EC Microbiology

Superficial mycosis has been described as the major source of debilitating skin infection, especially in rural areas. This study examined the distribution and pathogenicity profile of dematiaceous fungi isolated at Uli community, Anambra State. Two hundred and ten (210) soil samples were randomly collected from three different soil types (loamy, clay, and sandy soil) at Uli community using a soil auger. The soil samples were analyzed using standard microbiological technique. The fungal isolates were characterized based on their morphology, slide culture technique, and atlas of clinical mycology. The pathogenicity potential of the isolates was evaluated using Wistar rats. Exophiala jeanselmei was mostly isolated (40%) from Umuoma community, followed by Cladophialophora carrionii (30%) from the same community, while the least was Scedosporium apiospermum (10%) from Aluoha community. Loamy soil yielded the highest fungal isolates 13 (65%), followed by clay soil 4 (20%) while sandy soil yielded the least fungal isolates 3 (15%). Statistically, there was a significant difference (P < 0.05) in the distribution of the fungal isolates in the different soil types. Umuoma yielded the highest number of fungal isolates 10 (50%), followed by Umuaku 6(30%) while the least was Aluoha 4 (20%). The Wistar rats infected using the isolates developed erythematous lesions, which were confirmed by culturing scrapings from the infected site. The study showed that dematiaceous fungi are mostly found in loamy soil, of which Exophiala jeanselmei had the most frequent occurrence. Also, dematiaceous fungal isolates were able to cause erythematous lesions on the laboratory animals, which confirmed their pathogenicity potentials.

 Keywords: Dematiaceous Fungi; Erythematous Lesions; Infection; Pathogenicity

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