Isolation of Anaerobic Fungi from Saliva and Faeces of Sheep

SUMMARY: Anaerobic fungi were isolated from the faeces (isolates F1 and F2) and saliva (isolates S1 and S2) of a sheep. Isolate S1 and F1 were morphologically similar and both resembled Neocallimastix spp. They produced polyflagellate zoospores and were monocentric; the zoosporangium was supported by an extensive, highly branched, non-septate rhizomycelium. Isolate F1 utilized a variety of polysaccharides (including cellulose) and disaccharides, but of the eight monosaccharides tested, only fructose, glucose and xylose supported growth. Isolates S2 and F2 were morphologically similar to each other and resembled Sphaeromonas communis. These organisms were isolated on glucose but not on cellulose and they formed large spherical bodies which were closely associated with small ‘zoosporangia’; no rhizoids were observed. This is the first time that anaerobic fungi have been isolated from saliva and faeces of sheep. The ability of these organisms to survive in saliva and faeces, at reduced temperatures, suggests two possible routes of transfer of anaerobic fungi between animals.