Molecular, Physiological, Chracterization and Histopathological studies on Pathogenic Fungi Isolated From Muddy Soils In Cairo Vicinities, Egypt

Abstract

A total of one hundred soil samples were collected from seven different areas in the vicinity of Cairo. These areas are always covered by water and no dried period is observed (muddy soil). The samples were collected from the superficial layer depth not exceeding 3 to Scm, placed in sterile polyethylene bags, taken to the laboratory and stored at 15 degree if not processed promptly. The seven areas where soil samples were collected are Ismailia stream, Menofy stream, Neanaeya streams, Tawfiki stream, Sharqawia stream, Gizah stream and Qanater streams. Seven soil samples were chosen, one sample from each area and complete chemical analysis for them were done at Arid Land Agricultural Unit, faculty of agriculture, Ain shams university.

The collected soil samples were screened for the presence of opportunistic pathogenic fungi included in the three main groups, which are quite different from one another. They are, the keratinophilic fungi, dimorphic saprobes, and the opportunistic saprobes. Three isolation methods were used in the isolation of soil fungi; they are dilution plate method for the opportunistic saprobes, animal inoculation method for the dimorphic saprobes and hair baiting technique for the keratinophilic group.

By using dilution plate method of isolation, it was possible to isolate a total of 36203 colony forming unit per gram (CFU/gm). The higher count found in area 7 (Qanater streams) and the least count found in area 4 (Tawfiki stream). I The isolated fungal flora identified as 28 species belonging to 14 genera. Out of the fungal flora isolated 10 species belonging to 5 genera were chosen as they were previously prevalent and recorded as opportunistic pathogens causing opportunistic mycoses (McGinis, 1980; Rippon, 1982; smith, 1989 and de I

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