SACCHAROMYETES 



165 



In tissue and actively growing young cultures, all species reproduce by 

 budding, numerous cells showing one or more buds. These buds, which first 

 appear as small globular protrusions from the cell wall, rapidly increase in size 

 and eventually split off, becoming mature cells. 



Some, if not all species, under certain conditions, reproduce by sporulation 

 and present cells containing one or more spherical spores usually four. 



Pathogenesis. Though comparatively rare, infection in man with saccharo- 

 mycetes is much more frequent than infection with molds. The species in- 

 fecting man is also pathogenic for dogs, cats and mice, especially the latter. 

 The source of infection is obscure, the onset insidious, the disease essentially 

 chronic and frequently fatal. Reported cases tend to indicate that the nature 

 of such infections usually goes unrecognized. 



FIG. 34. YEAST CELLS STAINED WITH FUCHSIN. ( Xiooo.) (MacNeal.) 



At least three species are pathogenic for man (the investigations of Rabino- 

 witsch indicate more) : 



Oidium Albicans (Endomyces albicans), which attacks the buccal mucous 

 membrane of ill-cared-for, debilitated infants and, less often, adults. It forms 

 a white growth or pseudomembrane on the affected part and in some cases may 

 cause necrosis of underlying tissue. The condition is known as Oidiomycosis, 

 thrush or babies' sore mouth. 



Zymonema Gilchristi, which attacks the skin, producing a condition referred 

 to as Blastomycetic Dermatitis. 



Sac char omyces Tumefacians, which may be a localized infection causing a 

 tumor-like mass, or extensive ulceration, of any part of the body, or a localized 

 pulmonary infection simulating pulmonary tuberculosis or a generalized infec- 

 tion with multiple abscess formation. 



Diagnosis. Microscopic examination of smear made from the affected mem- 



