Isolation and Characterization of the Fungi from Dandruff–Afflicted Human Scalp and Evaluation of anti–dandruff shampoo

SUMMERA RAFIQ; AHAMED NISHA; SK. JASMINE SHAHINA

Volume : IV, Issue : IX, September - 2014

Isolation and Characterization of the Fungi from Dandruff–Afflicted Human Scalp and Evaluation of anti–dandruff shampoo

Summera Rafiq, Ahamed Nisha, Sk. Jasmine Shahina

Abstract :

The human scalp provides a favourable environment for the growth of a number of microorganisms. Dandruff, a common scalp disorder, is known as a causative factor of a mild seborrheic dermatitis as well as Pityriasis versicolor and atopic dermatitis. A total of 35 samples were collected from the scalp of the individuals with dandruff. The age group of the participants was in the range of 18–30 years. Out of 35 samples collected a total of 39 isolates were obtained in this study before the use of anti–dandruff shampoo. These included Malassezia furfur –11(31%), Candida albicans–4(11%), other Candida spp–1(3%), Aspergillus niger–8(23%), Aspergillus flavus–3(8%), Aspergillus fumigatus–2(6%), Penicillium spp–2(6%), Microsporum spp–5(14%) and Trichophyton spp–3(8%). After the use of anti–dandruff shampoo 18 isolates were obtained. These included Malassezia furfur–5(14%), Microsporum spp–2(6%), Aspergillus niger–6(17%), Aspergillus flavus –2(6%), and Candida albicans–1(3%), other Candida spp–2 (6%). Anti–dandruff activity of shampoo with tea tree oil showed higher inhibitory activity followed by shampoo with ZnPTO and with Ketoconazole. Shampoo with tea tree oil gave a zone size of more than 35mm in diameter.