ACTINOMYCETEAE 



701 



izing this species. Actinomyces scabies probably represents the more usual 

 condition where the segment of tlie hyphal wall evacuated by the contraction 

 of each two successive spores undergoes no change until fractured by the 

 disruption of the chain of mature spores. 



In the third group, as in Actinomyces aureus, the septa first undergo a 

 deep constriction which, by involving the ends of the young cylindric spores, 



Fig. 116. — Actinomyces aureus. 1-5, stages In the development of a sporogenous hypha ; 

 6, erect fructifications terminating long, prostrate aerial hyphae, exhiibiting a pronounced tend- 

 ency toward the successive type of development and showing cuneate hyphal enlargements 

 below the Insertions of branches (X2,750). (After Drechsler 1919.) 



gives to the latter an elongated ellipsoid shape (Fig. 116). The constricted 

 septum now gradually loses its staining properties and appears to be slightly 

 drawn out in a longitudinal direction. A preparation stained with Delafi eld's 

 hematoxylin usually shoAvs many old spore chains in which the individual 



