Detection of Fungi in Hair-brushes in Beauty Salons at Jatinangor
Abstract: Various beauty tools
are used in beauty salons, among those is the hair-brush. The hair-brush can
conceal various human skin pathogens although under harsh environmental
conditions, most pathogens are killed; nevertheless, few microorganisms, such
as the fungi can adapt and survive. Moreover, the moist conditions of the
hair-brush predisposes the growth of fungi however the ability of these fungi
to instigate disease in an individual is dependent on the portal of entry and
the host immunological status. This study was conducted to determine the fungus
that is present in the beauty salon’s hair-brushes.
Methods: This study was conducted in beauty salons located in Jatinangor
area during September–October 2013 using the descriptive laboratory method.
Fifteen beauty salons were included in this study based on sample size
calculation for dichotomous variable. The specimens from all the hair-brushes
were collected after the owner’s informed consent, then cultured onto 30
sabouraud agar, two for each beauty salon (dermatophyte and non-dermatophyte
agar). The fungi were detected macroscopically and microscopically.
Results: Overall, 93% revealed to be culture positive, with 90% of them
were found to be non-dermatophytes, most of which are saprophytic fungi. The
remaining 3% were dermatophytes.
Conclusions: Beauty salon’s hair-brushes contain a wide range of fungi
distribution which may be a source of fungal colonization. However, most of the
fungi found in the beauty salons are saprophytic fungi, therefore it is
unnecessary to be anxious about a small amount of pathogenic fungi are found in
humans.
Author: Susanna Mitchelle
Edward, Imam Megantara, Reiva Farah Dwiyana
Journal Code: jpkedokterangg150313