Distribution of Dermatophytes From Soils of Urban and Rural Areas of Cities of Paraiba State, Brazil

Abstract

SUMMARYThe dermatophytes, keratinophilic fungi, represent important microorganisms of the soil microbiota, where there are cosmopolitan species and others with restricted geographic distribution. The aim of this study was to broaden the knowledge about the presence of dermatophytes in soils of urban (empty lots, schools, slums, squares, beaches and homes) and rural areas and about the evolution of their prevalence in soils of varying pH in cities of the four mesoregions of Paraiba State, Brazil. Soil samples were collected from 31 cities of Paraiba State. Of 212 samples, 62% showed fungal growth, particularly those from the Mata Paraibana mesoregion (43.5%), which has a tropical climate, hot and humid. Soil pH varied from 4.65 to 9.06, with 71% of the growth of dermatophytes occurring at alkaline pH (7.02 -9.06) (ρ = 0.000). Of 131 strains isolated, 57.3% were geophilic species, particularly Trichophyton terrestre (31.3%) and Mycrosporum gypseum (21.4%). M. nanum and T. ajelloi were isolated for the first time in Paraiba State. The zoophilic species identified were T. mentagrophytes var. mentagrophytes (31.3 %) and T. verrucosum (7.6 %), and T. tonsurans was isolated as an anthropophilic species. The soils of urban areas including empty lots, schools, slums and squares of cities in the mesoregions of Paraiba State were found to be the most suitable reservoirs for almost all dermatophytes; their growth may have been influenced by environmental factors, soils with residues of human and/or animal keratin and alkaline pH.

DNA sequence analysis of keratinophilic fungi isolated from livestock stables in the East of Iran

“…Trichophyton terrestre (A. quadrifidum) was the mostly isolated dermatophyte species. This is in line with the results obtained by Pontes et al [ 9 ] reporting T. terrestre as the most frequent dermatophyte isolated from Brazil soil. Pontes et al identified 101 isolates of 8 different dermatophytes, whereas in the current study, two dermatophytespecies were isolated.…”

“…Studies on soil keratinophilic fungi have been conducted in various parts of Iran (e.g., Khorasan [ 11 ], Shiraz [ 3 ], Sari [ 12 ], Qazvin [ 13 ], and Ahwaz [ 14 ]) and around the world (e.g. Egypt [ 5 ], Australia [ 6 ], Libya [ 7 ], Bahrain [ 8 ], Brazil [ 9 ], and Korea [ 10 ]).…”

In search of the source of dermatophytosis: Epidemiological analysis of Trichophyton verrucosum infection in llamas and the breeder (case report)

“…Grazing cattle in the same areas where agricultural work was carried out by the breeder of the llamas could explain the acquisition and transmission of dermatophyte arthrospores. It is known that soil contaminated with dermatophyte arthrospores may be a source of infection (Mercantini, Marsella, Caprilli, & Dovgiallo, 1980;Moriello, Coyner, Paterson, & Mignon, 2017; Pontes, Oliveira, Guerra, Pontes, & Santos, 2013;Ranganathan et al, 1997). Unfortunately, it was not possible in this study to take a sample of soil and material from cattle to determine the presence of arthrospores of dermatophytes; hence, the conclusion about the original source of infection must remain speculative.…”

Species distribution of the main aetiologic agents causing skin dermatophytosis in Colombian patients: A 23‐year experience at a Mycological Reference Center

“…The zoophilic species M canis can affect several members of a family directly, through contact with companion animals (mainly dogs or cats) or indirectly, through the use of carpets or contaminated clothing. Geophilic dermatophytes such as N gypsea complex (formerly M gypseum ) can be acquired directly from the soil or infected animals 1‐2,20 …”