Fungi presence in eight Loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta)

Abstract

In this study, various genera of fungi (Cladosporium sp., Curvularia sp., Trichophyton sp., Aspergillus spp., Candida spp. and Fusarium spp.) present in the carapace of specimens of the Caretta caretta species, admitted to the La Tahonilla Wildlife Recovery Center, have been isolated. In this sense, the sampling used is described, the identification in two reference laboratories and the possible injuries caused by these microorganisms are detailed. Said isolates coincide with other research works on reptiles and turtles, but it is the first time that a study of this subject has been carried out on sea turtles in the Canary Islands. The presence of these fungi in sea turtles is mostly secondary to other main pathologies, but it is necessary to carry out a more in-depth study to confirm this hypothesis and see what the origin is.