Comparative Survey of Fungi and Potential Pathogenic Fungi from Selected Beaches in the Tampa Bay Area

SUMMARY

Thirty-six species representing 26 genera were isolated from the intertidal area of selected Tampa Bay area beaches. Beaches used frequently and infrequently by bathers were found to differ in their species composition. Data from this study support other studies which suggest that the intertidal areas of maritime habitats may constitute a reservoir of fungal propagules (colony-forming units) of potentially pathogenic fungi. Thraustochytriaceous fungi as well as keratinolytic, cellulolytic, and thermotolerant species were also present. However, dermatophytes were not isolated in the 9-mon collecting period at any of the four beach sites.