Existence of Keratinophilic Fungi in the Soils of Hilly and Plain Areas

Abstract

Total of 120 samples, 60 from each site were collected from the soil of Shimla (H.P.) and Agra (U.P.). Collected soil samples were baited for the isolation of fungi capable of colonization and attacking keratinous substrates. Out of 60 samples of both sites, 47 were recorded positive for hilly and 34 for plain. The percentage prevalence of fungal species in hilly and plain areas was calculated 78.3 % and 56.6 % respectively. Only four species from non-keratinophilic fungal species were isolated i.e. Aspergillus niger, Mucor sps, Rhizopus sps and Fusarium sps in hilly areas whereas from plain areas only Aspergillus niger and Mucor sps were isolated. One species each of Cladosporium, Emmonsia, Geomyces and Zymonema and five species each of genera Chrysosporium, Trichophyton and Microsporum were isolated from both the areas.