ISOLATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF AERIAL FUNGAL SPORES FOR BIOCHEMICAL STUDIES FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF SWABI, KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA, PAKISTAN

This research work was conducted in March-April, 2022. This research aims to isolate aerial fungal spores in order to understand the presence of respiratory disorders caused by fungi in the future in certain areas. In this study, it was identified and isolated a total of 6 genera containing 7 species from 17 sampling sites. The medium used to capture fungal spores was potato dextrose agar. Fungal species were identified based on microscope characteristics. This study revealed that 7 species of fungi were identified and isolated from Swabi University, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan. These fungi including Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Cladosporium, Rhizopus oryzae, Alternaria alternata, Penicillium chrysogenum and Fusarium oxysporum. The maximum fungal colony was counted from the old canteen (Gate side) (25CFU) and the minimum was counted from the old door 2 (8CFU). Research also revealed that aerial sports were frequently practiced in various sampling areas of the University of Swabi. These spores can cause several serious fungal infections in students and faculty. Further research will be carried out to assess the status of fungal spores at Swabi University.