Survey of keratinophilic fungi in alpine marmot (Marmota marmota) burrow soil and in adjoining soils

Soil samples from 127 marmot (Marmota marmota) burrows were examined for keratinophilic fungi along with 48 soil samples from adjoining areas. The occurrence of keratinophilic fungi (especially Microsporum gypseum) was significantly higher in burrow soil. A review of the literature and our results support the hypothesis that the "animalization" (i.e. the enrichment of soil with hairs, crusts and other organic matters) of the environment may create conditions suitable for the growth of keratinophilic fungi. The presence of keratinophilic fungi in alpine mountain soil was noted for the first time.