Incidence of keratinophilic fungi in the soil of primary schools and public parks of Madras city, India

The pattern of incidence of keratinophilic fungi inhabiting the soil of 30 primary schools and 15 public parks in the city of Madras was studied using hair baiting technique. A total number of 31 species belonging to 15 gener a were recovered, 16 of which were common to both the school and public par k soil. Dermatophytes and closely related species were represented by 9 spe cies, of which the following were the most commonly found species in soil: Chrysosporium tropicum (62.2%), C. keratinophilum (48.8%), M. gypseum (48.8 %), C. pannorum (40%), T. mentagrophytes (37.7%), T. terrestre (31.1%) and C. anam. A. cuniculi (24.4%). The fungi encountered have also been discusse d in relation to their global distribution.