In an ongoing survey of Korean indigenous fungi, two fungal strains (KNU16-74 and KNU16-99) belonging to the genus Chrysosporium were isolated from field soil in Gyeongnam, Korea. Morphological characterization and phylogenetic analysis using sequence of the internal transcribed spacer regions were carried out to confirm its precise identification. These strains were identified as Chrysosporium indicum (KNU16-74) and Chrysosporium fluviale (KNU16-99). To examine the keratin degradation efficiency of these two fungal species, human hair strands were incubated with fungus culture. Results revealed that these two fungal species have the ability to degrade keratin substrate. This is the first report of these two species in Korea.
Chrysosporium* ; Fungi ; Hair ; Humans ; Korea* ; Soil*

BACKGROUND: Because saprophytes found in soil rarely cause dermatomycosis, we studied the distribution of soil keratinophilie fungi(KPF) in the Pohang & Kyongju areas. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study was to investigate the distribution of soil KPF isolated in various sites in the Pohang & Kyongju areas. METHODS: From 150 soil samples, collected at 50 sites in the Pohang & Kyongju areas, KPF were isolated using the hair baiting technique. RESULTS: 1) Of the number of 150 sol samples KPF were isolated from 103 samples(68.7%). The total number of strains isolated were 115 consisting of 45 Trichophyton(T.) ajelloi, 33 Chrysasporium sp 24 Microsporum(M) gyseum, 7 Sepedonium, and 6 M. cookei. 2) The number of KPF isolated at varius sites was high in the cowshed, and low at the riverside. T. ajelloi was frequent in the field in the Pohang area, M. gypseum in the cowshed in the Kyongju area, Chrysosporium sp. on the hill, by the river and at the roadside in the Pohang area, M. cookei at the roadside in the Pohang area, and Sepedonium on the hill. CONCLUSION: We find that the distribution of KPF in the Pohang & Kyongju areas is similar to that in previous studies which have been undertaken in Korea. However, particular attention shoud be paid to the presence of KPF isolated near the sea.
Chrysosporium ; Dermatomycoses ; Fungi* ; Gyeongsangbuk-do* ; Hair ; Korea ; Rivers ; Soil*

BACKGROUND: Soil is well-known as a route to fungal infection in human. Recently, human exposure to potentially pathogenic fungi is threatening the health of people. People are easily and frequently in touch with soil on summer beaches, however, there has been no report suggesting the association between fungal infection in human and soil on summer beaches. Identifying both environments and fungi in places where people are exposed can be of major health concern. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this research is to understand the distribution and frequency of occurrence of keratinophilic fungi (KPF) on summer beaches of the East Sea in Korea. METHODS: To investigate the distribution of soil KPF living in beaches of the East Sea in Korea, soil samples were collected at 132 sites of eleven different areas and KPF were isolated by hair baiting technique. RESULTS: 1. 43 strains of KPF were recovered from 41 (31.0%) out of 132 samples. 2. Isolated fungi were composed of 36 strains of Chrysosporium species, 6 strains of Microsporum gypseum, and 1 strain of Trichophyton ajelloi. 3. Among three areas under different condition of moisture and shadedness (i.e., sunny wet, sunny dry, and shaded dry area), the frequency of isolation was highest in shaded dry area (56.8%) followed by sunny dry (36.4%) and sunny wet area (4.5%). CONCLUSION: The distribution of KPF in beaches of the East Sea in Korea was somewhat different from that in previous studies which had been undertaken in other areas of Korea. Therefore, we think this report can support the association between the fungal infection in human and soil.
Chrysosporium ; Fungi ; Hair ; Humans ; Korea ; Microsporum ; Soil ; Sprains and Strains ; Trichophyton

