Investigation of keratinophilic fungi from soils in Western Australia a preliminary survey

In order to determine which species of geophilic dermatophytes were present in Western Australian soils 299 samples were investigated. These samples were collected from a range of locations, 208 from towns throughout the state and 91 samples from the Perth Metropolitan area.Most samples were collected from areas frequented by people and animals, such as home gardens, parks and animal yards.Of the total 299 soils, 271 (90.6 %) yielded keratinophilic fungi. A total of 181 dermatophytes were isolated, and there were 205 isolations of other keratinophilic fungi. Microsporum gypseum (30.7 %) was the most prevalent dermatophyte recovered from soil followed byMicrosporum cookei (21.7 %) and thenTrichophyton ajelloi (8.0 %). No other dermatophytes were recovered.Chrysosporium indicum was the most common of all the keratinophilic fungi and was isolated from 50.1 % of the samples. Mixed growth was obtained from 33.5 % of the soil samples.     

Keratinophilic fungi of school playgrounds in the Nablus area,West Bank of Jordan

The distribution of keratinophilic fungi in the soil of 57 school playgrounds in the Nablus area was studied with relation to human presence. A total number of 73 species was recovered. Thirteen of these species were dermatophytes and closely related fungi. The most common and frequent species of the latter fungi were: Arthroderma cuniculi (found in 32.1% of school playgrounds), Chrysosporium keratinophilum (32.1%), Microsporum gypseum (10.7%), T. terrestre (7.1%), and C. asperatum (7.1%). Twenty eight of the isolated species had been reported to be pathogenic; these comprised 64.3% of the keratinophilic mycoflora of school playgrounds.     

Isolation of keratinophilic fungi from floors in Roman primary schools

Keratinophilic fungi are present in the environment with variable distribution patterns that depend on different factors, one of which, of fundamental importance, is human and or animal presence. The present study was conducted in the environment and classrooms of schools in order to evaluate the relationship between the human presence and the presence of keratinophilic fungi. In order to achieve this goal, a new isolation technique was used. From 20 samples, 253 colonies of keratinophilic fungi were isolated. The results showed that species of the genus Chrysosporium were present in 100% of the samples, while Microsporum and Trichophyton species were present in 40% and 65% of the samples respectively. The percentage of three pathogenic species, M. canis (25), T. mentagrophytes (10) and M. gypseum (10) was significant. The other species isolated were: T. terrestre (55%), Trichophyton sp. (35%), M. cookei (25%) and T. ajelloi (10%). A correlation between the amount of gathered dust and the number of colonies of keratinophilic fungi isolated was not found.     

Keratinophilic Fungi Isolated from Soils of Long-Term Fold-Grazed, Degraded Pastures in National Parks of Slovakia

A total of 939 isolates of 11 genera representing 15 species of keratinophilic fungi were isolated and identified from the soils of three long-term fold-grazed pastures in national parks of Slovakia (Pod Ploskou, Strungovy príslop, and Pod Ke?kou) and one non-fold-grazed pasture in sierra Stolicke vrchy (Diel) using the hair-baiting technique. Keratinophilic fungi were present in all soil samples with a prevalence of Trichophyton ajelloi and Paecilomyces lilacinus. These fungi were more abundant in soil from fold-grazed pasture (Strungovy príslop) compared to non-fold-grazed pasture (Diel). The occurrence of the other keratinophilic fungi was substantially lower, likely because of low pH in some soils.     

The isolation of histoplasma duboisii and keratinophilic fungi from soils of east africa

Summary Isolation ofHistoplasma duboisii marks the first incidence of this African pathogen being found in the soil of Kenya.Investigation of keratinophilic fungi in soil from Kenya and Tanzania produced 27 isolates of dermatophytes belonging to the four known genera of this group.Trichophyton evolceanui was found in five of these samples.It is to be noted that localities frequented by wild and domestic animals produced a higher incidence of keratinophilic fungi than did the unshady, isolated areas.     

