Abstract :
Opportunistic yeasts and yeast-like fungi have been recognized as important pathogens in high-risk patients. This study aimed to evaluate the presence of these microorganisms in the microbiota of captive rheas and to investigate the antifungal susceptibility of the isolated strains. Isolates representing Magnusiomyces capitatus (Geotrichum capitatum, n = 11), Trichosporon mucoides (n = 11), Trichosporon asteroides (n = 5), Rhodotorula mucilaginosa (n = 4), Trichosporon asahii (n = 3), Trichosporon cutaneum (n = 3), and Trichosporon ovoides (n = 3) were obtained from the oropharynx, cloaca, and feces of 58 animals. Most of the isolates were susceptible to antifungals in vitro; however, resistance against fluconazole (n = 1) and itraconazole (n = 2) was detected among T. mucoides. This study indicates that healthy rheas can be reservoirs of opportunistic pathogens. Primary resistance to azoles in T. mucoides obtained from these animals demonstrates the potential risk to humans. Key words: Rhea americana, opportunistic fungi, yeasts, antifungal susceptibility. Les levures et autres champignons microscopiques sont reconnus comme etant d'importants pathogenes opportunistes chez les patients a risque eleve. La presente etude avait pour objectif l'evaluation de la presence de ces micro- organismes dans la microflore de nandous en captivite et la description de la susceptibilite aux antifongiques chez les souches isolees. On a obtenu des isolats appartenant aux especes Magnusiomyces capitatus (Geotrichum capitatum, n = 11), Trichosporon mucoides (n = 11), Trichosporon asteroides (n = 5), Rhodotorula mucilaginosa (n = 4), Trichosporon asahii (n = 3), Trichosporon cutaneum (n = 3) et Trichosporon ovoides (n = 3) de l'oropharynx, du cloaque et des excrements de 58 animaux. La plupart des isolats etaient susceptibles aux antifongiques in vitro; cependant, on a decele une resistance au fluconazole (n = 1) e ta l'itraconazole (n = 2) chez T. mucoides. L'etude indique que les nandous sains peuvent constituer des reservoirs de pathogenes opportunistes. La resistance primaire aux azoles manifestee chez les T. mucoides issus de ces animaux etaye la notion de risque potentiel pour la sante humaine. [Traduit par la Redaction] Mots-cles: Rhea americana, champignons opportunistes, susceptibilite aux antifongiques.