Isolation of fungi from rose bush thorns

Rose bush thorns from plants in the Oklahoma City area were cultured to determine the prevalence and species of fungi present. One hundred fifty isolates grew from thorns on 103 plants. All thorns harbored at least one species, while one thorn had five species of fungi. Of the 21 fungal species isolated, all are known human pathogens, although most rarely cause disease in immunocompetent individuals. Alternarium sp., Bipolaris sp., Aspergillus niger, Curvularia sp., and Fusarium sp. were the most common fungi, accounting for 75% of the isolates. Sporothrix schenckii, an organism often associated with rose bushes, was found on thorns of only two plants. Findings of this study suggest that since fungi are common inhabitants of roses, individuals who experience rose-thorn punctures are at increased risk of acquiring fungal infections, especially if they are immunocompromised.