Keratinophilic fungi from Nigerian soil

During a survey of keratinophilic fungi in Nigerian soil samples, twelve species of fungi were isolated. These included Chrysosporium keratinophilum, C. tropicum, Curvularia lunata, Microsporum audouinii, M. canis, M. fulvum, M. gypseum, M. vanbreuseghemii, Trichophyton ajelloi, T. mentagrophytes, T. soudanense and T. yaoundei. These keratinophilic fungi had a higher incidence by occurrence of individual species during the rainy season (May–October) than the dry season (November–April).     

Isolation of keratomycetes from the soil of wild animal cages and enclosures in the zoo of the Parco Nazionale d'Abruzzo, Italy

The keratinophilic fungi present in the soil of wild animal cages and enclosures in the zoo of the "Parco Nazionale d'Abruzzo", at Pescasseroli, Italy were studied. The goal of the investigation was to determine what species of such fungi existed in wild animal habitats in that area and what variation there may be in their frequency in connection with the seasons. The most prevalent fungus was Trichophyton ajelloi, followed in decreasing order by the Chrysosporium species (C. keratinophilum, C. tropicum, C. state of Ctenomyces serratus). The Microsporums were relatively rare. The perfect forms Arthroderma uncinatum, A. quadrifidum, Nannizzia cajetani and Ctenomyces serratus were isolated from plates containing their corresponding imperfect forms. The recurrence of the species present in the soil of each cage and enclosure in April and in July was remarkable.     

Keratinophilic fungi of poultry farm and feather dumping soil in Tamil Nadu,India

Soils of 10 poultry farms from Namakkal and 12 feather dumping sites from Chennai were studied for the presence of keratinophilic fungi. A total of 34 species belonging to 19 genera and one non-sporulating fungus were recovered. Sixteen species of fungi and one non-sporulating fungi were common to both sites, eight species were specific to Namakkal and nine species were specific to Chennai. Dermatophytes and closely related fungi were represented by six species belonging to five genera. Fungal species commonly found in the soil samples included Chrysosporium keratinophilum (73%), Trichophyton mentagrophytes (68.2%), Microsporum gypseum (64%), Myceliopthora vellerea (32%), Chrysosporium state of Arthroderma tuberculatum (27.3%) and Geomyces pannorum (23%). Non-dermatophyte fungi were represented by 28 species belonging to 14 genera and one non-sporulating fungus.     

Survey of keratinophilic fungi isolated from city park soils of Pisa,Italy

A survey of geophilic dermatophytes and related keratinophilic fungi isolated from city park soils of Pisa is reported. Twenty-three (48%) soil samples out of 48 were positive by hair baiting. The following species were isolated: Microsporum gypseum (39%), Trichophyton ajelloi (31%), Chrysosporium keratinophilum (14%), T. terrestre (8%), M. fulvum, Ch. luteum, Ch. indicum (5% each) and M. cookei (2%). The presence of the different species is discussed in relation to the risk of fungal skin infections. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Keratinophilic fungi on the hair of goats from the West Bank of Jordan

The mycoflora of the hair in 178 goats from the West Bank of Jordan was analysed and the frequency of occurrence and the relative importance value for the different keratinophilic fungi found were calculated. One hundred and seven species which belong to 38 genera were isolated. Thirty six of these species were either well recognised agents of mycoses (Trichophyton mentagrophytes, T. verrucosum, and M. nanum), or have been frequently isolated from human and animal lesions (Arthroderma spp., Acremonium kiliense, Alternaria alternata, Aspergillus flavus, Cladosporium carionii, and several other species). These potentially pathogenic fungal species comprised 66.9% of all keratinophilic fungi found on the hair of goats. The role of this animal as a reservoir for dermatophytes and other potentially pathogenic fungi is discussed.     

The occurrence of keratinophilic fungi in texas soil

Summary A total of 137 soils, 27 coming from caves and 110 from outdoor lands of Texas, were examined for the presence of keratinophilic fungi by the use of the ToKaVa hairbaiting technique. Twenty three and 69 fungal isolates, respectively, were recovered from these areas. Microsporon gypseum was the most common isolate, followed byTrichophyton mentagrophytes, andT. terrestre. M. gypseum was recovered from caves in a very high frequency (67 %), in comparison to its presence in the outdoor soils (10 %).Fifteen strains ofChrysosporium, belonging to four species, were isolated. Fourteen of these isolates were recovered from shady areas under trees. None of these had been isolated from Texas soil before.     

