Mycological and Molecular Analysis of Soil Keratinophilic Fungi Isolated in Summer Beaches of the Korean South Coast / 대한피부과학회지

BACKGROUND: Some species of soil keratinophilic fungi (KPF) are known to be pathogens that may lead to cutaneous infection. People exposed to these species through direct contact with soil on beaches can contract KPF infection. However, there is little literature regarding pathogenic KPF isolated from beaches during summer time. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the distribution of soil KPF isolated from beaches in Korea during summer. METHODS: One hundred eighty soil samples from six beaches in the southern coastline of Korea under three different climatic conditions were collected. The KPF species were isolated using the hair-baiting technique. Then, molecular identification was performed by sequencing the ribosomal RNA (rRNA) internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region to investigate the exact species of the isolated fungi. RESULTS: Among the one hundred eighty soil samples, twenty-nine strains (16.1%) of KPF were recovered. The isolation rate of KPF among the beaches varied from 0 to 34.5%. KPF was most frequently isolated in shaded dry areas (30%), followed by sunny dry areas (18.3%), and sunny wet areas (0%). Molecular identification of the fungi using rRNA ITS analysis helped in their classification. Microsporum gypseum/Arthroderma incurvatum (69.0%), Microsporum gypseum/Arthroderma gypseum (3.4%), Trichophyton ajelloi/Arthroderma uncinatum (13.8%), Microsporum cookei/Arthroderma cajetani (10.3%), and Chrysosporium indicum/Aphanoascus terreus (3.4%) were identified. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) was observed at position 180 of the rRNA ITS2 in the 20 strains of Microsporum gypseum/Arthroderma incurvatum, and the species was divided into Types 1 (14 strains) and 2 (6 strains) depending on the base present at the SNP position. The geographic distribution of these two types differed. CONCLUSION: Our results show that the beach is a possible source of keratinophilic fungal infection in humans. People should be aware of pathogenic fungi on the soil of beaches during summer and take measures to prevent possible superficial fungal infections.

Isolation Rates of Fungi from Soil Near Korean Wrestling Fields, Playgrounds, and Beauty Salons in Daegu / 대한피부과학회지

BACKGROUND: Soil is one of the major habitats of fungi. Keratinophilic fungi are an important group of fungi that live in soil, some of which are potential pathogens for humans and animals. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to isolate and identify keratinophilic fungi near Korean wrestling fields, playgrounds, and beauty salons. METHODS: We visited 5 Korean wrestling fields, 15 playgrounds, and 10 beauty salons in Daegu, Korea, from July to August 2015. Soil samples were divided into 3 groups according to the distance from Korean wrestling fields, playgrounds, and beauty salons: near, 10 m, and 100 m. RESULTS: Of 185 soil samples examined, 60 (32.4%) yielded keratinophilic fungi. Specifically, of the 125 samples around Korean wrestling fields and playgrounds, isolation rates were 37.7% (17/45) at the near distance, 27.5% (11/40) at 10 m, and 0% at 100 m. Of the 60 samples around beauty salons, isolation rates were 85% (17/20) at the near distance, 75% (15/20) at 10 m, and 0% at 100 m. Near Korean wrestling fields, playgrounds, and beauty salons, Penicillium spp. were the predominant species (16.9%, 11/65), followed by Fusarium spp. (13.8%, 9/65), Purpureocillium spp. (12.3%, 8/65), Microsporum spp. (6.1%, 4/65), Chrysosporium spp. (3.1%, 2/65), and other species. CONCLUSION: In this study, isolation rates of keratinophilic fungi were higher in the soil closer to the Korean wrestling fields, playgrounds, and beauty salons. Especially near beauty salons, we found keratinophilic fungi in most soil samples. We should be aware of these results and pay attention to eliminate hair or keratins in soils.

