Published in Volume 4, Issue 1
Dermatophytes are keratinophilic filamentous fungi capable of degrading keratinized
tissues such as skin, hair, and nails. This study investigated the molecular identity and
pathogenic characteristics of dermatophytes isolated from garden soils in Southeastern
Nigeria. A total of 100 soil samples were randomly collected and processed using serial
dilution and culture techniques. Isolates were characterized using macroscopic, microscopic, biochemical, and molecular methods. Pathogenicity was evaluated through
haemolytic activity and Congo red dye uptake assays, while molecular identification was
performed using PCR amplification and sequencing. Four dermatophyte species were
identified: Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton tonsurans, and Paraphyton cookei. Haemolysis testing showed that 42.31% of isolates exhibited β- haemolysis while 57.69% showed α-haemolysis. Congo red dye uptake assay revealed
complete dye retention in 51.92% of isolates, indicating strong pathogenic potential. Molecular analysis demonstrated ≥95% similarity with reference strains in GenBank. The findings establish garden soil as an important environmental reservoir of
pathogenic dermatophytes and highlight exposure risks among individuals engaged in
soil-related activities.
Ike, V. E., Umeaku, C. N., Iheukwumere, I. H., Ezenwata, S. I., Ezekwueche, S. N., Uzoagba, C. E. (2026). Molecular Characterization of Soil-Derived Dermatophytes with Pathogenic Potentials. Tropical Journal of Applied Natural Sciences, Volume 4, Issue 1, 111-122.
Ike, V. E., Umeaku, C. N., Iheukwumere, I. H., Ezenwata, S. I., Ezekwueche, S. N., Uzoagba, C. E.. "Molecular Characterization of Soil-Derived Dermatophytes with Pathogenic Potentials." Tropical Journal of Applied Natural Sciences, vol. Volume 4, Issue 1, 2026, pp. 111-122.
Ike, V. E., Umeaku, C. N., Iheukwumere, I. H., Ezenwata, S. I., Ezekwueche, S. N., Uzoagba, C. E.. "Molecular Characterization of Soil-Derived Dermatophytes with Pathogenic Potentials." Tropical Journal of Applied Natural Sciences Volume 4, Issue 1 (2026): 111-122.
@article{molecularcharacterizationofsoil-deriveddermatophyteswithpathogenicpotentials2026,
author = Ike, V. E., Umeaku, C. N., Iheukwumere, I. H., Ezenwata, S. I., Ezekwueche, S. N., Uzoagba, C. E.,
title = Molecular Characterization of Soil-Derived Dermatophytes with Pathogenic Potentials,
journal = Tropical Journal of Applied Natural Sciences,
year = 2026,
volume = Volume 4, Issue 1,
pages = 111-122
}
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