Isolamento e identificação de fungos dermatófitos em solo de áreas públicas no município de João Pessoa – Paraíba

Abstract

Dermatophytoses are skin infections caused by keratinophilic fungi that affect the stratum corneum of the skin and its appendages, leading to progressive inflammatory reactions. The main representatives of this group are distributed among the genera Trichophyton, Microsporum, and Epidermophyton. These are filamentous, septate, and hyaline fungi, capable of colonizing and causing clinical lesions in keratinized tissues. Species identification is essential for tracking and monitoring the predisposing factors of infection, as fungi causing dermatophytoses can be categorized into three groups based on their natural habitat: geophilic, zoophilic, or anthropophilic. The present study aimed to isolate and identify species of dermatophyte fungi from the soil of public squares and parks in the municipality of João Pessoa, Paraíba. Samples were collected using a previously sterilized spatula and sterile universal collectors. Sample processing involved inoculation on Sabouraud chloramphenicol agar and selective mycobiotic agar, in addition to the hair-bait method. A total of 30 soil samples were processed. No growth or isolation of dermatophytes was observed on the culture media used. However, growth was noted using the hair-bait method (13 samples; 43.3%). Trichophyton rubrum was the only species isolated (13 samples; 100%). The hair-bait technique is the optimal method for isolating keratinolytic fungi from soil samples. T. rubrum is the most prevalent species found in the soil of the collected urban areas. Conducting research with environmental samples allows us to contribute to epidemiological studies and facilitates the adoption of effective strategies for raising awareness, preventing and controlling the population, promoting better use of these spaces.