A preliminary suudy on the occurrence of keratinophilic fungi in soils of Jamaica / Estudo preliminar sobre a ocorrência de fungos queratinofílicos em solos da Jamaica

This report represents the first study of keratinophilic fungi present in soils of Jamaica. Out of the 40 soil samples examined from different habitats, 30 (75%) were positive for the presence of keratinophilic fungi, yielding 36 isolates of keratinophilic fungi. Microsporum gypseum complex (represented by 16 isolates of M. gypseum, and four of M. fulvum) was most frequent, being present in 50% of the samples. A very high occurrence of this dermatophyte in Jamaican soil is of public health significance. The remaining isolates of keratinophilic fungi were represented by Chrysosporium spp (mainly C. indicum and C. tropicum) and Sepedonium sp.

Esta comunicação representa o primeiro estudo sobre fungos queratinofílicos presentes em solos da Jamaica. De 40 amostras de solo examinadas de diferentes localidades, 30 (75%) foram positivas para a presença de fungos queratinofílicos permitindo 36 isolamentos dos mesmos. O complexo Microsporum gypseum (representados por 16 isolamentos de M. gypseum e quatro de M. fulvum) foi o mais frequente, estando presente em 50% das amostras. A muito alta ocorrência deste dermatófito no solo da Jamaica é significante para a saúde pública. Os isolados remanescentes de fungos queratinofílicos foram representados pelo Chrysosporium spp (principalmente C. indicum e C. tropicum) e Sepedonium sp.

Distribution ofddermatophytes from soils of urbn and rural areas of cities of paraiba state, Brazil / Distribuicao de dermatofitos isolados de solos de cidades do Estado da Paraiba, Brasil

SUMMARY The dermatophytes, keratinophilic fungi, represent important microorganisms of the soil microbiota, where there are cosmopolitan species and others with restricted geographic distribution. The aim of this study was to broaden the knowledge about the presence of dermatophytes in soils of urban (empty lots, schools, slums, squares, beaches and homes) and rural areas and about the evolution of their prevalence in soils of varying pH in cities of the four mesoregions of Paraiba State, Brazil. Soil samples were collected from 31 cities of Paraiba State. Of 212 samples, 62% showed fungal growth, particularly those from the Mata Paraibana mesoregion (43.5%), which has a tropical climate, hot and humid. Soil pH varied from 4.65 to 9.06, with 71% of the growth of dermatophytes occurring at alkaline pH (7.02 - 9.06) (ρ = 0.000). Of 131 strains isolated, 57.3% were geophilic species, particularly Trichophyton terrestre (31.3%) and Mycrosporum gypseum (21.4%). M. nanum and T. ajelloi were isolated for the first time in Paraiba State. The zoophilic species identified were T. mentagrophytes var. mentagrophytes (31.3 %) and T. verrucosum (7.6 %), and T. tonsurans was isolated as an anthropophilic species. The soils of urban areas including empty lots, schools, slums and squares of cities in the mesoregions of Paraiba State were found to be the most suitable reservoirs for almost all dermatophytes; their growth may have been influenced by environmental factors, soils with residues of human and/or animal keratin and alkaline pH. .

RESUMO Os dermatófitos, fungos queratinofílicos, representam importantes microrganismos da microbiota do solo, onde existem espécies cosmopolitas e outras de distribuição geográfica restrita. Este estudo teve como objetivo ampliar o conhecimento da distribuição de dermatófitos do solo proveniente de áreas urbanas (terrenos baldios, escolas, favelas, praças, praias e residências) e rurais de quatro mesorregiões paraibanas e da influência do pH na adaptação desse grupo de fungos. Amostras de solos urbanos e rurais foram coletadas de 31 cidades do estado da Paraíba, Brasil. De 212 amostras 62% apresentaram crescimento fúngico, destacando-se a Mesorregião da Mata Paraibana (43.5%), a qual apresenta clima tropical, quente e úmido. O pH das amostras de solo variou de 4.65 a 9.06, com crescimento de 71% dos dermatófitos em pH alcalino (7.02 - 9.06) (ρ = 0.000). Das 131 cepas isoladas 57.3% eram espécies geofílicas, destacando-se Trichophyton terrestre (31.3%) e Microsporum gypseum (21.4%). M. nanum e T. ajelloi foram isolados pela primeira vez no estado da Paraíba. Entre as espécies zoofílicas foram identificadas T. mentagrophytes var. mentagrophytes (31.3%) e T. verrucosum (7.6%) e como espécie antropofílica foi isolada T. tonsurans. Os solos de terrenos baldios, escolas, favelas e praças de cidades paraibanas são os reservatórios mais adequados dos dermatófitos, cujo crescimento pode ter sido influenciado por fatores ambientais, solos com resíduos de queratina humana e ou animal e pH alcalino. .

