SEASONAL BEHAVIOUR OF KERATINOPHILIC FUNGI ISOLATED FROM PARKS SOIL IN MILAN

Abstract

Soil samples collected from 10 parks in Milan were examined for the presence of keratinophilic fungi by the Orr’s hair baiting technique. The organisms isolated and their frequency were as follows: Arthroderma uncinatum and its anamorph Keratinomyces ajelloi were dominant and recovered from 22.5 percent - 43.7 percent and 40 por ciento - 50 percent of the soil samples collected in summer and winter respectively. Myceliophthora vellerea was isolated in 31.2 percent of the samples, particularly in winter, Microsporum gypseum in winter (20 percent) and Trichophyton terrestre (10 percent) in summer. Chrysosporium keratinophilum (16.2 percent in summer and 18.7 percent in winter) C. indicum (15 percent s- 23.7 percent w), C. pannicola (5 percent s - 37 percent w). Aphanoascus fulvescens was isolated in summer (23.7 percent). Among the cycloheximide-resistant keratinophilic fungi Alternaria alternata (27.5 percent s – 33.7 percent w), Paecilomyces lilacinus (26.2 percent s - 18.7 percent w) and Acremonium strictum (8.7 percent s - 20 percent w) also were observed. The distribution of the different species is discussed.(AU)