Microscopic examination of keratinophilic fungi isolated from soil samples of Saharanpur (U.P)

Abstract

Fungal diversity and prevalence in each soil depends on environmental and nutritional conditions. Considering the importance of soil in transmission of diseases, this study aims at assessing the frequency of dermatophytes and related Keratinophilic fungi, potentially pathogenic fungi in various samples collected from animal’s habitat and agricultural fields in Saharanpur Village. Twenty two samples were collected from different parts of the agricultural fields and animal’s habitat. The fungal flora was analyzed in different samples for the presence of dermatophytes and Keratinophilic fungi by hair baiting technique. The samples were cultured on Sabouraud's Dextrose Agar and incubated at 28°C for 4-5 weeks aerobically. Isolates were identified by colony morphology, slide cultures, and differentiation tests. Most of the isolates, dermatophytes and Keratinophilic fungi were collected from the soil of agricultural fields. The most common keratinophilic fungal species were T. tonsurans, T. mentagrophytes, T. rubrum, T.equinum, M. gypseum, M. canis, M. cookei, M. audouinii. The results demonstrated that the fungal flora of Saharanpur area is different from other parts of animal habitats due to the different climatic conditions prevailing.