Isolation Rates of Fungi from Dogs and Horses in Shelters and Soil near Them / 대한의진균학회지

BACKGROUND: Soil is one of the main habitat of fungi and important infection source of dermatophytosis. Objective: This study was performed to assess influence of dogs and horses to distribution of keratinophilic fungi (KPF) in soil. METHODS: We visited 3 dog shelters and 3 horse riding grounds in Daegu and Kyeongbuk province from September to November 2012 and examined isolation rates of fungi from 88 soil samples, 16 dogs and 16 horses. By the distance away from the animal shelters, soil samples were divided into 3 groups consist of near, 10 m and 100 m. Hair and scales from skin of the dogs and the horses were collected by Mackenzie's brush technique. RESULTS: Of the 88 soil samples examined, 35 (39.7%) yielded KPF and were all dermatophytes including Microsporum(M.) gypseum (34.1%) and Trichphyton(T.) ajelloi (5.6%). Isolation rates of KPF from the soil were observed in 79.3% of near, 40% of 10 m, and 0% of 100 m from animal shelters. Of the 16 samples from dogs, 6 (37.5%) yielded positive dermatophyte cultures and they were identified as M. canis 31.2% (5/16) and T. eboreum 6.2% (1/16). Of the 16 samples from horses, 1 (6.2%) yielded positive dermatophyte culture and it was T. eboreum. CONCLUSION: In this study, isolation rates of KPF especially M. gypseum and T. ajelloi were higher in the soil closer to the animal shelters. Soil nearby the dogs and the horses, the environment rich in keratinous material, is conducive for the growth of dermatophytes. But M. gypseum and T. ajelloi that rich in the soil were not isolated from skin of the dogs and the horses. Their pathogenicity might be low. We consider that if not human have immune deficiency or skin injury, they do not cause infection.

Keratinophilic fungi recovered from feathers of different species of birds in St Kitts and Nevis / Hongos queratinofílicos obtenidos de las plumas de diferentes especies de aves en St Kitts y Nevis

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to investigate the occurrence of keratinophilic fungi including dermatophytes on feathers of domestic and wild birds in the islands of St Kitts and Nevis. METHOD: During 2010-2011, samples of feathers from ninety-four birds were examined by hair-baiting technique in Petri-dishes containing sterilized soil. Fungal growths appearing on the feathers and the hair-baits were microscopically examined and the cultures obtained were identified on the basis of their microscopic and colonial morphology. RESULTS: Chrysosporium constituted the majority (86.9%) of the 72 isolates of keratinophilic fungi, represented by mainly C tropicum and C indicum. Sepedonium spp isolates were recovered from nine of the feather samples; two of these were identified as Sepedonium chrysospermum, and the other two as S ampullosporum. CONCLUSION: Recovery of four isolates of the dermatophyte, Microsporum gypseum complex (two each of M gyspeum and M fulvum) from feathers of birds is a finding of public health significance.

