FUNGI IMPERFECTI ERYTHRASMA 299 



A so-called Dhobie itch of the Philippine Islands is in part caused by this 

 fungus. Though Hyde and Montgomery state that there are two other types of 

 infection known by this name, one is trichophyton and one of bacterial origin. 



Sporotrkhum giganteum, (Unna). Pammel 



Spores are free or in chains in nutrient mediuip. 1.5-7 n in diameter, the 

 oval 4-5x5-6 M, yeast-like budding resembling Oidium laciis also occurs; ecto- 

 spores as well as chlamydospores present, the latter 8-12 /* in diameter with 

 strongly refringent bodies : in cultures ray like, the rays consisting of hyphae 

 and spores, in liquid media only hyphae with ectospores. In the hair, knot-like 

 bodies are formed with spores and hyphae embedded in mucilage. 



The Colombia disease was described as Trichosporon giganteum, Unna. It 

 is a polymorphic fungus and the T. ovoides, Behrend is included but by some is 

 regarded as different. The knotty masses of hair are less thick, and the spores 

 are oval in shape : gelatine not liquefied. The superficial colonies resemble 

 Oidium lactis. Chlamydospore 4-12 /* in diameter. 



Other species of Microsporon have been described like M. canis in dogs. 

 M. tigris, the M. equi, in horses and colts and another species in cattle. In calves 

 a similar form occurs. The sheep are said to have the disease on the neck 

 and breast ; it also occurs in hogs, goats, and birds. These forms are said to 

 differ slightly clinically. Pus is formed in follicles, and the hair is especially 

 prone to drop out. A bad smelling liquid of a reddish color occurs. In lesions 

 large spores, the ectospores, occur. The Oidium chain like spores occur chiefly 

 in the roots of the hairs. 



Pathogenic properties. The disease is especially common in animals in 

 which the skin is naturally fine, thin, and dry, and covered with hair sparsely, 

 more common in the Arabian Barb, English racer, and American trotter of 

 nervous organization than in heavier draft breeds. Old horses are more sub- 

 ject than young ones. Extended desquamation, excessive production of epi- 

 dermal scales without any elevation of the skin, scurfy products may be found 

 in patches scattered over the body; generalized or circumscribed as to the 

 head, ears, crest and tail;- the hair may be pulled out with great ease. In 

 cattle it occurs on neck and develops in connection with anaemia, spoiled fodder, 

 and constitutional predisposition. Affects especially the head, neck, and back 

 of dogs gorged with dainties and those becoming aged. The affected parts 

 are covered with a floury or bran-like product lying upon a dry surface, the 

 affection being usually limited to certain areas more or less destitute of hair. 

 In the cat it may affect the whole dorsal aspect of the body, being associated 

 with extreme electrical susceptibility, the hair when touched, collecting in tufts. 

 The scaly product is abundant. 



Animals are said to spread trichophytic fungi, which supposition is im- 

 portant from a hygenic point of view. Since the disease sometimes occurs in 

 school children, separate hooks for clothing and separate towels when bathing 

 the hands and faces are recommended. A one per cent solution of bicloride 

 of mercury will' kill the fungus. 



The disease was first described by Osorio in 1846, and was then thought to 

 be confined to Colombia where it was called Diedra (Stone), but later was 

 found in Europe, and Vuillemin reported it from Paris in 1902. Desenne of 



