Tremellomycetes isolated from organs of Columba livia Tremellomycetes isolated from domestic pigeons.

Brain, lungs and intestines of Columba livia captured in Brazil were analyzed for research of Tremellomycetes. Mycological culture presented the growth of colonies suggestive of Cryptococcus spp. in 11.60% (13/112) of the samples. Microscopy revealed capsulated yeast cells. Molecular analysis evidenced Papiliotrema flavescens, Naganishia diffluens, Filobasidium magnum, and Naganishia randhawae. Thermotolerance of Tremellomycetes isolates from brain and lung (n = 10) evidenced cell growth and viability at 37°C. At 42°C/24 h, these isolates showed viability, except for one P. flavescens isolate. Here, we report the first isolation of Tremellomycetes species from brain and lung of healthy C. livia.