Fungi on the hair of large mammals in Egypt

Fungi associated with the hairs of goat and sheep in libya

The mycoflora on the hair in 25 samples of each of goats and sheep collected from Libya was analyzed using two isolation methods at 25℃. Seventy species and 3 varieties belonging to 31 genera were collected from the two substrates. The hairs of sheep were polluted with fungi than goat, contained high total counts and number of genera and species. Two species of true dermatophytes were isolated namely Trichophyton rubrum and T. terrestre. Several keratiophilic species were isolated of which Chrysosporium indicum, C. keratinophilum and C. tropicum were the most prevalent. The commonest saprophytes in order of frequency were members of the genera Aspergillus, Penicillium, Emericella, Alternaria and Cochliobolus.

Generalized hyperkeratosis caused by Scopulariopsis brevicaulis in a Japanese Black calf

A 6-month-old Japanese Black female calf became gradually emaciated over a 40-day period and was humanely killed. At necropsy, hyperkeratotic nodules were seen to have spread over almost the entire body surface. Scopulariopsis brevicaulis was isolated from the skin and identified morphologically and by gene sequence analysis of the D1/D2 domain of large subunit ribosomal RNA. Numerous periodic acid-Schiff-positive, lemon-shaped conidia were detected histologically in the keratinized layer and the hair follicles. The distribution of the fungal elements in the skin corresponded to that of the hyperkeratotic lesions. This is the first report of a disease caused by S. brevicaulis in animals. Previously reported human infections have not included generalized hyperkeratosis.

Fungi isolated from skins and pens of healthy animals in Nigeria

The mycoflora of 220 skin scrapings, hair, nail samples and pens' materials of apparently healthy animals including cows, sheep, goats, rabbits, pigs and dogs were determined. Twenty eight species of fungi belonging to ten genera were recovered. Chrysosporium spp. were the most common and C. keratinophilum was recovered from all animals. Dermatophytes which are known causal agents of dermatophytosis were also isolated in different frequencies (Microsporum gypseum, M. canis, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, T rubrum).

Hair and scalp mycobiota in school children in Nablus area

Hair and scalp mycobiota of 1389 clinically normal children aged 6-12 years attending 12 schools in the Nablus District, Palestinian Authority, was assessed on three occasions over 8-month period (October 1998-May 1999) using the hair brush technique. One hundred and one fungal species belonging to 33 genera were recovered: 6 dermatophytes, 16 dermatophyte-like keratinophilic fungi, and 79 other keratinophilic fungal species. Species varied considerably in their frequency of occurrence and abundance based on their relative importance values (RIVs). The most frequent and abundant species were: Cladosporium cladosporioides, Cl. herbarum, Penicillium chrysogenum and Aspergillus flavus, Microsporum canis, Aphanoascus fulvescence and Chrysosporum sulfureum were the most frequent and abundant species of all dermatophytes and dermatophyte-like keratinophilic fungi recovered. The most frequent and abundant dermatophytes in different communities were M. canis in rural (RIV 0.87) and urban children (0.45), and Trichophyton violaceum (1.41) in refugee camp children. Chrysosporium species were the most frequent and abundant dermatophyte-like keratinophilic fungus in children from all localities followed by Aphanoascus fulvescence. Comparable results on the frequency and abundance of human hair and scalp mycobiota component fungi were obtained based on age group and sex of children. Higher number of species was recovered in spring months (73 species) than in autumn (57) and winter (44) months. Similar occurrence pattern was also noted for dermatophyte-like keratinophilic species and dermatophytes. Higher percentages of children with moderate (11-50) and heavy (< or = 50) spore loads (7.54 and 0.73, respectively) were found in urban school children community than in rural and refugee camp school children (4.7 and 0.1, respectively). Also significantly higher light (1-10) spore load percentages were found in rural (63.67) and refugee camp (62.9) than in urban children (52.6). Of all localities, school children with light spore load comprised the highest percentage of the children examined (37.4), followed by moderate (6.13), and heavy (0.41) spore load categories. However, children with undetected spore load comprised 36.05% of all children. Spore load distribution did not show clear seasonal variations in the study period. Higher percentages of moderate and heavy spore loads were found in male children (8.72 and 0.69, respectively) than in female children (3.4 and 0.1, respectively). However, higher percentages of undetected (38.3) or light spore loads (58.4) were found in females than in males (34.04 and 56.53, respectively).