Ecological and physiological studies on fungi associated with human hair

Thirty-seven species attributed to 19 genera of keratinophilic fungi were recovered from 100 human hair samples collected from the Assiut governorate. The genera Aspergillus followed by Penicillium and Chrysosporium were frequently isolated from 65, 43 and 30% of the samples respectively. Fifteen species and 13 genera of thermophilic and thermotolerant fungi (recovered at 45 degrees C) were identified. The thermotolerant Aspergillus fumigatus was frequently encountered and emerged from 82% of the samples. Thirteen isolates of keratinophilic and 20 isolates of thermophilic fungi were tested for lipolytic and proteolytic activities. All the keratinophilic fungi showed lipolytic and proteolytic activities while 100 and 85% of the thermophilic fungi showed lipolytic and proteolytic activities. Using the paper-disc plate method, 12 types of shampoos and oils were tested for their antifungal activities on 42 strains of keratinophilic and thermophilic or thermotolerant fungi. Three out of four types of shampoo proved to be highly effective against all the test fungi.     

Growth Characteristics and Enzyme Activity in Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis Isolates

Eighty soil samples were collected from various sites of Bahrain and screened for presence of keratinophilic fungi using hair baiting techniques for isolation. Thirty-six isolates were recovered and identified. The cultures were identified using macro- and micromorphological features. Their identification was also confirmed by the BLAST search of sequences of ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 rDNA region against the NCBI/Gene bank data and compared with deposited sequences for confirmation. Eight species of five genera were isolated viz. Aphanoascus fulvuscence (8.75%), Aphanoascus punsolae (20.00%), Chrysosporium indicum (2.50%), Chrysosporium tropicum (2.50%), Chrysosporium zonatum (3.75%), Spiromastix warcupii (1.25%), Microsporum gypseum (3.75%), and Trichophyton mentagrophytes (2.50%). In conclusion, our study indicates that keratinophilic fungi do occur in the various soils of Bahrain. Moreover, the narrow diversity and low density of keratinophilic fungi in the investigated soils is expected and is emblematic to other hot arid environments.     

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. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Keratinophilic Fungi Recovered from Muddy Soil in Cairo Vicinities,Egypt

One hundred samples of muddy soil were collected from seven areas in the vicinity of Cairo and screened for the presence of keratinophilic fungi by using hair baiting isolation technique. Forty isolates of keratinophilic fungi were recovered and identified by recognition of their cultures, macro- and micromorphological features. Their physiological and molecular characteristics were studied by determination of their ubiquinone (Coenzyme Q) composition and DNA sequences of (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2) and 18S rRNA region sequences. The Keratinophilic isolates were identified as Chrysosporium carmichaelii, C. queenslandicum, C. zonatum, C. indicum, Aphanoascus mephitalis, and Uncinocarpus reesii. Chrysosporium zonatum was the most prevalent species and represented 42.5% of the total number of isolates. Each of C. carmichaelii and C. queenslandicum were equal in their prevalence and represented 15%. C. indicum comes next constituting 12.5%; followed by Uncinocarpus reesii which represented 10%. The least prevalent species in our study was Aphanoascus mephitalis, which was represented only 5% of the total keratinophilic isolates.     

Ecology of pathogenic yeasts in Amazonian soil

In an investigation of Amazonian soil as a natural reservoir for pathogenic fungi, 1,949 soil samples collected from diverse geographical and ecological settings of the Brazilian Amazon Basin were analyzed for the presence of non-keratinophilic fungi by the indirect mouse inoculation procedure and for the presence of keratinophilic fungi by the hair bait technique. All soil samples were acidic with low pH values. From 12% of the soil samples, 241 yeast and yeastlike isolates pertaining to six genera and 82 species were recovered, of which 63% were Torulopsis and 26% were Candida species. Nine fungi with known pathogenic potentials were encountered among 43% (104) of the isolates: T. glabrata, C. guilliermondii, C. albicans, C. pseudotropicalis, C. stellatoidea, C. tropicalis, Rhodotorula rubra, and Wangiella dermatitidis. The yeast flora was marked by species diversity, low frequency of each species, random geographical distribution, and an apparent lack of species clustering. The composition and distribution of the yeast flora in soil differed from those of the yeast flora harbored by bats, suggesting that the Amazonian external environment and internal bat organs act as independent natural habitats for yeasts.     

