A isolated fungi in water consumed by riverside community of the middle Rio Solimões, Amazonas, Brazil: pathogenic potential

Abstract

Fungi have received increased attention as drinking water contaminants, because some diseases are related to these microorganisms and inadequate supply, especially in the coastal communities. This study verified the presence of fungi in the water consumed by the riverside community of Lake Lemon, Iranduba, AM and assessed the pathogenicity of isolated fungi. The isolated fungal species were identified phenotypically and genetically. Evaluation of the pathogenic potential of the fungi included: growth at 37°C, and the production of urease and proteases. As a result, 101 cultures of different genera belonging to the Deuteromycotina subdivision were isolated. The most frequently isolated genera were Aspergillus spp (41.6%), Penicillium (19.8%) and Trichoderma spp. (27.7%). The pathogenicity parameters found that 95% of the samples were positive when incubated at 37°C; 66.3% of the fungal isolates were positive in the Agar Christensen media and 58.4% were positive in the Protease test. There are very few studies that address the pathogenicity of this fungus in Amazon riverine communities. It is hoped that results of this study may support the the passage of Brazilian legislation establishing limits for fungi in drinking water.