BACKGROUND: Animals with zoophilic dermatophytes are important sources of dermatophytoses in man, because zoophilic dermatophytes are frequently transmitted directly or indirectly from domestic and wild animals. Trichophyton(T.) mentogrophytes has a wide range of hosts. Among these, rodents are well-known reservoirs in many other countries. In our country a few sporadic reports of incidence in experimental rats have been reported, but there is no study on the incidence in wild rodents in Korea. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of wild rodents as a host of dermatophytes and keratinophilic fungi in Korea. METHODS: Forty-nine wild rodents (Apodemus(A.) agrarius; 44, Crocidura spp; 5) were captured from 6 different regions of Kyungi-do with Sherman traps. Fungi were isolated by using the Mackenzie's brush technique. RESULTS: 1. Isolation rate of dermatophytes from wild rodents in Korea was 16.3%. 2. T. mentagrophytes was isolated from six A. agrarius (12.2%). Isolation rates from dorsum hairs, ventral hairs and feet were 4.5%, 9.1% and 9.1% respectively 3. Other dermatophytes and related keratinophilic fungi isolated were Chrysosporium spp.(65.3%), Scopulariopsis spp.(10.2%) and T. terrestre(4.1%). 4. Chrysosporium. was the most frequently isolated species from four out of six Kyonggi-do regions ranging 58.3%~83.3%. Scopulaiopsis was isolated the most in Kumgwang-myun Ansung-gun, and T. terrestre in Kimpo-gun. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that wild rodents, especially A. agrarius may be the important reservoirs of T. mentagrophytes and other keratinophilic fungi in Korea.
Animals ; Animals, Wild ; Arthrodermataceae* ; Chrysosporium ; Foot ; Fungi* ; Gyeonggi-do ; Hair ; Incidence ; Korea* ; Rats ; Rodentia* ; Scopulariopsis ; Tinea

Adiaspiromycosis is caused by pulmonary infection with Emmonsia. Inhalated spores of Emmonsia cause asymptomatic infection to necrogranulomatous pneumonia, depending on the burden of adiaspore and host immunity. For disease monitoring of wild rodents captured on Jeju Island in Korea, we examined the lung tissue of wild rodents histopathologically. Spores composed of thick three-layered walls were found following histopathological examination and were diagnosed as adiaspiromycosis. Adiaspiromycosis has been found in mammals in many parts of the world. To our knowledge, this is the first report of adiaspiromycosis of an Apodemus agrarius captured in Korea.
Animals ; Asymptomatic Infections ; Chrysosporium ; Korea ; Lung ; Mammals ; Murinae ; Pneumonia ; Rodentia ; Spores

BACKGROUND: Some species of soil keratinophilic fungi (KPF) are known to be pathogens that may lead to cutaneous infection. People exposed to these species through direct contact with soil on beaches can contract KPF infection. However, there is little literature regarding pathogenic KPF isolated from beaches during summer time. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the distribution of soil KPF isolated from beaches in Korea during summer. METHODS: One hundred eighty soil samples from six beaches in the southern coastline of Korea under three different climatic conditions were collected. The KPF species were isolated using the hair-baiting technique. Then, molecular identification was performed by sequencing the ribosomal RNA (rRNA) internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region to investigate the exact species of the isolated fungi. RESULTS: Among the one hundred eighty soil samples, twenty-nine strains (16.1%) of KPF were recovered. The isolation rate of KPF among the beaches varied from 0 to 34.5%. KPF was most frequently isolated in shaded dry areas (30%), followed by sunny dry areas (18.3%), and sunny wet areas (0%). Molecular identification of the fungi using rRNA ITS analysis helped in their classification. Microsporum gypseum/Arthroderma incurvatum (69.0%), Microsporum gypseum/Arthroderma gypseum (3.4%), Trichophyton ajelloi/Arthroderma uncinatum (13.8%), Microsporum cookei/Arthroderma cajetani (10.3%), and Chrysosporium indicum/Aphanoascus terreus (3.4%) were identified. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) was observed at position 180 of the rRNA ITS2 in the 20 strains of Microsporum gypseum/Arthroderma incurvatum, and the species was divided into Types 1 (14 strains) and 2 (6 strains) depending on the base present at the SNP position. The geographic distribution of these two types differed. CONCLUSION: Our results show that the beach is a possible source of keratinophilic fungal infection in humans. People should be aware of pathogenic fungi on the soil of beaches during summer and take measures to prevent possible superficial fungal infections.
Chrysosporium ; Classification ; Fungi* ; Humans ; Korea ; Microsporum ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; RNA, Ribosomal ; Soil* ; Trichophyton

