Isolation of Bacteria and Fungi from the Droppings of Western House Martin (Delichon urbicum) in Elele, Nigeria

Abstract

The Western House Martin, scientifically known as Delichon urbicum is a small migratory passerine bird in the swallow family. It is the most prevalent house bird found in Elele Rivers State Nigeria. Sparrow is differentiated from Delichon urbicum by the type of nest they build as the former builds its own with grass whereas the latter builds with mud. The droppings of Western house martin (Delichon urbicum) present a unique habitat potentially rich in microbial diversity yet remains understudied in microbiological research. This study aimed to identify bacteria and fungi inhabiting Western house martin droppings Elele to bridge the gap in our understanding of their microbial ecology. Droppings were collected from birds whose nesting sites are in Elele which were labeled: Site A, Site B, Site C, Site D, Site E, Site F and Site G. Samples are collected by easy-to-build box which is made up of a plastic box, a plastic tray and a Sterile gauze. for a noninvasive fecal collection method, droppings were collected into a sterile universal container and was analyzed using culture-based method. Bacteria were isolated and identified through colonial morphology, gram staining, biochemical tests such as catalase, indole, urease, citrate test etc. Fungal isolates were identified based on morphology, microscopic examination. A total of twenty-one (21) sample was collected and cultured yielding nine 9(42.9%) positive results for both bacteria and fungi. Results revealed a diverse microbial community in Western house martin dungs, encompassing bacterial genera such as Salmonella spp 5(55.5%), Escherichia spp 2(22.2%), Campylobacter spp 2(22.2%) and fungal species including Aspergillus spp 3(33.3%), Candida spp 3(33.3%), Mucor spp 2(22.2%), Chrysosporium spp 1(11.1) with a P value <0.05 which was considered not significant, meaning deviation from the null hypothesis is not statistically significant, and the null hypothesis is not rejected. The sites with the highest number of bacteria identified are Site B and Site F while of fungi: Site A, Site C and Site E. The study identified potential pathogenic and beneficial microorganisms as well as contributing to ecological knowledge by highlighting the role of Western house martins as dispersers of microorganisms and their potential impacts on local ecosystems. It also underscores the importance of understanding microbial interactions within avian dung for ecological conservation and public health implications. These health implications include possible transmissions of pathogens to human especially food handlers. Recommendation includes proper food handling among students and pilgrims, disinfection of area concentrated with the bird droppings to avoid salmonella, campylobacter and other possible zoonotic infections, periodic removal of bird nest, proper sanitary measures and health check for proper diagnosis of infection.