HIGHLIGHTS
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Human pathogenic fungus Trichophyton tonsurans has a longer survival period
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Jaipur climatic condition favor the recurrence of keratinophilic and dermatophilic fungi.
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Unsterilized soil samples are potent source of fungal niche.
Abstract
Dermatophytic and keratinophilic fungi are major components of soil microflora. Keratinolytic fungi occur abundantly in the superficial soil layers of landfills and their surroundings. The aim of the present investigation is to evaluate the survival period of these pathogenic and non pathogenic dermatophytes in different culture and temperature conditions. In present research survival period of four dermatophytic and three keratinophilic fungi has been carried out in unsterilized soil, sterilized soil and Sabouraud's dextrose-agar medium at three different temperature conditions. These fungi were collected from soil samples and infected skin samples of tinea patients of Jaipur city. Bait testing (BT) and Direct soil sprinkling (DSS) methods were used for the testing of survival after every fourth month up to two years of the study. Result: Unsterilized soil and SDA medium were found more suitable for survival of all fungi. 11±1 ºC was found to be most suitable temperature condition for all tested fungi up to two years of studies. T. tonsurans has a longer survival period among all the test fungi. T. simii survived for short period of the time under different conditions.Frequently occurrence of these fungi in different localities of Jaipur district along with longer survival period in different climates concluded that Jaipur city potentially has a high risk for causing cutaneous fungal infections in human and animals.
Keywords:
dermatophytes; longevity; soil; temperature; keratinophilic fungi.