Keratinophilic fungi are a group of environmentally and epidemiologically important fungi that cycle a recalcitrant animal protein know as keratin. A large group of keratinophilic fungi cause diseases in human and animal mycoses so called as dermatophytes. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the diversity and activity for the group of keratinophilic fungi from the humus of “Phumdis” in Loktak Lake. Keratin-degrading keratinophilic fungus was isolated from the humus of “Phumdis” collected from fresh water Loktak Lake. The isolated fungal strains were initially identified on the basis of macro- and microscopic characteristics and confirmed using molecular approach. This study indicates first time that this Loktak Lake is a significant reservoir of keratinophilic fungi which can pose a health risk to its users, particularly the tourists and the employees. The keratinolytic activity of these fungi is crucial to cause superficial infections in human and animals, and recycling of keratinic material of this atmosphere.

角蛋白真菌是一组环境和流行病学上重要的真菌，它们循环一种顽固的动物蛋白，称为角蛋白。一大类嗜角蛋白真菌会引起人类和动物真菌病，即所谓的皮肤癣菌病。本研究旨在评估 Loktak 湖“Phumdis”腐殖质中嗜角蛋白真菌群的多样性和活性。角蛋白降解嗜角蛋白真菌是从从淡水 Loktak 湖收集的“Phumdis”腐殖质中分离出来的。最初根据宏观和微观特征鉴定分离的真菌菌株，并使用分子方法进行确认。这项研究首次表明，这个 Loktak 湖是嗜角蛋白真菌的重要储存库，可能对其使用者构成健康风险，尤其是游客和员工。这些真菌的角蛋白溶解活性对于引起人类和动物的表面感染以及这种大气角蛋白材料的回收至关重要。