Isolation and identification of keratinophilic fungi in soil samples from excavation area of ancient city of Stratonikeia, Turkey and determination of its enzyme potentials

Aim: To isolate and identyfy keratinophilic fungi from soil samples excavated excavation area within the ancient city of Stratonikeia, Turkey and determination of their enzyme potentials. Stratonikeia, a city in the interior of Caria, located at Eskihisar Village, in the Yatagan district of Mugla province of Turkey. Methodology: Keratin bating technique was applied for isolating of dermatophytes and keratinophilic fungi. Fungal isolate were identified by phenotyping and genotyping methods. Screening of protease, keratinase, cellulose, lipase and cutinase enzyme was carried at solid medium. Results: Non-dermatophyte species, viz., Aspergillus fumigatus, Engyodontium album, Chrysosporium keratinophilum, Lecanicillium lecani and Purpureocillium lilacinum were identified. Protease, keratinase and cellulase were determined at moderate and high levels, while lipase and cutinase were not recorded. Interpretation: Non-dermatophyte strains having high keratinase, cellulase and protease activities are not only involved in pathogenesis, but also have a great ecological significance due to keratin degrading potential.