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.     

THE CONTAMINATION OF BIRDS' FEATHERS BY FUNGI

Fungi have regularly been recorded on feathers removed from birds. Cellulose-decomposing spores which are merely carried on the feathers were common on birds sampled in Britain, but were fewer than expected on the basis of random distribution on birds sampled in India. Hyaline-spored fungi were less common on Indian birds, and more abundant on British birds than expected. Keratinophilic fungi, which are related to the dermatophytes, were particularly associated with related groups of birds: thus Turdus spp. regularly yielded Arthroderma curreyi, and partridges were contaminated with Ctenomyces serratus. Chrysosporium spp. were widespread on birds in India and Britain. Where associations have been shown, feather fats from these birds stimulate, or do not depress the growth of the keratinophilic fungi. Otherwise, feather fats were inhibitory to the fungi. The temperature relationships of the fungi, showing no growth at 40°C, would explain the restriction of the keratinophilic fungi to the outer, contour feathers, and of dermatophytes mainly to the non-insulated parts of the birds' surface.     

Occurrence of keratinophilic fungi on Indian birds

Keratinophilic fungi were isolated from feathers of most common Indian birds,viz. domestic chicken (Gallus domesticus), domestic pigeon (Columba livia), house sparrow (Passer domesticus), house crow (Corvus splendens), duck (Anas sp.), rose-ringed parakeet (Psittacula krameri). Out of 87 birds, 58 yielded 4 keratinophilic fungal genera representing 13 fungal species and one sterile mycelium. The isolated fungi were cultured on Sabouraud's dextrose agar at 28±2°C.Chrysosporium species were isolated on most of the birds.Chrysosporium lucknowense andChrysosporium tropicum were the most common fungal species associated with these Indian birds. Maximum occurrence of fungi (47%) was recorded on domestic chickens and the least number of keratinophilic fungi was isolated from the domestic pigeon and duck. The average number of fungi per bird was found to be the 0.44.     

Survey of keratinophilic fungi inhabiting Passer domesticus in two districts of Orissa,India

The distribution patterns of keratinophilic fungi isolated from Passer domesticus of a coastal (Puri) and an intercoastal (Dhenkanal) district were compared with respect to three parameters, season, age and sex. Irrespective of the parameters, Chrysosporium tropicum and Rollandina hyalinospora showed the highest frequency of occurrence. Their occurrence in the birds was not determined by any ecological or environmental condition in nature. Thus these fungi exhibited their ecological maturity or firm establishment in nature. The maximum fungal distribution occurred during the monsoon season and was minimal in the summer. Juvenile birds were active carriers of the fungi and the male birds harboured the maximum number of fungi. Thus male juvenile birds carried the maximum number of keratinophilic fungi during the monsoon season. The free-living P. domesticus enhances the degree of dispersal of keratinophilic fungi, it being in frequent contact with human artifacts, breeding in settlements and town gardens Eusynanthropic habit. The fungi so dispersed are called mesoornithochorus as their occurrence in birds is determined to a certain degree by avian habits.     

Diversity of keratinophilic mycoflora in the soil of Agra (India)

Diversity of keratinophilic mycoflora in the soil of Agra was under observation for 1 year (July 2001-June 2002) and isolation of keratinophilic fungi was followed by the hair-baiting method. The frequency of occurrence of keratinophilic fungi in 284 soil samples collected from various hospitals, cattle yards, poultry farms, crop fields and playgrounds was determined, 204 samples (72%) having been found to be positive. A total of 33 species classified into 11 genera (Acremonium, Aspergillus, Chrysosporium, Emmonsia, Geomyces, Keratinophyton, Microsporum, Myceliophthora, Penicillium, Sporotrichum, Trichophyton) were encountered from the soil samples. Sporotrichum spp. were found to be the most dominant species followed by Trichophyton simii. The parameter of keratinophilic fungi found in the samples studied ranged from 62 to 80% where playgrounds yielded the maximum number of species (80%) while the least dominating soil was hospital soil (62%). Among all the baits used maximum fungi occurred on human hairs (82%) followed by chicken feather (74%), wool (61%) and the least on horns (45%). The spectrum of keratinophilic fungi isolated from different sites differed considerably according to the frequency of use by humans.     

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.     

The ecology of keratinophilic fungi at different depths of soil.

The influence of depth and humus content of soil, on the presence of keratinophilic fungi in 4 layers (1-10 cm, 11-25 cm, 26-40 cm, 41-55 cm) of carbonate meadow, chernozem carbonate meadow and carbonate alluvial soils was studied. Different keratinophilic fungi were found not only in individual soils but also in different layers of the same soil. The greatest number and quantity occurred in soil with highest humus content. These fungi were present in greatest amount in the superficial layers (1-10 cm and 11-25 cm) of all soils investigated.     

