Back to Contents

FREE FULL TEXT PDF

KERATINOPHILIC FUNGI FROM THE SOIL OF DISTRICT, JAMSHORO, SINDH, PAKISTAN

FOZIA IRUM, M. SUHAIL AND H. ABRO

Abstract: Soil is well known to support the ongoing existence of keratinophilic fungi and potential sources of infection for humans and animals. Keratinophilic fungi from the soil of District Jamshoro, Sindh were investigated at five sites viz., LMUHS, Super highway, near pitaro, Phulalli head, and Kotri station from June 2005 to May 2006. Forty soil samples were collected from surface, 10, 20, and 30cm depth to determine the prevalence of Keratinophilic fungi and dominant species. The Keratinophilic fungi were studied by soil dilution plate method and baiting techniques. Eleven species of Keratinophilic fungi viz., Aspergillus niger (31.59%), A. flavus (21.40%), A. fumigatus (2.82%), A. candidus (11.55%), A. ustus (2.35%), A. wentii (5.26%), A. nidulans (2.05%), Microsporum gypseum (8.60%), M. canis (5.99%), Cunninghamella echinulata (4.10%), C.elegans (4.23%) were identified. Higher numbers of species were recovered from LUMHS as compared to other sites; isolates were in moderate frequency. 

institute of Botany,University of Sindh, Jamshoro, Sindh, Pakistan