OBJETIVO: El objetivo del presente estudio fue investigar la presencia de hongos queratinofílicos, incluyendo dermatofitos, en las plumas de aves domésticas y silvestres en las islas de St Kitts y Nieves. MÉTODOS: Durante 2010-2011, se examinaron muestras de plumas de noventa y cuatro aves, utilizando la técnica de anzuelo queratínico (técnica de Vanbreuseghem) en placas de Petri con tierra esterilizada. Los crecimientos fúngicos que aparecieron sobre las plumas y los anzuelos de queratina de pelos (hair baits) fueron examinados bajo el microscopio, y los cultivos obtenidos fueron identificados sobre la base de su morfología microscópica y colonial. RESULTADOS: Chrysosporium constituyó la mayor parte (86.9%) de los 72 aislados de hongos queratinofílicos, representados principalmente por el C tropicum y el C indicum. Aislados de Sepedonium spp fueron obtenidos de nueve muestras de plumas. Dos de ellos fueron identificados como Sepedonium chrysospermum y los otros dos como S ampullosporum. CONCLUSIÓN: La recuperación de cuatro aislados del complejo M gypseum dermatofito (formado por dos M gyspeum y dos M fulvum respectivamente) de las plumas de aves, es un hallazgo de importancia para la salud pública.

Distribution of Soil Keratinophilic Fungi Isolated in Summer Beaches of the East Sea in Korea / 대한의진균학회지

BACKGROUND: Soil is well-known as a route to fungal infection in human. Recently, human exposure to potentially pathogenic fungi is threatening the health of people. People are easily and frequently in touch with soil on summer beaches, however, there has been no report suggesting the association between fungal infection in human and soil on summer beaches. Identifying both environments and fungi in places where people are exposed can be of major health concern. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this research is to understand the distribution and frequency of occurrence of keratinophilic fungi (KPF) on summer beaches of the East Sea in Korea. METHODS: To investigate the distribution of soil KPF living in beaches of the East Sea in Korea, soil samples were collected at 132 sites of eleven different areas and KPF were isolated by hair baiting technique. RESULTS: 1. 43 strains of KPF were recovered from 41 (31.0%) out of 132 samples. 2. Isolated fungi were composed of 36 strains of Chrysosporium species, 6 strains of Microsporum gypseum, and 1 strain of Trichophyton ajelloi. 3. Among three areas under different condition of moisture and shadedness (i.e., sunny wet, sunny dry, and shaded dry area), the frequency of isolation was highest in shaded dry area (56.8%) followed by sunny dry (36.4%) and sunny wet area (4.5%). CONCLUSION: The distribution of KPF in beaches of the East Sea in Korea was somewhat different from that in previous studies which had been undertaken in other areas of Korea. Therefore, we think this report can support the association between the fungal infection in human and soil.

Dermatophytes, related keratinophilic and opportunistic fungi in indoor dust of houses and hospitals.

Dermatophytes, related keratinophilic and opportunistic fungi were isolated from indoor dust samples of 46 hospitals and 47 houses in Kanpur. A total of 19 fungi represented by 11 genera were isolated by the hair-baiting technique from 230 and 235 samples from hospitals and houses respectively. The isolated fungi are Acremonium implicatum (Indian Type Culture Collection) ITCC 5266 , A. strictum (Germplasm Centre for Keratinophilic Fungi) GPCK 1137 , Aphanoascus fulvescens GPCK 1081 , Arthroderma simii GPCK 1275 , Chrysosporium queenslandicum ITCC 5270 , C. indicum ITCC 5269 , C. pannicola GPCK 1022 , C. tropicum GPCK 1269 , Ctenomyces serratus ITCC 5267 , Gymnoascus reessii ITCC 5265 , Malbranchea fulva GPCK 1075 , Malbranchea pulchella ITCC 5268 , Micosporum gypseum GPCK 1038 , Microsporum cookei GPCK 2001, M. fulvum GPCK 2002 , Paecilomyces lilacinum GPCK 1080 , Penicillium expansum GPCK 1082, Trichophyton mentagrophytes GPCK 2003 and T. terrestre GPCK 2004. In hospitals, the minimum frequency was of Ctenomyces serratus ITCC 5267 while the maximum frequency was of Arthroderma simii GPCK 1275 . In houses, Chrysosporium queenslandicum ITCC 5270 and C. tropicum GPCK 1269 were with minimum and maximum frequencies respectively. This makes the first report of these fungi with keratinolytic ability in the indoor dust of hospitals and houses.