Stachybotrys: relevance to human disease

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Recent public concern about the danger of environmental fungi has focused attention on one particular mold, Stachybotrys. The purpose of this review is to examine and critique the published literature on Stachybotrys for objective scientific and clinical evidence of disease caused by the presence of this fungal organism in the environment.

DATA SOURCES

Data were obtained from all published research and reviews of Stachybotrys indexed in MEDLINE since 1966.

STUDY SELECTION

The publications used for this review were those that contained information about human health effects of this microorganism. The critique of these publications is the author's.

RESULTS

Stachybotrys is a minor component of the indoor mycoflora, found on certain building material surfaces in water-damaged buildings, but airborne spores are present in very low concentrations. Published reports fail to establish inhalation of Stachybotrys spores as a cause of human disease even in water-damaged buildings. A possible exception may be mycotoxin-caused pulmonary hemorrhage/hemosiderosis in infants, although scientific evidence to date is suggestive but not conclusive. Based on old reports ingestion of food prepared from Stachybotrys-contaminated grains may cause a toxic gastroenteropathy. No convincing cases of human allergic disease or infection from this mold have been published.

CONCLUSIONS

The current public concern for adverse health effects from inhalation of Stachybotrys spores in water-damaged buildings is not supported by published reports in the medical literature.

Scopulariopsis brevicaulis: a keratinophilic or a keratinolytic fungus?

The morphologic expression of human hair and nail invasion in vitro by Scopulariopsis brevicaulis isolates was studied by light microscopy on whole material and on semi-thin sections, and also by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Only three isolates of the nine that were examined were keratinolytic, capable of both attacking keratinic substrates and demolishing their keratin. The process showed all the characteristic of enzymatic digestion and was in agreement with the biochemical and morphogenetic scheme proposed for other keratinolytic fungi during their invasion of human hair in vitro. All the active isolates were capable of developing structures related to surface erosion and radial penetration contemporaneously. However the extent and rate of keratinolysis were rather low when compared with the efficiency of other keratinolytic fungi. This finding suggests that S. brevicaulis is of secondary importance in the mineralization of keratinic substrates in natural environments. From the medical standpoint the mere demonstration of keratinolytic activity means that it may be regarded as a real cause of primary infection.

Mycological and some physiological studies of keratinophilic and other moulds associated with sheep wool

Wool samples of 50 healthy sheep collected from different localities at Ar' Ar in Saudi Arabia were examined for the presence of keratinophilic and other fungi using the hair plate technique. Forty-eight species and 2 varieties belonging to 20 genera were isolated on Sabouraud's dextrose agar at 25 degrees C. Two species of true dermatophytes were isolated: Trichophyton terrestre and T. rubrum in low frequency of occurrence. Chrysosporium, a well-know keratinophilic genus, was the predominant genus on sheep wool. Of 6 Chrysosporium species isolated C. tropicum, C. keratinophilum and C. indicum were the most prevalent. Several other moulds could colonize wool, and the most frequent species were members of the genera Aspergillus, Penicillium, Emericella, Chaetomium and Acremonium. 14 isolates of selected fungi were screened for their ability to produce protease and keratinase on solid media. All test fungi exhibited protease, but with varying degree. It was observed that true dermatophytes Trichophyton rubrum, T. terrestre and the keratinolytic fungi Chrysosporium tropicum and C. keratinophilum showed highly keratinolytic activity, but Emericella nidulans var. lata, E. quadrilineata and Penicillium funiculosum were not able to attack horse hair.

Dermatophytes and other keratinophilic fungi causing ringworm of horses

From 60 horses showing skin lesions, 42% were positive for fungal infection. Horses less than 2-year old were more susceptible to this infection. Fourteen species belonging to nine genera of keratinophilic and cycloheximide-resistant fungi were recovered from collected specimens. Trichophyton was the dominant genus of which T. equinum was the most common. This species proved to be the main causative agent of ringworm in horses. In addition to dermatophytes, many species of the isolated fungi were keratinophilic. The presence of such fungi on hairs and skin of horses may create an opportunity for them under special circumstances to become invasive to the skin or hair and thus cause primary or secondary infection of the animals.

