Hair Baiting Technique Research Articles

Isolation of dermatophytes and non-dermatophytic fungi from soil in Nigeria.

A total of 60 soil samples were collected from Ifite Awka, Nnamdi Azikiwe University and Amawbia, all located in Awka Urban, Anambra State, Nigeria. An additional sample was collected from a household rug-carpet vacuum cleaner from a house located in Enugu city, Enugu State (a neighbouring state). The 61 samples were investigated for the occurrence of dermatophytic and non-dermatophytic fungi, using the hair-bait technique and agar dilution procedure. The medical importance of the isolates in the samples is discussed.

Ecology of dermatophytes and other keratinophilic fungi in swimming pools and polluted and unpolluted streams.

The biodiversity and richness of keratinophilic fungal communities including dermatophytes were assessed in three stream sites and three swimming pools in the Nablus district in Palestine, using hair baiting (HBT) and surface dilution plate (SDP) techniques, over 8- and 6-month periods, respectively. The effect of wastewater effluent and selected ecological factors on these fungi in relation to species diversity and population densities were also considered. Fifty keratinophilic fungal species were recovered from the aquatic habitats studied, of which 42 were recovered from stream sites and 22 from swimming pools. Of these fungi 6 were either dermatophytes (Microsporum gypseum, and Trichophyton mentagrophytes) or dermatophyte related species (Chrysosporium merdarium, Ch. tropicum, Ch. keratinophilum and T. terrestre). The most frequently isolated species in the three pools were Acremonium strictum and Cladosporium cladosporioides, using Sabouraud dextrose agar medium (SDA). The most abundant species were Acr. strictum, and Aspergillus flavus. However, only 4 species were isolated using the SDA medium amended with 5-flurocytosine (5-FC). The most frequent and abundant species in the three stream sites using SDA medium were Geotricum candidum, and Penicillium chrysogenum. The most frequent species in the three sites using the 5-FC medium, was Paecilomyces lilacinus. Using HBT, the most abundant and frequent species in the three stream sites were G. candidum, and Pa. lilacinus, on SDA medium, and Pa. lilacinus, and Gliocladium nigrovirens on the 5-FC medium. The 5-FC medium was more suitable for the isolation of dermatophytes and closely related species than the SDA medium; 6 were recovered on 5-FC, whereas only one on the SDA medium. Variation in the levels of keratinophilic fungal populations from the three stream sites sampled 5 times over an 8-month period, followed comparable fluctuation patterns. Wastewater affected fungal population densities with the highest levels in the un-polluted stream sites, and lowest in the heavily polluted sites. Swimming pools, polluted and un-polluted stream sites were found to be rich in pathogenic and potentially pathogenic fungi.

Isolation of keratinophilic fungi from elementary schools and public parks in Isfahan, Iran.

A total of 330 dust and soil samples collected from different sites at 13 elementary schools and seven public parks in the province of Isfahan, Iran were examined for the frequency of keratinophilic fungi by the hair-baiting technique. Two hundred and fourteen isolates of keratinophilic fungi belonging to seven species were identified. The most frequent isolate was Chrysosporium keratinophilum (54.2%). The frequency and distribution of these keratinophilic fungi are discussed in relation to the presence of children in these environments.

Incidence of keratinophilic fungi in the soil of primary schools and public parks of Madras City, India.

The pattern of incidence of keratinophilic fungi inhabiting the soil of 30 primary schools and 15 public parks in the city of Madras was studied using hair baiting technique. A total number of 31 species belonging to 15 genera were recovered, 16 of which were common to both the school and public park soil. Dermatophytes and closely related species were represented by 9 species, of which the following were the most commonly found species in soil: Chrysosporium tropicum (62.2%), C. keratinophilum (48.8%), M. gypseum (48.8%), C. pannorum (40%), T. mentagrophytes (37.7%), T. terrestre (31.1%) and C. anam. A. cuniculi (24.4%). The fungi encountered have also been discussed in relation to their global distribution.

Soil dermatophytes in Madras, India, in relation to human ringworm.

A total of 269 soil samples collected from different habitats in Madras, India, were screened for the presence of dermatophytes by the hair-baiting technique. Three strains of Trichophyton mentagrophytes and 16 strains of Microsporum gypseum complex were isolated. These strains were subjected to the mating experiment. 2/3 soil isolates of Trichophyton mentagrophytes belonged to Arthroderma vanbreuseghemii (+) mating type, and 1/3 was Arthroderma vanbreuseghemii (-) mating type. Similarly 6/70 clinical strains of Trichophyton mentagrophytes isolated in our previous study also belonged to Arthroderma vanbreuseghemii (+) mating type. These 6 strains were isolated from severe cases of tinea capitis in children belonging to rural Madras. The teleomorphic and mating type homology between the clinical and soil isolates of T. mentagrophytes suggest that soil may act as reservoir for these organisms. The incompatible clinical strains of T. mentagrophytes var. interdigitale and A. vanbreuseghemii showed DNA homology, thereby establishing the epidemiologic link which supports the above findings.