Dermatophytes from urban soils in João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil / Dermatofitos de suelos urbanos de João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brasil

A total of 68 soil samples was collected from "favelas" (slums), schools, public squares, beaches and vacant lots in the city of João Pessoa-PB, Brazil. A search for dermatophytes in these soils was carried out by using the Vanbreuseghem technique. As a result, 48 strains and 6 dermatophytes species were isolated. Trichophyton terrestre (25.0%), Microsporum gypseum (20.8%) and Anthroderma gypsea (2.1%) were identified among the geophilic species, and T. mentagrophytes var. mentagrophytes (37.5%) among the zoophilic species and T. tonsurans (4.2%), among the anthropophilic species. The growth of 75% of dermatophytes occurred in alkaline pH (7.02-9.00) and their presence in the soil should not be underestimated, since some of the identified species are aetiological agents of dermatophytoses in humans and animals.

Se informan los resultados obtenidos tras la búsqueda de dermatofitos utilizando la técnica de Vanbreuseghem en un total de 68 muestras de suelo recolectadas de favelas, escuelas, plazas, playas y sitios deshabitados en la ciudad de João Pessoa, PB, Brasil. Se aislaron 48 cepas pertenecientes a 6 especies distintas de dermatofitos a partir de estos suelos. Dentro de las especies geofílicas fueron identificadas Trichophyton terrestre (25,0%), Microsporum gypseum (20,8%) y Anthroderma gypsea (2,1%); dentro de las zoofílicas, T. mentagrophytes var. mentagrophytes (37,5%) y entre las antropofílicas T. tonsurans (4,2%). El crecimiento del 75% de los dermatofitos se dio a pH alcalino (7,02-9,00). Se concluye que la presencia de estos dermatofitos en el suelo no debería ser subestimada, dado que algunas de las especies identificadas son agentes de dermatofitosis para los humanos y los animales.

Onygenales (Eurotiomycetes, Ascomycota) queratinofílicos en suelos de establecimientos educacionales urbanos y rurales de la V Región, Chile / Queratinophilic onygenales (Eurotiomycetes, Ascomycota) in urban and rural soils of eduacational center of V Region, Chile

Con la finalidad de estudiar la presencia de Onygenales queratinofílicas potencialmente patógenas para el hombre y los animales, se analizaron mediante la técnica del anzuelo queratínico (Marzo – Diciembre, 2006), suelos de establecimientos educacionales urbanos y rurales de la V Región, Chile. Se colectaron un total de 64 muestras, de las cuales, la mitad se obtuvieron en Valparaíso-Viña del Mar (urbano) y la otra en Olmué-Limache (en zonas rurales). En zona urbana se aislaron 112 cepas (7 géneros y 12 especies) y en la rural 147 (11 géneros y 18 especies). Los géneros de mayor prevalencia en la zona urbana y rural en orden decreciente fueron: Chrysosporium y su teleomorfo 32 por ciento versus 45 por ciento; Keratinomyces y su teleomorfo, 26 por ciento y 16 por ciento; Microsporum y su teleomorfo 23 por ciento y 16 por ciento y Myceliophthora y su teleomorfo con un 13 y 10 por ciento. Amauroascus mutatus, Auxarthron umbrinum, Gymnoascus reessii, Chrysosporium charmichaelii, Ch. merdarium, Ch. tropicum, Geomyces pannorum var. pannorum fueron detectados sólo en la zona rural; mientras que Malbranchea flava sólo en la zona urbana. Mediante la técnica de Takashio, se pudo identificar separadamente las especies del complex Microsporum gypseum, determinándose que M. gypseum (Arthrodema gypseum) y M.fulvum (A. fulvum) obtuvieron una frecuencia de aislamiento similar en ambas zonas, siendo el primero un oportunista potencialmente patógeno para el hombre y los animales.

