PREVALENCE OF FUNGAL PATHOGENS IN PAMBA RIVER BASIN,KERALA, INDIAABIN VARGHESE , MANUEL THOMAS AND PUNNEN KURIANAbstract Pamba, the third largest river in Kerala is starting from the foothills of Western Ghats and is exposed to millions of Sabarimala devotees, every year. Pamba river water and its adjoining drinking water resources (< 100 mt.) in upper and lower catchments of the river were examined for fungal contamination. A total of 17 pathogenic fungi were obtained from river water during peak pilgrimage season, and 9 in the post season, while from drinking water 6 pathogens during peak season and 7 in post season. Fungal pathogens including keratinophylics and dermatophytes are isolated from both river and drinking water resources in Pamba river basin. Genus Fusarium and Aspergillus showed high rate of isolation irrespective of the season. There is no significant change in pathogenic diversity in ground water resources even after pilgrimage season, while surface water showed significant reduction in number of fungi isolated. A steady increase in fungal density was observed from upper to lower catchments of the river.
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