THE GENUS STERYGMATOCYSTIS 699 



fructification surmounted by a single row of 5 to 6 sterigmata each carrying 

 a row of 3 to 15 spores. 



[According to Guiart, it cannot yet be considered as proved that the fungi 

 which were described by Montoya y Florez, are the true parasites of Pinta ; Darrier 

 and Bodin have found a Tricophyton in more than one case of Pinta in Paris. ] 



For purposes of microscopical examination, treat the scales with warm 

 40 per cent, potash (p. 690). To prepare stained preparations, treat with 

 ether to remove the fat, then with absolute alcohol containing acetic acid for 

 5 minutes, wash in absolute alcohol, stain in a dilute solution of Unna's 

 polychrome blue (10 minutes) or thionin (12-24 hours), wash in absolute 

 alcohol again, then in xylol and mount in balsam. 



These fungi grow readily on glycerin-agar, beer-wort-agar, Raulin's medium, 

 potato, etc. [Guiart has been able to cultivate the different varieties on 

 glycerin media and on media containing iron, copper or zinc sulphate. ] Cul- 

 tures should be sown as described on p. 694. The optimum temperature 

 of growth is from 25-35 C. 



The disease has been reproduced in man by Uribe. Rabbits are also 

 susceptible. [Guiart also has produced lesions typical of the natural disease 

 by inoculating his cultures into man and the lower animals.] 



The fungi of Pinta have been found in the water of certain gold mines, 

 the bodies of insects, etc. 



[The disease is not contagious and is said to be possibly conveyed by the bites of 

 bugs and by mosquitos of the genus /Simulium. ] 



SECTION II. THE GENUS STERYGMATOCYSTIS. 



The genus Sterygmatocystis is characterized by spore-bearing hyphae 

 terminating in a spherical enlargement covered with primary sterigmata 

 (fig. 334, A) which divide and give origin to several secondary sterigmata 

 carrying chaplets of conidia (fig. 334, B and C). 



1. Sterygmatocystis nidulans. 



Syn. Aspergillus nidulans. 



Siebenmann attributed two cases of otomycosis to this fungus. It is 

 pathogenic to animals (Eidam, Pinoy) and grows at all temperatures between 

 15-38 C. On culture media it forms a chrome- 

 green layer : the enlargements of the conidia- 

 bearing hyphse are triangular with rounded edges. 

 The conidia measure about 3/x in diameter. This 

 parasite is the infecting agent in some cases of 

 mycetoma (p. 665). 



2. Sterygmatocystis nigra. 



Syn. Aspergillus niger. 



This fungus is frequently found in the form of 

 black spots on decomposing organic matter. 

 Although it has been found several times in 

 cases of otitis and various other diseases of man 

 and animals it does not seem to be pathogenic. 

 It does not grow at temperatures above 25 C. FlG - w*- Sterygmatocystis 

 The conidial swellings have primary and secondary 



sterigmata carrying rows of black conidia measuring about 4/x in diameter 

 (fig. 334). 