With the purpose of studying the presence of keratinophilic Onygenales that are potentially pathogenous for man and animal, urban and rural soils from educational centers in the V Region were examined with the keratinic bait technique (march-december 2006). A total of 64 samples were collected, 32 of them being from Valparaíso-Viña del Mar (urban) while the rest in Olmué-Limache (in rural zones). One hundred and twelve strains (7 genera and 12 species) were collected in the urban zone and 147 strains in the rural zone (11genera and 18 species). Genera with the highest prevalence both in the urban and the rural zones were, in decreasing order: Chrysosporium and its teleomorph 32 per cent vs. 45 per cent; Keratinomyces and its teleomorph 26 per cent and 16 per cent; Microsporum and its teleomorph 23 per cent and 16 per cent and Myceliophthora and its. teleomorph with 13 per cent and 10 per cent. Amauroascus mutatus, Auxarthron umbrinum, Gymnoascus reessii, Chrysosporium charmichaelii, Ch. merdarium, Ch.tropicum, Geomyces pannorum var. pannorum were detected only in the rural zone, whereas Malbranchea flava only in the urban zone. Species of the complex Microsporum gypseum, could be identified separately by means of the Takashio technique, coming to the conclusion that M. gypseum (Arthrodema gypseum) and M.fulvum (A. fulvum) achieved a similar frequency of isolation in both zones and that the former is a potentially opportunistic pathogen for man and animal.

Hongos queratinofílicos oportunistas en el pelaje de gatos domésticos (Felix domesticus) en la ciudad de Valparaíso / Opportunistic keratinophilic fungi in the fur of domestic cats (Felix domesticus) in the city of Valparaiso

En la ciudad de Valparaíso, se analizó mediante la técnica del tapete, la presencia de hongos queratinofílicos oportunistas en el pelaje de 198 gatos domésticos aparentemente sanos (96 mascotas y 102 de vida libre). Las siembras se efectuaron en duplicado en placas de Petri con agar Sabouraud glucosado incubándose en oscuridad a 35 C durante 15 días. Se consideraron las variables, estilo de vida, edad, tipo de pelaje, sexo y época estacional, de las cuales sólo las dos primeras presentaron diferencias significativas en los taxa aislados. Un total de 130 individuos (65.6 por ciento) fueron positivos a hongos filamentosos; 77 (59.2 por ciento) correspondieron a gatos de vida libre y 53 (40.8 por ciento) a gatos mascota. Se obtuvieron 372 aislados fúngicos, de los cuales 335 (90.1 por ciento) se consideraron como oportunistas, distribuidos en 22 géneros y 23 especies. De estos, 287 (77.1 por ciento) se presentaron en gatos de vida libre y 85 (22.8 por ciento) en mascotas. Los géneros dominantes fueron Aspergillus (53.5 por ciento), Scopulariopsis (19.9 por ciento), Fusarium (4,6 por ciento) y el complex Alternaria alternata (3,8 por ciento). Aspergillus, fue representado por 10 taxa, destacando A. flavus (15,9 por ciento) y A. niger var. niger (13.4 por ciento) y con menores frecuencias A.terreus, A. fumigatus, A.niger var. phoenicis y Emeri-cella nidulans (A. nidulans). A. flavus y A. niger var. niger, se aislaron mayoritariamente en gatos de vida libre y lo mismo sucede con prácticamente todas las especies del género. Scopulariopsis presentó solo 2 especies S.brevicaulis y S. candida. La primera fue la especie con mayor número de aislamientos (18 por ciento) y la de mayor presencia en gatos de vida libre (77.9 por ciento), mientras la segunda fue esporádica (1,6 por ciento). Debe destacarse, por su rareza, que una cepa de S. brevicaulis creció en cultivos asociada a su teleomorfo Microascus brevicaulis. Los Onygenales fueron escasamente representados por...

