Abstract
The distribution of keratinophilic fungi in Indian soils was studied. They were isolated from 180 (64%) out of 281 soil samples examined. The most dominant species was the conidial state of Keratinophyton terreum, which was isolated from 97 (34.5%) samples. Microsporum gypseum was isolated from 32 (11.3%) samples. Arthroderma quadrifidum, A. unicinatum, Chrysosporium keratinophilum and M. canis were isolated for the first time from Indian soils. The distribution of keratinophilic species in the plains of India is compared with that in the hills. Chrysosporium indicum and C. evolceanui are proposed as new combinations for Trichophyton indicum and T. evolceanui respectively.