Occurrence of Yeasts in Cloacae of Migratory Birds

Several species of yeast have been reported as pathogens in humans based on increases in immunodeficiency syndromes and as a result of immunosuppressant chemotherapy in cancer treatment. Domestic and wild birds are known to act as carriers of human pathogenic fungi. To gain additional information on the yeasts present in the cloacae of some species of migratory birds, 421 wild birds (24.39% out of 1726 birds caught in Romania, Hungary and Bulgaria) were sampled with the permission of the local judicial authority. The state of conservation of the birds (i.e. post-mortem alterations, colour of the mucosae etc.), along with their age and sex were determined. Samples were collected directly from the cloacae and cultured, and colonies were identified in each positive sample. Yeasts were isolated from 15.7% of the animals sampled, with the highest percentage found in coots (Fulica atra −58.8%) and the lowest in quails (Coturnix coturnix −1.7%). A total of 131 isolates belonging to 15 species of yeast were identified. Rhodotorula rubra was the yeast with the highest number of isolates (28.2%), followed by Cryptococcus albidus (18.4%), Candida albicans (9.2%), Trichosporon cutaneum (8.4%), Candida guilliermondii (6.1%), Candida tropicalis (6.1%) and other species. The present study represents the first survey on the occurrence of yeasts in the cloacae of migratory birds. The prevalence and species of yeasts isolated is discussed on the basis of the ecology, diet, and habitat of the birds.     

Hongos queratinofílicos en suelos de parques de la ciudad de Corrientes,Argentina

BackgroundThe soil is a natural reservoir of keratinophilic fungi, which are a small but important group of filamentous fungi, some of which typically develop on keratinized tissues of living animals. There are numerous species of saprophytic fungi with recognized keratinophilic abilities, and several studies have been undertaken in order to link their presence to possible human disease.AimsTo know the biota of geophilic fungi in general and of keratinophilic fungi particularly in soils from two public parks.MethodsSoil samples from two public parks of Corrientes city, Argentina, were studied during two seasons, using the hook technique and serial dilutions for fungal isolation.ResultsUsing the hook technique, 170 isolates were classified into 17 genera and 21 species, among which it is worth mentioning the presence of Microsporum canis. Shannon index for keratinophilic fungi in autumn was 2.27, and 1.92 in spring. By means of the serial dilutions technique, 278 fungi isolated were identified into 33 genera and 71 species. Shannon index in autumn was 3.9, and 3.5 in spring.ConclusionsThe soils studied have particularly favorable conditions for the survival of pathogens and opportunistic geophilic fungi for humans and animals.     

Distribution of keratinophilic fungi in animal folds in Kuwait

Soil samples from seventeen animal herds (camels, goats, sheep, cows) were surveyed for the occurrence of keratinophilic fungi. Twenty four species related to eleven genera were recovered on defated wool baits. Eleven Chrysosporium species were reported in the following order of dominance: C. keratinophilum, C. tropicum, C. indicum, C. queenslandicum, C. pannicola, C. carmichaelii, C. state of Arthroderma curreyi, C. zonatum, C. state of A. cuniculi and Chrysosporium state of Renispora flavissima. The Aphanoascus teleomorph of C. keratinophilum, C. indicum and C. tropicum were frequently reported in soils from cow and sheep folds. Scopulariopsis, Cephaliophora and Sepedonium, although not keratinolytic, were also recorded on wool baits of soils from cow herds which are slightly acidic. The frequency and distribution of these fungi are discussed in relation to animal species and the general ecological conditions of desert soils.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

嗜角蛋白真菌的界定、研究方法及其应用价值

嗜角蛋白真菌(keratinophilic fungi)是指能降解角蛋白并能利用其作为唯一营养源的真菌类群,大部分隶属于爪甲团囊菌目(Onygenales)、散囊菌目(Eurotiales)和肉座菌目(Hypocreales).由于该类群分布广、种类多、营养方式多样,其研究方法和技术手段也在不断进步,加深了其研究的深度...     

Isolation of keratinophilic fungi from the floor dust of Arab kindergarten schools in the West Bank of Jordan

The keratinophilic mycoflora of floor dust of seventy two classrooms in 24 kindergarten schools (children aged 2–5) in the city of Nablus was studied using a hair-baiting technique. The study was aimed at the evaluation of extent of diffusion of keratinophilic fungi in this environment in relation to human presence and the age of children in order to determine their role and impact in the epidemiology of human dermatophytoses. Thirty three species were isolated. A large proportion of these species are either well-known human and animal mycotic agents or have been isolated frequently from human and animal lesions. These pathogenic and potentially pathogenic fungi comprised about 85.8% of all keratinophilic fungal isolates found in the classroom dust.The results of this investigation have also been discussed in respect to previous studies on human dermatophytoses in the West Bank of Jordan.     

Impact of some ecological factors on the occurrence of poultry soil-inhabiting keratinophiles

Investigations were conducted to assess the ecological factors governing distribution and survival of keratinophilic fungi in poultry farm soils. All the poultry farm soils were rich in humus and the keratinophilic fungi were generally found to be proportional to the soil organic matter. These soils were nearly neutral to weakly alkaline and organically rich with a high content of organic carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, calcium and iron. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

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).     

Incidence of keratinophilic fungi in rice-field soils

Soil samples from rice-fields, collected at monthly intervals, were analysed by baiting technique for the incidence of keratino-philic fungi. Nine species, among a total of 102 species isolated by various methods, were keratinophilic species (8.8%). These were recorded from 38 out of 45 samples collected. The distribution pattern of the different keratinophilic fungi and their significance are discussed.     

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.     

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.