Abstract

Background:
The olive ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) is experiencing population declines due to both anthropogenic impacts and emerging biological threats, including fungal pathogens such as Fusarium spp.

Aim:
This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Fusarium spp. in juvenile L. olivacea individuals housed at the Centro de Conservación Marina (CCM) in Guatemala.

Methods:
Seventeen juvenile turtles (aged 4 months to 2 years) were sampled using intentional surface swabbing. Samples were cultured on Sabouraud dextrose agar with chloramphenicol and incubated under two different conditions: 25°C for 15 days and 30°C for 7 days. Fungal colonies were analyzed both macroscopically and microscopically.

Results:
Fusarium spp. was identified in only one of 26 total samples (3.84%). Other fungi, yeasts, and molds were present in all specimens, indicating the presence of diverse but largely non-Fusarium fungal species.

Conclusion:
The low detection rate of Fusarium spp. suggests that it is not a common component of the skin flora of juvenile L. olivacea at CCM. However, its presence warrants continued surveillance given its potential role as an opportunistic pathogen under stress or immunosuppression.

Key words: Culture; Fungus; Fusarium; Prevalence; Lepidochelys olivacea.