Abstract

This study was carried out to isolate and identify the keratinophilic fungi and other dermatophytes present in soils of Otolo Nnewi, Nnewi north local government area, Anambra state, Nigeria. Eighty soil samples were collected from four habitats (playgrounds, abattoir, public parks, and poultry farms) of Otolo Nnewi; and were screened for the presence of keratinophilic fungi and dermatophytes, using hair baiting techniques for isolation of these fungi. Of which, 69 soil samples (86%) were positive for fungal growth. Fungal growth appearing on the baits after 2-4 weeks of incubation at 37 ° C were macroscopically and microscopically examined, and were also cultured on Sabroaud dextrose agar (SDA). These fungal isolates were identified on the basis of colony and microscopic features. A total of 150 isolates of keratinophiic fungi were detected. The isolated fungi were classified into 19 species belonging to 11 genera mainly; Chrysosporium indicum, C. tropicum, Aspergillus flavus, Microsporum gypseum and Trichophyton terrestre were isolated frequently. C. indicum (13%) was the most predominant isolated species; C. tropicum (12%) was the second, followed by A. flavus (11%). In the current study; M. gypseum (9.3%) was the most common isolated dermatophyte, followed by T. terrestre (6%) and T. rubrum (6%). M. canis was isolated only from soils of abattoir and public parks. Moreover, C. zonatum, T. mentagrophytes, Alternaria alternata and Fusarium oxysporum were also isolated. There was significant statistical difference (p<0.05) between the keratinophilic fungi and dermatophytes isolated from soil samples of these different habitats. Results obtained from this study indicated the wide occurrence of keratinophilic fungi in the studied area, which were potential agents of human and animals fungal diseases.

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