Isolation Rates of Fungi from Soil Near Korean Wrestling Fields, Playgrounds, and Beauty Salons in Daegu

Kim, Byeong Su; Shin, Dong Hoon; Choi, Jong Soo

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Soil is one of the major habitats of fungi. Keratinophilic fungi are an important group of fungi that live in soil, some of which are potential pathogens for humans and animals.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to isolate and identify keratinophilic fungi near Korean wrestling fields, playgrounds, and beauty salons.
METHODS
We visited 5 Korean wrestling fields, 15 playgrounds, and 10 beauty salons in Daegu, Korea, from July to August 2015. Soil samples were divided into 3 groups according to the distance from Korean wrestling fields, playgrounds, and beauty salons: near, 10 m, and 100 m.
RESULTS
Of 185 soil samples examined, 60 (32.4%) yielded keratinophilic fungi. Specifically, of the 125 samples around Korean wrestling fields and playgrounds, isolation rates were 37.7% (17/45) at the near distance, 27.5% (11/40) at 10 m, and 0% at 100 m. Of the 60 samples around beauty salons, isolation rates were 85% (17/20) at the near distance, 75% (15/20) at 10 m, and 0% at 100 m. Near Korean wrestling fields, playgrounds, and beauty salons, Penicillium spp. were the predominant species (16.9%, 11/65), followed by Fusarium spp. (13.8%, 9/65), Purpureocillium spp. (12.3%, 8/65), Microsporum spp. (6.1%, 4/65), Chrysosporium spp. (3.1%, 2/65), and other species.
CONCLUSION
In this study, isolation rates of keratinophilic fungi were higher in the soil closer to the Korean wrestling fields, playgrounds, and beauty salons. Especially near beauty salons, we found keratinophilic fungi in most soil samples. We should be aware of these results and pay attention to eliminate hair or keratins in soils.