Saprophytic and keratinophilic fungi isolated from desert and cultivated soils continuously exposed to cement dust particles in egypt

Forty soil samples collected from desert (uncultivated) and cultivated soils, exposed continuously to cement dust were screened for their content of saprophytic and keratinophilic fungi using the hair baiting technique and the dilution plate method. Using the hair baiting technique, 21 genera and 31 species were collected from 20 samples of each of desert (15 genera and 21 species) and cultivated (17 genera and 24 species) soils, on Sabouraud's dextrose agar. These included Chrysosporium keratinophilum, C. tropicum, C. indicum, Aspergillus niger, Nectria haematococca, Alternaria alternata, Fusarium oxysporum and Penicillium chrysogenum. Using the dilution plate method, 32 genera and 61 species + 3 varieties were collected from 20 samples of each of desert (29 genera and 53 species + 2 varieties) and cultivated (16 genera and 30 species + 2 varieties) soils, on Sabouraud's dextrose agar. The most common fungi were Aspergillus niger, A. fumigatus, A. japonicus, A. terreus, A. flavus and Penicillium funiculosum.

Occurrence of keratinolytic fungi and related dermatophytes in soils in Cairo, Egypt.

120 soil samples collected from various sites of Cairo were processed for the isolation of keratinophilic fungi by "ToKaVa" hair baiting technique. 22 species belonging to 6 genera were isolated viz.: Chrysosporium tropicum, C. indicum, C. keratinophilum, C. queenslandicum, C. merdarium, C. anamorph of Arthroderma curreyi, C. pannicola, C. lobatum, C. anamorph of Renispora flavissima, C. pseudomerdarium, Microascus mangini, Malbranchea gypsea, Ml. State of Uncicarpus reesii, Ml. State of Coccidioides immitis, Microsporum gypseum, Mr. distortum Mr. audouinii, Mr. fulvum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, T. terrestre, T. verrucosum and Epidermophyton floccosum. The frequency of occurrence of the isolated fungi was determined. Microsporum gypseum, Chrysosporium tropicum and Chrysosporium indicum were the most frequent species recovered from soil. Most species of keratinophilic fungi were isolated from university, public garden and zoo garden. The distribution of the isolates are discussed.

Keratinophilic fungi and other moulds associated with air-dust particles from Egypt

One-hundred and eleven species and three species varieties belonging to 39 genera were collected from 50 dust samples on the five media used at 28 degrees C. Using the hair-baiting technique with horse hair, 10 species of Chrysosporium were isolated: C. asperatum, C. state of Arthroderma tuberculatum, C. indicum, C. inops, C. keratinophilum, C. merdarium, C. pannorum, C. queenslandicum, C. tropicum and C. xerophilum. True dermatophytes were isolated: Trichophyton verrucosum and Trichophyton sp. Also, numerous fungi tolerating high levels of cycloheximide were encountered, such as members of Acremonium, Aspergillus and Penicillium. On plates of glucose or cellulose Czapek-Dox agar (free from sucrose) the most frequent fungi were: Alternaria alternata, Aspergillus flavus, A. flavus var. columnaris, A. fumigatus, A. niger, A. ochraceus, A. sydowii, A. terreus, Chaetomium globosum, Cladosporium herbarum, Emericella nidulans, Fusarium oxysporum, Mucor hiemalis, Penicillium chrysogenum, P. oxalicum, Scopulariopsis brevicaulis and Ulocladium atrum. On plates of 50% sucrose or 10 and 20% NaCl-Czapek's agar, some interesting species were frequently encountered: Eurotium amstelodami, E. chevalieri, E. halophilicum, E. montevidensis, E. repens, E. rubrum and Scopulariopsis halophilica. The isolated fungi have been tested for osmophilicity and halophilicity, they showed different rates of growth on sucrose and sodium chloride-Czapek's medium of various osmotic potential.

