Keratinophilic fungi associated with starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) in Brittany, France

The occurrence of keratinophilic fungi on the feathers of 110 starlings (sturnus vulgaris) was investigated in order to assess the part that these birds may have in spreading of fungi of medical interest. Thirty eight birds (26%) yielded keratinophilic fungi, primarily Chrysosporium species, but also Scopulariopsis brevicaulis and Trichophyton terrestre. We reviewed the pathogenicity of the isolated fungi. Starlings may spread the propagules of keratinophilic fungi but it is difficult to determine if their increasing numbers in cities can be of significance in the epidemiology of today's rare mycoses.