The Fungi— Molds 367 



Epidennophijton may also be involved. Skin, hair, and nails may 

 be infected by the dermatophyte, Microsporwn. 



The fungus of "athlete's foot" thrives during warm weather, 

 particularly in such localities as locker rooms and indoor swimming 

 pools where individuals walk around in their bare feet. The in- 

 fection usually becomes established between the toes and initially 

 appears as small raised blisters. In time the blisters break, and 

 the dried skin peels off, exposing the underlying tissue. Itching 

 may become severe, and the skin may crack. The condition may 

 become severe enough to require medical attention, particularly if 

 pyogenic cocci, such as Micrococcus pyogenes, become localized 

 in the open wounds and cause secondary bacterial infections. 



ASPERGILLOSIS 



Aspergillosis of birds may occur when they ingest Aspergillus 

 fimiigatus, a common green mold found on moldy grain and silage. 

 The fungus localizes in the air sac of the birds and frequently 

 causes fatal pneumonia. This disease is rare in man, but it has 

 been known to occur as a secondary infection following pulmonary 

 tuberculosis. 



COCCIDIOIDOMYCOSIS 



This fungus derives its name from its resemblance in tissues to 

 the protozoan genus Coccidium in that a number of spores are 

 produced within the cell. Coccidioides immitis is the fungus 

 causing the disease variously named coccidioidomycosis, valley 

 fever, and coccidioidal granuloma. In the United States the disease 

 appears to be transmitted almost exclusively by the inhalation of 

 dust in the semi-arid regions of California and the southwest. It is 

 relatively widespread, but it is not generally a severe disease. 

 When it does become a generalized infection, however, it is highly 

 fatal. 



When cultivated on laboratory media this fungus develops an 

 abundant mycelium, and in about eight days spores are borne on 

 fertile hyphae. In lesions of the body, however, the large spores 

 (which sometimes attain a size of from 60 to 80 microns) fill 

 up with many small spores which eventually are liberated and 