Keratinophilic and other fungi isolated from combine harvester wheat and sorghum dusts and from the atmosphere of winnow sites in egypt

Three methods were used for the isolation of fungi in the present investigation: the dilution-plate method, hair-baiting technique with horse hairs and the "exposed plate" method. Sabouraud's glucose agar at 28 degrees C was also used as isolation medium. 102 species and 2 species varieties belonging to 36 genera were collected from combine harvester wheat and sorghum dusts and from the atmosphere of hay or winnow sites. Chrysosporium was represented by 6 species: C. asperatum, C. indicum, C. keratinophilum, C. merdarium, C. pannorum and C. tropicum. Several filamentous fungi tolerating high levels of cycloheximide and other moulds were frequently encountered in the two types of dusts and in the two atmospheres, such as members of Acremonium, Alternaria, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Emericella, Eupenicillium, Fusarium, Paecilomyces, Penicillium, Piedraia, Rhizopus, Scopulariopsis and others.

The occurrence of keratinophilic fungi in sewage sludge from Egypt

The keratinophilic fungi of 40 sewage sludge samples from Upper Egypt were studied using a goat hair-baiting technique. 43 species representing 22 genera were isolated, 17 species of which were dermatophytes and closely related fungi: Chrysosporium state of Arthroderma tuberculatum, C. asperatum, C. georgii, C. indicum, C. keratinophilum, C. pseudomerdarium, C. queenslandicum, Chrysosporium state of Thielavia sepedonium, C. tropicum, Microsporum cookei, M. gypseum, Myceliophthora anamorph of Corynascus novoguineensis, M. vellerea and Trichophyton terrestre. 26 species of cycloheximide resistant fungi were collected and these included members of Acremonium, Aspergillus, Alternaria, Chaetomium, Cladosporium, Cunninghamella, Emericella, Fusarium, Geotrichum, Penicillium and others.

Keratinolytic fungi of wadi Qena in Egypt

Forty-six soil samples collected from different sites of wadi Qena were examined for keratinophilic fungi using the hair baiting technique. Thirty-two species in addition to one variety of each of A. nidulans and A. flavus which belong to eighteen genera were recovered. Aspergillus, Chrysosporium, Penicillium, Microsporum and Fusarium were the most frequent genera developed from baited soils.

Fungi in Two Swimming Pools in Assiut Town, Egypt

50 water samples from 2 public swimming pools were tested for the presence of fungi using the hair baiting technique and plate count methods. Sabouraud's-dextrose agar and Littman-oxgall agar media were used for isolation of the fungi. Of the keratinolytic fungi 8 species were recorded of which three species were dermatophytes (Trichophyton terrestre, 14% of the samples; T. mentagrophytes, 10% and Microsporum gypseum, 6%). On Littman-oxgall agar the following species were recovered: Aspergillus flavus, A. fumigatus, A. niger, Penicillium chrysogeman, Syncephalastrum racemosum, Alternaria alternata and Mucor hiemalis.

Keratinophilic fungi of animal and bird pens in Egypt.

Samples were collected from 44 pens under animals and birds for the estimation of keratinophilic fungi using the hair-baiting technique. Thirty-nine species which belong to eighteen genera were recovered. Chrysosporium, Aspergillus, and Penicillium were the most frequent genera. From keratinophilic fungi, Myceliophthora anamorph of Corynascus sepedonium, Myceliophthora anamorph of Corynascus novoguinensis, Microsporum boullardii, M. gypseum, Trichophyton metagrophytes and Arthroderma sp. were recovered in different frequencies.

Isolation of keratinophilic fungi from the floor dust of Arab kindergarten schools in the West Bank of Jordan

The keratinophilic mycoflora of floor dust of seventy two classrooms in 24 kindergarten schools (children aged 2-5) in the city of Nablus was studied using a hair-baiting technique. The study was aimed at the evaluation of extent of diffusion of keratinophilic fungi in this environment in relation to human presence and the age of children in order to determine their role and impact in the epidemiology of human dermatophytoses. Thirty three species were isolated. A large proportion of these species are either well-known human and animal mycotic agents or have been isolated frequently from human and animal lesions. These pathogenic and potentially pathogenic fungi comprised about 85.8% of all keratinophilic fungal isolates found in the classroom dust. The results of this investigation have also been discussed in respect to previous studies on human dermatophytoses in the West Bank of Jordan.