In the city of Valparaíso the presence of opportunistic fungi in the fur of 198 apparently healthy domestic cats (96 pets and 102 wild cats) was analyzed by means of the mat technique. Cultures were prepared in duplicate on Petri plates using glucosate Sabouraud agar and were incubated at 35C in the dark for 15 days. Factors such as variables, style of life, age, kind of fur, sex and seasonal period were considered, after which only the first two factors exhibited significant differences in the isolated taxa. A total of 130 specimen (65,6 percent) resulted positive to filamentous fungi; being 77 (59,2 percent) wild cats and 53 (40,8 percent) pet cats. Three hundred and seventy two fungal isolates were obtained, 335 of which (90,1 percent) were considered as opportunistic, distributed in 22 genera and 23 species. Among these, 287 (77,1 percent ) were detected in wild cats and 85 (22,8 percent) in pets. Dominant genera were Aspergillus (53,5 percent), Scopulariopsis (19,9 percent), Fusarium (4,6& and the complex Alternaria alternata (3,8 percent): Aspergillus was represented by 10 taxa, A.flavus (15,9 percent) and A. niger var. niger (13,4 percent) exhibiting the highest frequency whereas A.terreus, A. fumigatus, A.niger var. phoenicis and Emericella nidulans (A. nidulans) showed the least occurrence. A.flavus and A.niger var.niger were mostly isolated from wild cats and this is true in the case of all species of the genus. Scopulariopsis revealed only two species, S.brevicaulis and S.candida. The former was the species with the highest number of isolations (18 percent) together with the highest occurrence in wild cats (77,9 percent), while the latter was sporadic. (1,6 percent). Now then, it must be pointed out, due to its rareness, that a strain of S.brevicaulis grew in cultures associated to its teleomorph Microascus brevicaulis. Onygenales were scarcely represented by...

Keratinolytic Activity of Five Aspergillus Species Isolated from Poultry Farming Soil in Korea

Various soil samples were collected from twenty-four areas of ten different poultry farms in Korea and screened for prevalence of keratinolytic fungi. Fourteen species of feather-associated fungi belonging to ten genera Acremonium, Alternaria, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Curvularia, Fusarium, Monascus, Mucor, Penicillum, and Verticillium isolated from poultry soils were grown on keratin medium. Especially, Aspergillus spp. populations associated with the soil sample is 1x10(5) cfu/g. A. flavus, A. fumigatus, A. niger, A. nidulans, and A. terreus could utilize keratin of chicken feather and degrade it, producing sulphydryl-containing compounds detected as keratinase, cysteine and total proteins. Keratinolytic activities of five Aspergillus species also changed the pH of the medium more alkaline than those that were less keratinolytic.

Dermatophytes and Keratinophilic Fungi Isolated from Wild Rodents in Korea / 대한의진균학회지

