Isolation and Identification of Pathogenic Fungi from Editable Frog (Hoplobatrachus occipitalis) Captured in the Shallows Water of MAN City, Côte d’Ivoire

Abstract

Aims: Frogs are a popular source of protein in the western region of Côte d'Ivoire. But they are still caught in the natural environment in water of dubious quality that may contain pathogenic micro-organisms such as fungi. The aim of this study was to isolate and identify the fungal community present on frog skin. Study design:  A frog sample was taken and fungi isolation and identification were performed. Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in Man (Western Côte d’Ivoire) during June to October 2024. Methodology: The method involved capturing frogs Hoplobatrachus occipitalis at three sites in marshy areas of Man town (Sites A, B and C). A total of 60 frogs were captured, 20 frogs per site, to determine the fungal community. Swabs were taken from the frogs' skin and isolates of the fungi were isolated on Sabouraud medium containing chloramphenicol. The pure culture were identified by macroscopic and microscopic observations at 10X and 40X magnification. Subsequently, molecular identification by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was carried out to confirm the strains using the ITS gene. Results: The results of this study showed that the rate of frog contamination was 61.7% and three fungal genera were observed. These were Aspergillus sp, Rhizopus sp and Mucor sp. Aspergillus was the most commonly observed (82.3%). Fungal contamination of frog was high for Aspergillus sp species; 51.6% for Aspergillus niger, 35% for Aspergillus terreus and 21.6% for Aspergillus fumigatus. PCR confirmed that these sources belonged to the fungal genus, with the appearance of a 590 bp band after electrophoresis. Conclusion : Considering the high consumption of frogs in this region, these results raise questions about the measures to be taken to ensure the production of good quality frogs.