Keratinophilic fungi from Orissa, India, II: Isolations from feathers of wild birds and domestic fowls

Feather samples from 117 birds, representing 11 species, were examined for keratinophilic fungi. Of these, 63 (53.8%) were found to be positive. Nine species of fungi classified in 6 genera were isolated: Aphanoascus terreus (1.7%), Chrysosporium indicum (26.4%), Chrys. tropicum (11.1%) the Chrysosporium state of Aphanoascus spp. (2.5%), the Chrysosporium state of Arthroderma tuberculatum (3.4%), Ctenomyces serratus (0.8%), Gymnoascoideus petalosporus (7.6%), Malbranchea spp. (6.8%), Rollandina hyalinospora (6.8%). Passer domesticus (the house sparrow) harboured the largest varieties of keratinophilic fungi: the Chrysosporium state of Arthroderma tuberculatum was found to be associated with it selectively. The associations of these keratinophilic fungi with birds were non-clinical in nature.     

Ecology of pathogenic yeasts in Amazonian soil.

In an investigation of Amazonian soil as a natural reservoir for pathogenic fungi, 1,949 soil samples collected from diverse geographical and ecological settings of the Brazilian Amazon Basin were analyzed for the presence of non-keratinophilic fungi by the indirect mouse inoculation procedure and for the presence of keratinophilic fungi by the hair bait technique. All soil samples were acidic with low pH values. From 12% of the soil samples, 241 yeast and yeastlike isolates pertaining to six genera and 82 species were recovered, of which 63% were Torulopsis and 26% were Candida species. Nine fungi with known pathogenic potentials were encountered among 43% (104) of the isolates: T. glabrata, C. guilliermondii, C. albicans, C. pseudotropicalis, C. stellatoidea, C. tropicalis, Rhodotorula rubra, and Wangiella dermatitidis. The yeast flora was marked by species diversity, low frequency of each species, random geographical distribution, and an apparent lack of species clustering. The composition and distribution of the yeast flora in soil differed from those of the yeast flora harbored by bats, suggesting that the Amazonian external environment and internal bat organs act as independent natural habitats for yeasts.     

Keratinophilic fungi isolated from children's sandpits in the Nablus area,West Bank of Jordan

The keratinophilic fungi of 29 sandpits from kindergarten schools and public parks in the city of Nablus was analysed to evaluate their role in the epidemiology of diseases caused by these fungi. Seventy two species were recovered 28 of which were common to both kindergartens and public parks sandpits. High percentage (57.4%) of fungal isolates found had been identified as the causes of various types of mycoses. Eight species of dermatophytes and closely related fungi were recovered, of which the followings were the most commonly found species in sandpits: Chrysosporium keratinophilum (20.7%), Microsporum gypseum (17.2%), Trichophyton mentagrophytes (6.9%), and C. evolceanui (6.9%).     

Keratinophilic fungi isolated from soil of the Abruzzo National Park,Italy

One hundred sixty one soil samples from the Parco Nazionale d'Abruzzo were analyzed. The keratinophilic fungi present in the soil samples were isolated and classified with the hair-bait method. The most common was T. ajelloi (28.6% of the total samples) followed by Chrysosporium keratinophilum (14.3%), C. sp. (11.2%), C. asperatum and Trichophyton sp. (6.8%), T. terrestre (5.6%), C. pannorum and C. state of Ctenomyces serratus (3.7%), C. tropicum (3.1%), M. cookei (2.5%) and the C. state of Arthroderma tuberculatum (1.9%). Other species, not belonging to the dermatophytes, were also isolated. The absence of dermatophytes was correlated with low human and animal population density.Altitude and vegetation did not seem to influence their distribution.