CHAPTER XLV 

 HYPHOMYCETES (Molds) 



Molds are very widely distributed in nature, their spores are so nearly 

 ubiquitous that any article containing pabulum, exposed in a dark, moist 

 atmosphere, is soon covered with a growth. 



Only a few molds are pathogenic and infection with such organisms is com- 

 paratively rare. 



From time to time various hyphomycetes, but most frequently the asper- 



FIG. 31. MOLD FUNGUS DEVELOPING AS A CONTAMINATION OCCURRING ON AGAR. 



(8 eyepiece; % objective.) 



gillus, are reported as the cause of pulmonary infection in man, simulating 

 tuberculosis. As the method of staining sputum to disclose tubercle bacilli is 

 not as apt to reveal hyphomycetes as Gram's method, it is probably the best 

 practice to stain specimens of sputum for diagnosis by both methods and in some 

 cases at least to make cultures. Sputum culture by the method of Petroff will 

 disclose hyphomycetes quite as well as tubercle bacilli. 



Though pathogenic molds will grow on most of the ordinary culture media, 

 Sabouraud's is best: Maltose, 40 Gm.; Peptone, 10 Gm.; Agar, 15 Gm.; 

 Water, 1000 c.c. 



Adjust reaction to + 2 and autoclave. 



Growth usually does not appear until after 4 or 5 days' incubation, frequently 

 longer. 



The hyphae, mycelia and spores of molds are of such size that their struc- 

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