Prevalence of Fusarium sp. in juvenile olive ridley sea turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea) kept at the Centro de Conservación Marina, Taxisco, Santa Rosa, Guatemala.

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.