A Case Study on Mosques of Qom – Tehran High Way in Terms of Probable Contamination to Dermatophytes

Pathogenic fungi can be easily transmitted in public places; people who use such places are prone to catch infections due to be exposed to the pathogenic agents. The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of carpets of mosques and praying rooms en route Tehran-Qom Highway in terms of probable contamination to dermatophyes. In order to carry out this study, 9 praying centers were investigated. Sampling was carried out based on the Directive issued by the World Health Organization (WHO); the number of isolated specimens was on the basis of the praying centers' area. Sampling was carried out by means of pieces of mat. Samples were cultured in the following media; other specific media were used as the complementary tests, if necessary: • Sabouraud – Cyclohexamide – Chloramphenicol agar (SCC) • Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA)A number of 107 samples were collected by means of pieces of mat. Dermatophyte fungi were cultured from 4 specimens (3.7%) out of 107 samples collected by means of pieces of mat; all 4 isolated specimens were found to be Trichophyton mentagrophytis. The results of this study indicate that 4 (i.e. 44%) out of 9 praying centers, en route of Tehran-Qom Highway, were infected by dermatophyte fungi. These results are extremely alarming and warn us that the praying centers can be breeding grounds for transmission of mycoses.