KERATINOPHILIC FUNGI ASSOCIATED WITH SOILS FROM SELECTED VILLAGES IN UGWUNYEAND OJEBOGENE TOWNS, ENUGU STATE, NIGERIA AND THEIR DISEASE IMPLICATIONS

Abstract

Keratinophilic fungi are a group of diminutive distinct yet significant fungi that grow and live on different keratinous substances and can be isolated from soil. Fifty-nine (59) fungi were isolated from soils of markets, schools and farmlands of different communities in Ugwunye and jebogene towns in Enugu state, by hair baiting technique. The pH and moisture contents of the soils ranged from 4.88 to 6.90 and 0.3% to21.0% respectively. The 59 fungal isolates were fromeight (8) different genera: Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Coccidioides, Fusarium, Microsporum, Piedraia, Scopulariopsis and Trichophyton. This study exposes the presence and kinds of keratinophilic fungi present in these soils. It also shows the disease potential of these fungi for persons who may be exposed to them.

Keywords

• keratinophilic fungi
• soil
• school
• farmland
• market