ASSESSMENT OF COMMON FUNGI IN UNIVERSITY OF BENIN STUDENTS HAIR SCALP

ABSTRACT

Hair infection is common in Nigeria among both old and young and has been associated with fungal contamination of beauty tools such as hair combs. The handle and row of teeth for hairbrush have been reported as potential vehicles for microbes, particularly fungal pathogens capable of causing hair infections. Tinea capitis is one of the most common hair infections. It is a superficial fungal infection of the scalp and hair and it is caused by any pathogenic dermatophytes such as Trichophyton and Microsporum. This research was carried out to evaluate the common fungi in the hair scalp of students from the University of Benin. Standard fungal methods were used to enumerate the total fungal count, using pour plate method after serial dilution. The fungal isolates were characterized and identified using morphological and cultural characteristics. The percentage distribution and frequency of the isolates were evaluated using statistical method. From the results obtained, the range of fungal colonies (log10cfu/g) between male and female was 3.558657±1.33 and 4.106190±1.50 respectively showing that there was a significant difference between them. Following the cultural and morphological characteristics of hair samples, the fungi obtained in this study were Aspergillus niger, Trichophyton sp, Cladosporium sp., Chrysosporium indicum, and Alternaria anternata. The result of this study shows that hair could serve as a vector for disease transmission of pathogenic microorganisms and fungal elements. Therefore, there is a need for a hygiene protocol to prevent the spread of pathogenic fungi, and also invasion of the deeper structures of the head including the meninges and the brain parenchyma. These findings should be taken into consideration and necessary treatment methods such as antifungal therapy (including medications like; Griseofulvin, Voriconazole, Fluconazole, Ketoconazole and Itraconazole) should be utilized.