Types and Quantity of Fungi on Round Brush in Beauty Salon around One of University in the Lower of Northern Thailand

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to study of types and quantity of fungi on round brush in beauty salons surrounding one university in the lower of northern Thailand. The survey was conducted in 38 salons of which sample brushes were swabbed using purposive sampling and used spread plates. The fungi quantity and type identification were analyzed under the microscope using the scotch tape technique and stained gram with lactophenol cotton blue. The results showed that the 71.1% of the brushes were contaminated with fungi with the average value of 40.1±41.3 CFU/cm², and the highest value was 140 CFU/cm². The most common fungi was Cannida albicans, 26.6 %. These fungi caused the opportunistic infection at organ area with high humidity. Others fungi were Epidermophyton sp., Penicillium sp., Aspergillus sp., Aspergillus fumigatus, Cannida sp., Mucor sp., Curvularia sp. and Rhizopus sp. The appearance of fungi might be caused by dirty hair brushes (F=14.043, p<0.001) and humidity (r=0.427, p=0.008). The significant quantity of fungi might also be associated with the air collection due to the use of air conditioning so the fungi would accumulate in the air. Therefore, the salons should increase natural air ventilation as well as increase the light in order to reduce the growth of fungi. The supplies or equipment that directly contact consumers should be cleaned. The relevant authorities should develop standard measures to monitor and evaluate hygiene of beauty salons, and provide sanitation trainings to salon workers around the university.