Isolation and characterization of fungi species on Periplaneta americana obtained in selected communities of Metro Manila

Abstract

This study aimed to characterize and isolate fungal species on the external surface of Periplaneta americana obtained from three randomly selected sites namely: Pasay City, Quezon City, and Manila (Malate and Sampaloc). Fungal species were morphologically and microscopically examined. Results showed four fungal species that includes: Candida albicans (49.00%), non-albicans Candida spp. (43.00%), Chrysosporium sp. (1.00%) and Trichoderma sp. (3.00%). The Shannon-Wiener Species Diversity Index H of 1.02 was highest in Malate, Manila and lowest in Quezon City (0.68). The Menhinicks’ Index D (species richness) of 0.82 was also highest in Malate, Manila and lowest in Sampaloc, Manila (0.36). Sample’s Evenness E was highest in Pasay City and Sampaloc, Manila (1.0) and lowest in Malate, Manila (0.74). Varied indices were observed for the different sites. However, the result of the Kruskal-Wallis test suggests that there were no significant differences on the diversity, richness and evenness of fungal species observed on all sites examined. (P=0.392). In summary, different fungal species were evident in the external surface of cockroaches collected in Metro Manila.