Abstract

Aeroterrestrial fungi play diverse roles in ecological niches, especially in the soil, contributing to the decomposition of organic matter, nutrient cycling, and suppression of plant pathogens and have implications in public health. This study investigated the population, diversity, and antifungal resistance genes of aeroterrestrial microfungi and soil quality at the Main Gate of Rivers State University, Port Harcourt as to assess the impact of microfungi at the university main entrance. Seventy two (72) air and soil samples were collected over a period of twelve months and analyzed using standard mycological techniques. Findings revealed that the highest, lowest, and mean fungal counts in the soil were 6.6 Log₁₀ CFU, 4.6 Log₁₀ CFU and 5.6 Log₁₀ CFU respectively, while fungal counts of air were 3.8 Log₁₀ CFU/min-M², 3.1 Log₁₀ CFU/min-M² and 3.5 Log₁₀ CFU/min-M² respectively. Seasonal counts of air for dry and rainy seasons were 3.7 Log₁₀ CFU/min-M² and 3.4 Log₁₀ CFU/min-M² respectively, while those of soil were 5.8 Log₁₀ CFU/g and 5.3 Log₁₀ CFU/g respectively. Fungi isolated were Alternaria alternata, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus oryzae; Collectotrichum fructicola, Fusarium proliferatum, Fusarium solani Microsporium canis, Mucor ramosissimus, and Penicillum chrysogenum.  They belong to physiological categories of dermatophytic, pathogenic, and saprophytic fungi which are mostly implicated in human health conditions. Antifungal susceptibility tests revealed that some isolates were resistant against four categories of fungal drugs namely; nystatin, fluconazole, ketoconazole and griseofulvin. PCR amplification and molecular detection of genes revealed the presence of ERG3, CDR1 and CDR2 resistance genes. There is therefore a need to monitor aeroterrestrial quality of the area in order to ensure safety of inhabitants, and persons transiting into the university.