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Ibbotson, R. (1974) Ecological studies on keratinophilic fungi. PhD thesis, University of Nottingham.

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Abstract

The seasonal distribution of keratinophilic fungi bas been studied in the soils surrounding an outdoor swimming pool and in soils of summer pens of hedgehogs. The species isolated were conidial and cleistocarpic Arthroderma uncinatum, Trichohyton terrestre, Chrysosorium keratinophilum, Microsporum cookei and Microsporum gypseum. A correlation between some species and. The numbers of hedgehogs in the pens was seen, due to the influence of keratin provided by the quills and scales of the hedgehogs. No such relationship was seen at the swimming pool, although conidial A. uncinatum was seen to decrease when the swimming pool was open to the public in the summer. However, this appears to be the normal seasonal occurrence since a similar pattern of distribution in soils collected from outside the swimming pool was seen.

The effects of the addition of fungicides to soil upon the isolation of keratinophilic fungi have been studied, using the hair-baiting technique. The general pattern showed an initial fall in percentage colonisation of baits followed by a fairly rapid recovery to give greater colonisation of greasy baits compared with controls, and a return to the same or less than the control on degreased wool. This contrasts with the normal observation that the majority of keratinophilic fungi grow better on degreased than greasy wool.

A study of the keratinophilic flora of soils of different pH values and from coastal regions has been made as ground work for the experimental section.

The new intake of students living in halls of residence at Nottingham University was studied in relation to tinea pedis over an academic year. The initial level in October 1972 was 9% by May 1973 it had increased to 24% but returned to 11% in October 1973. In addition to any seasonal influence, there seemed to be a correlation between the sports played by the students and the incidence of tinea pedis. The showers in halls of residence and the University sports centre were thought to be the main points of cross transfer of the infection.

In the experimental section, the effects of pH, temperature, fungicides and sea water upon certain keratinophilic fungi have been examined in vitro.

Aspects of the nutrition of C. keratinophllum, A. uncinatum and T. terrestre were studied and the most suitable combinations of carbon and nitrogen sources for optimal growth were determined. A study of the competitive saprophytic ability of several dermatophytes was made using various techniques. By use of the fluorescent antibody technique, it was found that A. uncinatum was a good competitive saprophyte in the presence of keratin and can thus be regarded as a true soil inhabitant. Finally, the mating structures of Arthroderma benhamiae, A. tuberculatum, A. uncinatum, Nannizzia cajetani, N. gypsea and N. incurvata were studied using the scanning electron microscope.

Item Type:	Thesis (University of Nottingham only) (PhD)
Supervisors:	Pugh, G.J.F.
Subjects:	Q Science > QK Botany > QK504 Cryprogams Q Science > QR Microbiology > QR100 Microbial ecology
Faculties/Schools:	UK Campuses > Faculty of Science > School of Biosciences
Item ID:	13890
Depositing User:	EP, Services
Date Deposited:	19 Dec 2013 12:21
Last Modified:	16 Dec 2017 15:41
URI:	https://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/id/eprint/13890

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