Mucormycosis in the nasal cavity of a canary (Serinus canaria) caused by Lichtheimia corymbifera

A canary ( Serinus canaria ) that was presented for consultation due to alterations in its beak and slight deterioration in its general condition, revealed during clinical examination the presence of a large rhinolith in the left nasal opening, which also had its margins markedly distended due to chronic lysis of its edges. The rhinolith was extracted but the bird died days later. Cytological evaluations and isolation in pure culture were carried out from the extracted rhinolith, all of whom supported the diagnosis of mucormycosis, which was later confirmed by molecular techniques. The product obtained by PCR was subsequently sequenced, resulting in a 98% homology with Lichteimia corymbifera. Although mucormycosis affecting the nasal cavity has been diagnosed with some frequency in humans, it is reported for the first time in birds in the present work. A- Rhinolith in situ in the nasal opening. B- Appearance of and presence of zygospores (x40). C- Sample of the isolation in pure culture; the coenocytic mycelium, stolons and sporangia are observed (x40). D- PCR results: Lane 1 (C-), Lane 2 (C+), Lane 3 (canary sample). Lane 4 100 bp Marker. Bar= 50μ • Mucormycosis with a form of presentation not previously described in birds. • Severe damage to the nasal cavity with disfiguring lesions of the upper beak. • Detailed images of the clinical appearance and cytological findings. • Description and micromorphological images of the isolation in pure culture. • Diagnostic confirmation of Lichtheimia corymbifera using molecular techniques.