07-08-2013, 01:04 PM
Molecular based characterization of keratinophilic fungi using PCR techniques
ABSTRACT
Keratinophilic fungi are the soil saprophytes that decompose one of the most abundant and highly stable animal proteins i.e. keratin. Keratinophilic fungi grows on keratinous material which is one of the most essential naturally occurring protein present in the form of claws, hooves, horns, wool and nails. During the present investigation soil samples were collected from different areas rich in keratin like public places, roadsides, poultry sheds, garbage areas, leather industry, dermatology department of the hospitals etc. A total of 70 soil samples were screened for the presence of keratinophilic fungi by using “keratin bait technique”. Hair, wool and feathers were used as baits for the isolation of different keratinophiles. All the soil samples were found to be positive for the presence of keratinophilic fungi. A total of 200 keratinophilic fungal isolates belonging to 20 genera were isolated. The fungi were identified on the basis of the morphological and molecular characteristics. The frequently isolated fungal isolates belonged to the following genera: Microsporum, Trichophyton, Epicoccum, Aspergillus, Chrysosporium, Trichoderma, Penicillium, Fusarium and Scopulariopsis. For molecular characterization DNA based markers such as ITS and beta tubulin were used to generate polymorphism. Data was scored and analysed using various software. The phylogeny of the isolates was also established.