Osmotolerant and osmophilic fungi from house dust, riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Abstract EN

House dust samples collected from filters of vacuum cleaners and air-conditioners filters of different houses in the different localities of Riyadh city were screened for osmotolerant and osmophilic fungi present in the household environment.

A total number of 78 fungal species belonging to 31 genera were isolated.

Out of these 57 species of 24 genera of fungi were found to grow on M40 (Malt Extract + 40% sucrose) medium (Osmophilic fungi).

The total nunlber of fungi per gram of house dust was found to be higher during summer season than in winter.

Aspergillus was the predominant genus among the 27 species.

It was predominant both in summer and winter season and also on M20 and M40 medium, since this genus exihibit more number of species compared to other genera in all the cases.

The occurrence of Aspergi !Ius was followed by the genera Eurotium (7 species) and Penicillium (6 species).