Fungal flora of the healthy camelid conjunctival sac.
Swab specimens for fungal isolation were collected from the healthy conjunctival sacs of 3 species of captive camelids (Lama glama, L guanicoe, L pacos) and llama-guanaco hybrids. Fungi were collected from over half the animals in winter (53%) and summer (56%). Fungal species of 10 genera were isolated. In both seasons, Aspergillus was the most commonly isolated genus; at least 9 species of Aspergillus were found. The fungal organisms isolated were similar to those found in healthy eyes of other domestic animals and may represent a random seeding from the environment where they are ubiquitous.
Gionfriddo
J R
JR
Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames 50011.
Gabal
M A
MA
Betts
D M
DM
D000818:Animals; D001230:Aspergillus / Q000302:isolation & purification; D002161:Camelids, New World / Q000382:microbiology*; D003228:Conjunctiva / Q000382:microbiology*; D005260:Female; D005658:Fungi / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D005670:Fusarium / Q000302:isolation & purification; D008297:Male; D015146:Midwestern United States; D003904:Mitosporic Fungi / Q000302:isolation & purification; D010407:Penicillium / Q000302:isolation & purification; D012016:Reference Values; D012621:Seasons