Mycoflora of air-conditioners dust from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Using the hair baiting technique, 6 genera and 14 species were collected on Sabouraud's dextrose agar from 37 dust samples from air-conditioners. The most common fungi were Chrysosporium tropicum, C. indicum, C. keratinophilum, Aspergillus flavus followed by Acremonium strictum and Scopulariopsis brevicaulis. Using the dilution-plate method, 26 genera and 52 species were collected from 37 dust samples on glucose-(23 genera and 45 species) and cellulose-(18 genera and 34 species) Czapek's agar at 28 degrees C. The most prevalent species were Aspergillus niger, A. flavus, Penicillium chrysogenum, Stachybotrys chartarum, Ulocladium atrum, Mucor racemosus and Fusarium solani and A. niger, A. flavus, Trichoderma viride, P. chrysogenum, Ulocladium atrum, Chaetomium globosum, C. spirale, Stachybotrys chartarum and Mucor racemosus on the two media, respectively.

Ecology of pathogenic yeasts in Amazonian soil.

In an investigation of Amazonian soil as a natural reservoir for pathogenic fungi, 1,949 soil samples collected from diverse geographical and ecological settings of the Brazilian Amazon Basin were analyzed for the presence of non-keratinophilic fungi by the indirect mouse inoculation procedure and for the presence of keratinophilic fungi by the hair bait technique. All soil samples were acidic with low pH values. From 12% of the soil samples, 241 yeast and yeastlike isolates pertaining to six genera and 82 species were recovered, of which 63% were Torulopsis and 26% were Candida species. Nine fungi with known pathogenic potentials were encountered among 43% (104) of the isolates: T. glabrata, C. guilliermondii, C. albicans, C. pseudotropicalis, C. stellatoidea, C. tropicalis, Rhodotorula rubra, and Wangiella dermatitidis. The yeast flora was marked by species diversity, low frequency of each species, random geographical distribution, and an apparent lack of species clustering. The composition and distribution of the yeast flora in soil differed from those of the yeast flora harbored by bats, suggesting that the Amazonian external environment and internal bat organs act as independent natural habitats for yeasts.

The isolation of pathogenic fungi and actinomycetes from soil in Egypt.

140 soil samples from the Assiut governorate were examined for pathogenic fungi and actinomycetes. The paraffin-bait technique and a modified sodium citrate-utilizing procedure were used for recovery of Nocardia strains. Five isolations of N. brasiliensis were made by the sodium citrate method while 3 isolates were obtained by the other method. N. gypsoides was isolated for the first time, only the the modified method. It appears that the latter method suppresses to a great extent the growth of saprophytic fungi, hence increasing the possibility of the isolation of Nocardia spp. The effect of keratin enrichment on the isolation of dermatophytes from soil by the hair-bait technique was also investigated. Pretreatment of samples with dog hair or feathers increased the yield of isolates of Microsporum gypseum, Trichophyton terrestre and to a lesser extent, T. mentagrophytes, M. canis was recovered from soil only after its enrichment with dog hair. It is suggested that enrichment with other forms of keratinous material, either separately or in combination, might increase the recovery of keratinophilic fungi from soil.

The distribution of geophilic dermatophytes in Kenyan soils.

Two hundred and eighty one soil samples from different provinces of Kenya were examined for dermatophytes by the hair baiting technique. Dermatophytes were recovered from 84 samples. Microsporum gypseum constituted 75.8% of the total isolates while Keratinomyces ajelloi and M. cookei formed 21% and 3.2%, respectively. The distribution of the dermatophytes was influences by soil pH, being more prevalent in acidic than in alkaline soils.

Isolation of keratinophilic fungi from soil in the vicinity of Bogota, Colombia

Soil collected from 54 areas in and around Bogota, Colombia were examined for the presence of keratinophilic fungi by theVanbreuseghem's hair baiting technique. The organisms isolated and frequency are indicated:Trichophyton terrestre, 33;T. ajelloi, 32;Chrysosporium keratinophilum, 30;Microsporon gypseum, 14; andM. fulvum, 1. The perfect stage,Nannizzia gypsea, 1; andArthroderma quadrifidum, 2; were observed growing on hair in three plates. The following organisms apparently have been reported for the first time from soil samples in Colombia:M. fulvum, T. ajelloi, T. terrestre, C. keratinophilum, N. gypsea, andA. quadrifidum.

The isolation of keratinophilic fungi from soil and wild animals in South Dakota.

Hairs and skin scrapings from 224 wild animals representing 30 species were examined for the presence of keratinophilic fungi. Commercial agars and sterile soil plates moistened with water containing cycloheximide were utilized for culturing specimens. Keratinophilic fungi of the generaTrichophyton andChrysosporium were isolated from 26.8% of the specimens. Using the hair baiting technique of Vanbreuseghem, 54 soil samples were screened for keratinophilic fungi. Eighteen (33.3%) of the samples were positive for the genusTrichophyton. Microsporon spp. were not recovered from the animal hairs or soil samples.