[Experimental studies relative to the persistence of several facultative pathogenic fungi in river water]

Under laboratory conditions survival time of 3 fungi species (Candida albicans, Geotrichum candidum, Rhodotorula rubra) in river water of various quality and temperature has been studied. The mean (and the maximum) survival time was as follows: 82 (240) d for C. albicans, 210 (578) d for G. candidum and 333 (606) d for R. rubra. Differences concerning survival time were recorded in dependence on temperature and quality of water. All the 3 strains were multiplied periodically. Variants of culture character could be noticed during the experiments. The flora of association seems to have a considerable influence on the survival time of the fungi studied. The very long persistence of fungi enables them to become widespread by means of water, and in such a way that they pollute environment.