Dermatophytes and other associated fungi isolated from ringworm lesions of camels

Among 75 camels showing skin lesions, 48% were positive for fungal infection. The younger individuals were more susceptible to this infection. Sixteen species belonging to nine genera of keratinophilic and cycloheximide-resistant fungi were recovered from diseased camels. Trichophyton, Microsporum and Chrysosporium were the most common genera. T. verrucosum appeared to be the main cause of ringworm in small camels while T. mentagrophytes infected older ones. Camel skin presents a suitable habitat for the growth of some dermatophytes and other potentially pathogenic fungi.

Outdoor airborne dermatophytes and related fungi: a survey in Turin (Italy)

Aerial dispersal of propagules, an important mechanism of fungal spread, has not been sufficiently studied for skin-infecting fungi. Over a period of one year, we have monitored the distribution of dermatophytes in the air of Turin. We have also examined the related aleurioconidic and arthroconidic fungi, which share physiological and morphological characters with dermatophytes and are sometimes considered to cause similar infections. A viable volumetric collector was used. Samples were taken each month; each sample collected 9.6 m3 of air. The medium was Dermasel agar supplemented with cycloheximide and chloramphenicol. Thirty-two species were isolated, within the genera Aphanoascus, Arthrographis, Chrysosporium, Geomyces, Gymnoascus, Malbranchea, Myceliophthora, Myxotrichum, Ovadendron, Trichophyton. The total mycoflora load obtained was rather low throughout the year and particularly in the hottest months. Apart from T. rubrum and T. mentagrophytes, which are dermatophytes very frequently encountered in Turin, many of the species detected have known pathogenic potential and/or keratinolytic activity.

Distribution of keratinophilic fungi in animal folds in Kuwait

Soil samples from seventeen animal herds (camels, goats, sheep, cows) were surveyed for the occurrence of keratinophilic fungi. Twenty four species related to eleven genera were recovered on defatted wool baits. Eleven Chrysosporium species were reported in the following order of dominance: C. keratinophilum, C. tropicum, C. indicum, C. queenslandicum, C. pannicola, C. carmichaelii, C. state of Arthroderma curreyi, C. zonatum, C. state of A. cuniculi and Chrysosporium state of Renispora flavissima. The Aphanoascus teleomorph of C. keratinophilum, C. indicum and C. tropicum were frequently reported in soils from cow and sheep folds. Scopulariopsis, Cephaliophora and Sepedonium, although not keratinolytic, were also recorded on wool baits of soils from cow herds which are slightly acidic. The frequency and distribution of these fungi are discussed in relation to animal species and the general ecological conditions of desert soils.

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.

Survey of keratinophilic and saprobic fungi in the cloven-hooves and horns of goats and sheep from Egypt

Seventy-six species belonging to 29 genera were collected from 320 samples of cloven-hooves and horns of goats and sheep. Chrysosporium was the most common genus on the various substrates and comprehended the following species: C. asperatum, Chrysosporium anamorph of Arthroderma cuniculi, Chrysosporium anamorph of Arthroderma curreyi, C. georgii, C. indicum, C. keratinophilum, C. lobatum, C. lucknowense, C. pannicola, C. pseudomerdarium, C. queenslandicum, Chrysosporium state of Thielavia sepedonium and C. tropicum. Some interesting fungi were isolated: Myceliophthora anamorph of Arthroderma tuberculatum, Myceliophthora anamorph of Corynoascus novoguineensis, Myceliophthora anamorph of Ctenomyces serratus, Trichosporon cutaneum, Trichophyton terrestre and T. verrucosum. Also, several saprobic filamentous fungi tolerating high levels of cycloheximide were isolated of which numerous members of Acremonium, Aspergillus, Chaetomium, Fusarium, Penicillium, Scopulariopsis and several 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.

Keratinophilic fungi on sheep hairs from the West Bank of Jordan

The mycoflora of the hair in 285 sheep from the West Bank of Jordan was analysed and the frequency of occurrence and the relative importance value for different fungal species found were calculated. Ninety six species which belong to 36 genera were isolated. Forty one of these species were either well-known agents of animal and human mycoses (Trichophyton verrucosum, T. mentagrophytes, Microsporum nanum, M. canis, and others), or have been isolated from human and animal lesions (Arthroderma cuniculi, A. curreyi, Chrysosporium tropicum, Acremonium kiliense, Aphanoascus fulvuscens, Aspergillus versicolor, Paecilomyces lilacinus, Scopulariopsis brevicaulis, and others). These pathogenic fungi comprised 75.4% of all fungi recovered from the hair of sheep. This animal seems to represent an adequate reservoir for several dermatophytes and several potentially pathogenic fungi.

