ABSTRACT
Indoor curtains, ubiquitous in residential settings, have long been considered innocuous household furnishings. However, a growing body of research suggests that they can serve as reservoirs for fungal contamination, posing potential health risks to occupants. This study evaluates the presence of fungi in the indoor environment on hostel curtains and their contribution to the health of the occupants. Swab samples were obtained from hostel curtains and transported to the laboratory for mycological assessment. An assessment of the curtain hygiene practices of 50 occupants was carried out using questionnaires. Cultural morphological and biochemical tests were carried out for the isolation, enumeration and identification of fungi present in the curtain sampled. Fungal isolates were subjected to antifungal sensitivity tests and phenotypic virulence tests. Out of all the respondents, only 6.3% stated that they change their curtains and over 60% of them stated that they only change their curtains when it is stained or discoloured. The fungal isolates observed from this study were Aspergillus niger, Candida spp. Penicillium sp. and Rhodotorula spp.
Aspergillus had the highest frequency of occurrence, representing 52.94% of fungi isolated, followed by Penicillium at 29.14%. Candida and Rhodotorula followed at 11.76% and 5.88%, respectively. All the fungal isolates were resistant to Nystatin, and Penicillium sp was the only isolate resistant to Voriconazole. Furthermore, all the fungal isolates produced the enzyme lipase, while all the isolates except Aspergillus niger tested negative for the production of protease. Fungi are highly adaptive and can be easily dispersed and inhaled as a result of spore formation and can inhabit even the most neglected areas of the residence, such as curtains hence the need for maintenance to keep their presence in the residential household at minimal.
The result of the heterotrophic count ranged from log10 2.5±0.52sfu /cm² (for just one person) to log10 3.46± 0.11sfu/cm² (for 4 and above). This assessment showed that fungal growth on curtains can have implications for occupants with allergies or respiratory conditions. Regular cleaning and maintenance should be established to create a safe environment for students.
