Análise da microbiota cutânea fúngica de primatas cativos no zoológico CIGS, Manaus, Amazonas

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the skin microbiota of primates kept in captivity at the Center for Jungle Warfare Instruction (CIGS) zoo, located in the city of Manaus, in order to identify and describe the types of fungi that compose the microbiota of the coat and ear canal of primates, and to associate the presence of these fungi with animal welfare. The collection was performed in April, August, and November 2022, using Swabs for collection in the ear canal and carpets for regions of the head, thorax, forelimbs, and hind limbs primates of the zoo. The animals were restrained without the use of sedatives, according to the zoo's own protocol. Samples were obtained from six primates, being two nail monkeys (Sapajus sp.), two snout monkeys (Saimiri sciureus) and two white marmosets (Mico chrysoleucus). The collected material was sent for isolation on Petri dishes containing Sabouraud Agar medium supplemented with olive oil; and Mycosel Agar, incubated at 37° and 25° C to isolate filamentous and yeeduriform fungi in the laboratory of the Masters in Biotechnology and Natural Resources of the Amazonas State University (School of Health). During the research, mites were found to be present in all fungal isolates. Therefore, a new collection was performed only on M. chrysoleucus, after the use of 1% ivermectin to contain the mites. As a result, there was the presence of Aspergillus, Penicillium and Rhizopus in the samples, and these fungi are not dermatophytes, but were found to be constituents of the microbiota of this primate species. There was a difference between male and female samples, and the male (infant) presented a higher occurrence of fungi, but there was no evidence that this fact impaired the well being of the animals. Thus, this study proved that non-pathogenic fungi live associated with the captive primates, and that mites were also found. Further studies are necessary to evaluate the seasonal differences of the fungal microbiota present in these important species of Amazonian primates under captivity conditions. Key-words: Amazonian primates; Fungal microbiota; Pathogens.