FUNGI 125 



filamentous forms and at the same time having a spore-like method of reproduction, 

 are known under the names Streptothrix or better Nocardia. It is chiefly in various 

 pathological processes of the lungs that they have been observed, but in addition 

 they have been noted in brain, glands, kidney and subcutaneous tissue. 



The infections are most likely to be confused with phthisis and glanders. The 

 organisms are easily cultivated and in staining reactions are midway between T. B 

 and Actinomycosis. 



DIAGNOSIS OF FUNGI. 



The most expeditious way to examine for fungi is to treat the scales 

 or hairs with a 10% solution of caustic potash or soda. Then crush 

 between two slides; heat moderately over the flame and examine. 



Tribondeau's method is to treat the scales with ether, then with alcohol, and 

 finally with water. Next put the sediment (it is convenient to use a centrifuge) 

 in a drop of caustic soda solution. Cover with a cover-glass, and after the prepara- 

 tion has stood about an hour run glycerine under the cover-glass. 



A very satisfactory method is to scrape the scales with a small scalpel, and smear 

 out the material so obtained in a loopful of white of egg or blood-serum on a glass 

 slide. By scraping vigorously the serum may be obtained from the patient. After 

 the smear has dried, treat it with alcohol and ether to get rid of the fat. It may then 

 be stained with Wright's stain or by Gram's method. The ordinary Gram method 

 may be used or the decolorizing may be done with aniline oil, observing the decolor- 

 ization under the low power of the microscope. 



Yeasts are best examined in hanging drop on the plain slide with vaselined cell, 

 as given under Blood. 



An excellent way to examine moulds is to seize some of the projecting sporangia 

 from the surface of a plate with forceps and mount in liquid petrolatum. I have 

 found that moulds in scales from skin or infecting various mites or insects will show 

 a growth in this medium when mounted on a slide and covered with a cover-glass. 



CULTIVATION OF FUNGI. 



Moulds grow well on media with an acid reaction, so that by adjust- 

 ing the reaction to + 2% or even higher, we permit of the growth of the 

 fungi, but inhibit bacterial development. 



Glycerine agar, bread paste, or potato media are all suitable, but the best medium 

 is that of Sabouraud: 



Maltose, 4 grams. 



Peptone, i gram. 



Agar, i . 5 grams. 



Water, 100 c.c. 



Make the reaction about +2. 