BACKGROUND: Animals with zoophilic dermatophytes are important sources of dermatophytoses in man, because zoophilic dermatophytes are frequently transmitted directly or indirectly from domestic and wild animals. Trichophyton(T.) mentogrophytes has a wide range of hosts. Among these, rodents are well-known reservoirs in many other countries. In our country a few sporadic reports of incidence in experimental rats have been reported, but there is no study on the incidence in wild rodents in Korea. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of wild rodents as a host of dermatophytes and keratinophilic fungi in Korea. METHODS: Forty-nine wild rodents (Apodemus(A.) agrarius; 44, Crocidura spp; 5) were captured from 6 different regions of Kyungi-do with Sherman traps. Fungi were isolated by using the Mackenzie's brush technique. RESULTS: 1. Isolation rate of dermatophytes from wild rodents in Korea was 16.3%. 2. T. mentagrophytes was isolated from six A. agrarius (12.2%). Isolation rates from dorsum hairs, ventral hairs and feet were 4.5%, 9.1% and 9.1% respectively 3. Other dermatophytes and related keratinophilic fungi isolated were Chrysosporium spp.(65.3%), Scopulariopsis spp.(10.2%) and T. terrestre(4.1%). 4. Chrysosporium. was the most frequently isolated species from four out of six Kyonggi-do regions ranging 58.3%~83.3%. Scopulaiopsis was isolated the most in Kumgwang-myun Ansung-gun, and T. terrestre in Kimpo-gun. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that wild rodents, especially A. agrarius may be the important reservoirs of T. mentagrophytes and other keratinophilic fungi in Korea.

Distribution of Soil Keratinophilic Fungi Isolated in the Pohang & Kyongju Areas / 대한피부과학회지

BACKGROUND: Because saprophytes found in soil rarely cause dermatomycosis, we studied the distribution of soil keratinophilie fungi(KPF) in the Pohang & Kyongju areas. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study was to investigate the distribution of soil KPF isolated in various sites in the Pohang & Kyongju areas. METHODS: From 150 soil samples, collected at 50 sites in the Pohang & Kyongju areas, KPF were isolated using the hair baiting technique. RESULTS: 1) Of the number of 150 sol samples KPF were isolated from 103 samples(68.7%). The total number of strains isolated were 115 consisting of 45 Trichophyton(T.) ajelloi, 33 Chrysasporium sp 24 Microsporum(M) gyseum, 7 Sepedonium, and 6 M. cookei. 2) The number of KPF isolated at varius sites was high in the cowshed, and low at the riverside. T. ajelloi was frequent in the field in the Pohang area, M. gypseum in the cowshed in the Kyongju area, Chrysosporium sp. on the hill, by the river and at the roadside in the Pohang area, M. cookei at the roadside in the Pohang area, and Sepedonium on the hill. CONCLUSION: We find that the distribution of KPF in the Pohang & Kyongju areas is similar to that in previous studies which have been undertaken in Korea. However, particular attention shoud be paid to the presence of KPF isolated near the sea.

Distribution of Keratinophilic Fungi in Soil According to Latitudes in Korea / 대한피부과학회지

With a view to investigating the distribution of keratinophilic fungi in soil according to latitudes in south Korea, soil samples were collected at 81 sites in 17 areas in different latitudes across the country and keratinophilic fungi were isolated by means of Vanbreusegherns technique. The results are summarized as follows : 105 strains of keratinophilic fungi were recovered from 56(69.2%) out of 81 samples. Isolated fungi were composed of 41 strains of Trichophyton ajelloi, 24 stains of Chrysosporium species, 20 strains of Microsporum gypseum, and 20 strains of M. cookei. Frequency of isolation of keratinophilic fungi tended to decrease from higher latitudes down to lower latitudes. In areas of higher latutudes, T. ajelloi and M. cookei were isolated more frequently than in lower latitudes. M. gypseem was most frequent in Cheju City, and Chrysosporium species showed an even distribution, Among three areas under different conditions of moisture and shadedness(i.e., shaded wet, shaded dry, and sunny dry areas), frequency of isolation was highest in shaded dry areas(72.2%). T. ajelloi was the most frequent species in all the three areas, especially in shaded wet areas(53.1%). No M. gypsetcm was found in shaded dry areas. As regards distribution at various sites, roadsides and streamsides exhibited the highest frequency of isolation, and hills the lowest. Except for roadsides, T. ajelloi was the most frequent species at all sites, especially in forests. M. gypseum was frequent at sites beside streams M. cookei at streamsides, fields, and hills and Chrysosporim species in gardens, forests, and streets.