworm. Two thousand-four hundred fifty-six of the 10.678 (23%) examined animals scored positive for dermatophytes, 566 out of 3.028 canine (18.7%) and 1890 out of 7.650 feline specimens (24.7%). Microsporum canis constituted 83% and 97% of the isolated dermatophytes respectively in dogs and cats, M. gypseum represented 13% and 2.6% and T. mentagrophytes 5.5% and 0.2%. A sexual predisposition for mycotic infections was not observed. The animals with less than 1 year of age were more frequently infected. Canine toy breeds showed a significantly higher (P < 0.001) prevalence of infections by M. canis. Microsporum gypseum was mostly recorded from sporting (hunting) breeds [such as T. mentagrophytes (6.7%)]. Microsporum canis was isolated from long-haired cats with a ratio of 2:1 versus short-haired cats, while M. gypseum and T. mentagrophytes were never recovered from Persian cats. The annual distribution of the infections in dogs showed a significantly higher incidence for M. gypseum in summer versus winter and spring, while the recovery rate of M. canis from cats was very significantly higher in fall and winter than in summer and spring. Trichophyton mentagrophytes did not show a similar seasonal distribution.

Extracellular enzymatic activity of different species of Malassezia spp was evaluated. Thirty-three isolates of animal origin (dogs and cats) and stock culture samples were studied. Twenty isolates of M. pachydermatis, 8 of M. furfur, 2 of M. sympodialis and M. globosa and one of M. restricta, M. obtusa and M. slooffiae were examined. The enzymatic activity was investigated using Api Zym system. The enzymatic patterns showed light differences. Esterase lipase, Phosphatase acid and Naphtol-AS-BI-phosphohydrolase were produced in significant amounts from most isolates excepted for M. restricta, confirming the limited enzymatic activity of this species. Data obtained from the other new species described after the revision of the genus, appear to be quite homogeneous. Dixon's broth appeared to be a valid medium for the growth of all Malassezia spp.