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Updated: Dec 27, 2025
Comparison of Methods for Isolating Entomopathogenic Fungi from Soil Samples
Published on: January 6, 2022
Scedosporium species in soils from various biomes in Northwestern Morocco
Abdelmounaim Mouhajir1,2, Wilfried Poirier1, Cécile Angebault3
1Groupe d'Etude des Interactions Hôte-Pathogène (EA 3142), UNIV Angers, UNIV Brest, Angers, France.
Abstract:
Scedosporium species are opportunistic pathogens causing various infections, including disseminated infections in severely immunocompromised patients. Preventive measures aiming to reduce the risk of exposure to these fungi require a better knowledge on their ecology and on the sources of contamination of the patients. In this context, 99 soil samples from the Rabat-Sale-Kenitra and Fez-Meknes regions in Morocco were analyzed. Samples were inoculated on the highly selective Scedo-Select III culture medium, and seven chemical parameters of the soils were measured. Scedosporium species were detected in 48 of the samples, with the highest density in soils from wastewater treatment plants and landfills, followed by those from roadsides and polluted riverbanks, thus confirming the impact of human activities on their ecology. Scedosporium apiospermum was the most common species, followed by S. boydii and S. aurantiacum. Analysis of the chemical parameters of the soils revealed the presence of Scedosporium species was mainly associated with a moderate electrical conductivity, a pH range of 7.0 to 7.6, a nutrient-rich content and a moderate phosphorus amount. Thereby, these results demonstrated the relatively high occurrence of Scedosporium in Morocco and highlighted the impact of phosphorus content on their ecology.
Insights
Scedosporium fungi, opportunistic pathogens, are prevalent in Moroccan soils, particularly near human activity sites. Their presence is linked to specific soil conditions like moderate pH and phosphorus levels.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Environmental Microbiology
- Fungal Ecology
Background:
- Scedosporium species are opportunistic fungi causing infections, especially in immunocompromised individuals.
- Understanding their environmental sources is crucial for preventing patient exposure and infection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the ecology and soil contamination sources of Scedosporium species in Morocco.
- To identify Scedosporium species distribution and associated soil chemical parameters.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 99 soil samples from Rabat-Sale-Kenitra and Fez-Meknes regions, Morocco.
- Culturing on Scedo-Select III medium to detect Scedosporium species.
- Measurement of seven soil chemical parameters, including electrical conductivity, pH, nutrient, and phosphorus content.
Main Results:
- Scedosporium species were found in 48% of soil samples, with higher prevalence in wastewater treatment plants, landfills, roadsides, and riverbanks.
- Scedosporium apiospermum was the most frequently isolated species, followed by S. boydii and S. aurantiacum.
- Fungal presence correlated with moderate electrical conductivity, pH 7.0-7.6, rich nutrients, and moderate phosphorus.
Conclusions:
- Moroccan soils harbor a significant occurrence of Scedosporium species, influenced by human activities.
- Soil phosphorus content and moderate physicochemical conditions are key factors in Scedosporium ecology.
