Phenotypic Characterization of Oral <i>Mucor</i> Species from Eurasian Vultures: Pathogenic Potential and Antimicrobial Ability
Catarina Raposo,
Isa Serrano,
Eva Cunha,
Maria Patrícia Couto,
Filipa Lopes,
María Casero,
Luís Tavares,
Manuela Oliveira
Affiliations
Catarina Raposo
CIISA—Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
Isa Serrano
CIISA—Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
Eva Cunha
CIISA—Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
Maria Patrícia Couto
CIISA—Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
Filipa Lopes
CERAS—Centro de Estudos e Recuperação de Animais Selvagens, Quinta da Senhora de Mércules, 6000-909 Castelo Branco, Portugal
María Casero
RIAS Centro de Recuperação e Investigação de Animais Selvagens, Rua do Parque Natural da Ria Formosa, Quelfes, 8700-194 Olhão, Portugal
Luís Tavares
CIISA—Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
Manuela Oliveira
CIISA—Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
Due to poisoning and decline in the food resources of Eurasian vultures, there has been a rise in the number of Griffon (Gyps fulvus) and Cinereous vultures (Aegypius monachus) needing veterinary care. In captivity, vultures often develop oral and other infectious diseases which can affect their survival and the probability of reintroduction in the wild. Therefore, it is important to characterize relevant microbial species present in the oral cavity of vultures, such as Mucor spp. In this work, seven Mucor spp. isolates previously obtained from Gyps fulvus and Aegypius monachus oral swabs collected at two rehabilitation centers in Portugal were characterized regarding their pathogenic enzymatic profile and antimicrobial activity. Isolates were identified by macro and microscopic observation, and PCR and ITS sequencing. Their antimicrobial activity was determined using a collection of pathogenic bacteria and two yeast species. Results showed that 86% of the isolates produced α-hemolysis, 71% expressed DNase, 57% produce lecithinase and lipase, 29% expressed gelatinase, and 29% were biofilm producers. Four isolates showed inhibitory activity against relevant human and veterinary clinical isolates, including Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecium, Neisseria zoodegmatis, and Staphylococcus aureus. In conclusion, accurate management programs should consider the benefits and disadvantages of Mucor spp. presence in the oral mucosa.