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.
Animals ; Arthrodermataceae ; Beauty* ; Chrysosporium ; Daegu* ; Ecosystem ; Fungi* ; Fusarium ; Hair ; Humans ; Korea ; Microsporum ; Penicillium ; Soil* ; Wrestling*

With a view to investigating the distribution of keratinophilic fungi in soil according to latitudes in south Korea, soil samples were collected at 81 sites in 17 areas in different latitudes across the country and keratinophilic fungi were isolated by means of Vanbreusegherns technique. The results are summarized as follows : 105 strains of keratinophilic fungi were recovered from 56(69.2%) out of 81 samples. Isolated fungi were composed of 41 strains of Trichophyton ajelloi, 24 stains of Chrysosporium species, 20 strains of Microsporum gypseum, and 20 strains of M. cookei. Frequency of isolation of keratinophilic fungi tended to decrease from higher latitudes down to lower latitudes. In areas of higher latutudes, T. ajelloi and M. cookei were isolated more frequently than in lower latitudes. M. gypseem was most frequent in Cheju City, and Chrysosporium species showed an even distribution, Among three areas under different conditions of moisture and shadedness(i.e., shaded wet, shaded dry, and sunny dry areas), frequency of isolation was highest in shaded dry areas(72.2%). T. ajelloi was the most frequent species in all the three areas, especially in shaded wet areas(53.1%). No M. gypsetcm was found in shaded dry areas. As regards distribution at various sites, roadsides and streamsides exhibited the highest frequency of isolation, and hills the lowest. Except for roadsides, T. ajelloi was the most frequent species at all sites, especially in forests. M. gypseum was frequent at sites beside streams M. cookei at streamsides, fields, and hills and Chrysosporim species in gardens, forests, and streets.
Chrysosporium ; Coloring Agents ; Fungi* ; Jeju-do ; Korea* ; Microsporum ; Rivers ; Soil* ; Trichophyton

The mycobiota of 160 hair and nail samples collected from 4 different governorates in upper Egypt were estimated using soil plate method for isolating keratinophilic and dermatophytic fungi. Twenty- three fungi were recorded on both hair and nail samples collected from the four governorates. Highest fungal diversity (20) was collected from Red Sea samples followed by Qena (18) and Aswan (17) while lowest fungal diversity was recorded from Sohage samples. The common genera were Aphanoascus, Aspergillus, Penicillium, Paecilomyces and Chrysosporium. The most prevalent species belonging to these genera were: A. fulvescens, Aphanoascus sp. A. flavus link, A. flavus var. columnaris, P. chrysogenium. P. lilacinus and C. sulfureum. True dermatophytes such as Nannizzia fulva appeared in 20~30% of the male samples.
Arthrodermataceae ; Aspergillus ; Chrysosporium ; Egypt* ; Fungi* ; Hair* ; Humans* ; Indian Ocean ; Male ; Paecilomyces ; Penicillium ; Soil

The cDNA of endo-1,4-beta-xylanaseA, isolated from Phaenerocheate chrysosporium was expressed in Pichia pastoris. Using either the intrinsic leader peptide of XynA or the alpha-factor signal peptide of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, xylanaseA is efficiently secreted into the medium at maximum concentrations of 1,946 U/L and 2,496 U/L, respectively.
Chrysosporium ; DNA, Complementary ; Phanerochaete ; Pichia ; Polysaccharides ; Protein Sorting Signals ; Saccharomyces cerevisiae