Influence of culture media on mycelial growth and sporulation of some soil dermatophytes compared to their clinical isolates

Culture media significantly affected the growth, sporulation and conidial discharge of any microorganisms. The present investigation was conducted to examine the effect of broth and agar media on the mycelial growth and fungal sporulation of six species belonging to five genera of fungi. Soil fungal dermatophytes (Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Microsporum gypseum and Microsporum fulvum) were isolated from soil using hair-baiting technique and clinical isolates (Epidermophyton floccosum, Trichophyton schoenleinii and Scopulariopsis sp.) were procured from superficial skin of dermatomycoses patients under the supervision of dermatologists. Variation in mycelial growth and fungal sporulation was observed with media tested. Colony radial growth and sporulation of soil fungi were optimal on Sabouraud’s dextrose medium (SDM) followed by Potato dextrose medium (PDM) and Richard medium (RM). For clinical isolates, the suitable broth media were Potato dextrose medium (PDM) and Yeast extract medium (YEM). Among agar media studied, Sabouraud’s dextrose agar (SDA) and Potato dextrose agar (PDA) media were found most favored for both soil and clinical isolates.   Key words: Clinical isolates, culture media, mycelial growth, soil dermatophytes, sporulation.