Prevalence of <i>Fusarium</i> sp. in juvenile olive ridley sea turtles (<i>Lepidochelys olivacea</i>) kept at the <i>Centro de Conservación Marina</i>, Taxisco, Santa Rosa, Guatemala.

Abstract

<h4>Background</h4>The olive ridley sea turtle (<i>Lepidochelys olivacea</i>) is experiencing population declines due to both anthropogenic impacts and emerging biological threats, including fungal pathogens such as <i>Fusarium</i> spp.<h4>Aim</h4>This study aimed to determine the prevalence of <i>Fusarium</i> spp. in juvenile <i>L</i>. <i>olivacea</i> individuals housed at the <i>Centro de Conservación Marina</i> (CCM) in Guatemala.<h4>Methods</h4>Seventeen juvenile turtles (aged 4 months to 2 years) were sampled using intentional surface swabbing. Samples were cultured on Sabouraud dextrose agar with chloramphenicol and incubated under two different conditions: 25°C for 15 days and 30°C for 7 days. Fungal colonies were analyzed both macroscopically and microscopically.<h4>Results</h4><i>Fusarium</i> spp. was identified in only one of 26 total samples (3.84%). Other fungi, yeasts, and molds were present in all specimens, indicating the presence of diverse but largely non-Fusarium fungal species.<h4>Conclusion</h4>The low detection rate of <i>Fusarium</i> spp. suggests that it is not a common component of the skin flora of juvenile <i>L. olivacea</i> at CCM. However, its presence warrants continued surveillance given its potential role as an opportunistic pathogen under stress or immunosuppression.