Fungi on the claws of buffalo and cow in Egypt

The frequency of occurrence of fungi in 120 claw samples of buffalo and cow from different localities at Assiut governorate was determined. Thirty-seven species which belong to twenty genera were collected from the two substrates and the most common genera were Chrysosporium (eleven species of Chrysosporium were isolated). Aspergillus and Scopulariopsis. From the preceding genera Chrysosporium sulfureum was common on cow claws but C. merdarium was slightly dominant on buffalo claws than on cow claws. Aspergillus flavus and A. niger were dominant on buffalo claws, but Scopulariopsis brevicaulis was prevalent on cow claws. Also other dermatophytes were isolated such as Trichophyton terrestre, T. rubrum, Histoplasma capsulatum, Phialophora gougerotii and Microsporum distortum.

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.

Keratinophilic fungi associated with rabbit claws in Egypt

Using the soil plate technique, thirty one species appertaining to twenty three genera were recovered from 160 samples of rabbit claws which were collected from a rabbit farm at Assiut. Of the true keratinophilic fungi Chrysosporium tropicum was the most prevalent where it colonized 56.25% of the samples. Microsporum gypseum was rarely isolated in this study. Among the non-keratinophilic fungi Penicillium funiculosum. P. jenseni and Paccilomyces lilacinus were of low incidence (20%, 19.37% and 14.37% of the samples, respectively).

Keratinophilic fungi on the hair of goats from the West Bank of Jordan

The mycoflora of the hair in 178 goats from the West Bank of Jordan was analysed and the frequency of occurrence and the relative importance value for the different keratinophilic fungi found were calculated. One hundred and seven species which belong to 38 genera were isolated. Thirty six of these species were either well recognised agents of mycoses (Trichophyton mentagrophytes, T. verrucosum, and M. nanum), or have been frequently isolated from human and animal lesions (Arthroderma spp., Acremonium kiliense, Alternaria alternata, Aspergillus flavus, Cladosporium carionii, and several other species). These potentially pathogenic fungal species comprised 66.9% of all keratinophilic fungi found on the hair of goats. The role of this animal as a reservoir for dermatophytes and other potentially pathogenic fungi is discussed.

Keratinophilic fungi on the hair of cows, donkeys, rabbits, cats, and dogs from the West Bank of Jordan

The mycoflora of hair of 111 cows, donkeys, rabbits, cats, and dogs were analysed and the frequency of occurrence and the relative importance value of the different fungal species isolated were calculated. Total numbers of species 56, 45, 48, 23, and 11 were recovered from cows, donkeys, rabbits, cats, and dogs respectively. The majority of the keratinophilic fungi isolated were either well-known mycotic agents or have been recovered from various animal and human lesions. These comprised 87.8%, 66.7%, 61.4%, 59.3%, and 55.2% of the hair mycoflora in cats, dogs, rabbits, cows, and donkeys respectively. Seven species of dermatophytes were isolated: Trichophyton mentagrophytes, T. verrucosum, Microsporum gypseum, M. nanum, T. ajelloi, and M. canis. Cats harboured the largest number of dermatophytes (5 species), followed by cows (4 spp), rabbits (3 spp), and donkeys and dogs (1 sp). The role of these animals in the persistence and transmission of pathogenic fungi is discussed.

Ecological and physiological studies on fungi associated with human hair

Thirty-seven species attributed to 19 genera of keratinophilic fungi were recovered from 100 human hair samples collected from the Assiut governorate. The genera Aspergillus followed by Penicillium and Chrysosporium were frequently isolated from 65, 43 and 30% of the samples respectively. Fifteen species and 13 genera of thermophilic and thermotolerant fungi (recovered at 45 degrees C) were identified. The thermotolerant Aspergillus fumigatus was frequently encountered and emerged from 82% of the samples. Thirteen isolates of keratinophilic and 20 isolates of thermophilic fungi were tested for lipolytic and proteolytic activities. All the keratinophilic fungi showed lipolytic and proteolytic activities while 100 and 85% of the thermophilic fungi showed lipolytic and proteolytic activities. Using the paper-disc plate method, 12 types of shampoos and oils were tested for their antifungal activities on 42 strains of keratinophilic and thermophilic or thermotolerant fungi. Three out of four types of shampoo proved to be highly effective against all the test fungi.

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.