Keratinophilic fungi in soils of parks of Corrientes city, Argentina Hongos queratinofílicos en suelos de parques de la ciudad de Corrientes, Argentina

SARMIENTO, MARÍA MERCEDES; MANGIATERRA, MAGDALENA; BOJANICH, MARÍA VIVIANA; BASUALDO, JUAN ÁNGEL; GIUSIANO, GUSTAVO

REVISTA IBEROAMERICANA DE MICOLOGIA

ASOCIACION ESPANOLA MICOLOGIA-AEM

Año: 2016 vol. 33 p. 7 - 12

1130-1406

Background: The soil is a natural reservoir of keratinophilic fungi, which are a small but important group of filamentous fungi, some of which typically develop on keratinized tissues of living animals. There are numerous species of saprophytic fungi with recognized keratinophilic abilities, and several studies have been undertaken in order to link their presence to possible human disease. Aims: To know the biota of geophilic fungi in general and of keratinophilic fungi particularly in soils from two public parks. Methods: Soil samples from two public parks of Corrientes city, Argentina, were studied during two seasons, using the hook technique and serial dilutions for fungal isolation. Results: Using the hook technique, 170 isolates were classified into 17 genera and 21 species, among which it is worth mentioning the presence of Microsporum canis. Shannon index for keratinophilic fungi in autumn was 2.27, and 1.92 in spring. By means of the serial dilutions technique, 278 fungi isolated were identified into 33 genera and 71 species. Shannon index in autumn was 3.9, and 3.5 in spring. Conclusions: The soils studied have particularly favorable conditions for the survival of pathogens and opportunistic geophilic fungi for humans and animals.