Necrotic ulcerative dermatitis due to simultaneous infections of Malassezia and Microsporum gallinae in a pigeon (Columba livia domestica)

A homing pigeon (Columba livia domestica) was referred to the mycology laboratory of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran with thepresence of ulceration, bleeding, loss of feathers and scabs and crust in the head region. Mycological evaluation was shown simultaneous infections by Malassezia andMicrosporum gallinae. Pathological findings revealed severe and deep necrotic skin lesions associated with fungal hyphae and especially numerous yeasts. It was concludedthat keratinophilic fungi, especially dermatophytes in skin and feathers of birds can cause severe lesions and be a potential source of spread of disease in the humanpopulation and animals. It also suggests considering the role of Malassezia spp. as a risk factor in the development of skin lesions and the emergence and exacerbation ofinfections such as dermatophytes.

Keywords:

Malassezia , Microsporum gallinae , pigeon , skin lesions , pathology