Isolation and Identification of Dermatophytes from Combs Collected at Barbershops in Garut Regency Using Sabouraud Dextrose Agar

Abstract

Dermatophytes are a group of fungi capable of infecting keratinized tissues such as skin, hair, and nails. Combs used repeatedly in barbershops may become a transmission medium for fungi if proper cleaning and disinfection are not performed. This study aimed to isolate and identify dermatophyte fungi on combs from barbershops in Garut Regency using Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA) media. This research used a descriptive laboratory method with comb samples collected using a sterile swab technique. The samples were inoculated onto SDA media and incubated at 25–28°C for 7–14 days. Identification was performed through macroscopic observation of fungal colonies and microscopic examination using Potassium Hydroxide (KOH) and Lactophenol Cotton Blue (LPCB) staining. The results showed that 33 fungal isolates were obtained, consisting of dermatophyte and non-dermatophyte groups. The identified dermatophyte fungi belonged to the genera Trichophyton and Microsporum, while non-dermatophyte fungi consisted of Aspergillus, Rhizopus, and Penicillium. Trichophyton was the most frequently detected dermatophyte genus in the comb samples. These findings indicate that combs used in barbershops can serve as a medium for fungal attachment and contamination. Therefore, proper hygiene and routine disinfection of barbering equipment are necessary to reduce the risk of fungal transmission.