Isolation and identification of culturable fungi from the genitals and semen of healthy giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca)

Abstract

BackgroundIn order to better understand the possible role of fungi in giant panda reproduction and overall health, it is important to provide a baseline for the normal fungal composition in the reproductive system. Using morphology and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequence analysis, we systematically isolated and identified fungal species from the vagina, foreskin, and semen of 21 (11 males and 10 females) healthy giant pandas to understand the normal fungal flora of the genital tracts.ResultsA total of 76 fungal strains were obtained, representing 42 genera and 60 species. Among them 47 fungal strains were obtained from vaginal samples, 24 from foreskins, and 5 from semen samples. Several fungal strains were isolated from more than one sample. More fungal species were isolated from females from males. The predominant genera were Aspergillus, Trichosporon, and Penicillium, followed by Candida, Cladosporium, Sordariomycetes, and Diaporthe. The average number of strains in the female vagina was significantly higher than in the foreskin and semen of male.ConclusionsA total of 60 fungal species (belonging to 42 genera) were identified in the giant panda’s genital tract. Some of the species were commonly shared in both males and females. These findings provide novel information on the fungal community in the reproductive tracts of giant pandas.

Identification, Genotyping, and Pathogenicity ofTrichosporonspp. Isolated from Giant Pandas

“…Pandas that had been treated with antifungal drugs during the previous 6 months or with a recent history of disease were excluded from this study. The pandas lived in a semi-captive semi-enclosed breeding environment, were fed a diet of about 10% steamed cornbread and fruits and 90% bamboo shoots, and were allowed to drink water ad libitum (14).…”

“…No repeat sampling was performed on the same panda, and all 44 samples were processed with isolated Trichosporon spp. (14).…”

“…Each sample was plated onto three culture plates with three control plates. All culture dishes were inoculated and stored at 25 °C for 7–30 days before being considered negative(14).…”

Identification, genotyping, and pathogenicity of Trichosporon spp. Isolated from Giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca)

“…The giant panda ( Ailuropoda melanoleuca ) is one of the rarest endangered animals[1, 2]. Dermatomycosis has become the second major disease of giant pandas, which seriously affect the survival of giant pandas [3].…”

“…Our previous studies have shown that Trichosporon spp. is the dominant genera of the body surface [4] and genitals of giant pandas [2]. These species may lead to trichosporidiosis in humans and animals.…”