TRICHOPHYTON BALCANEUM 



loir 



pleomorphic, even after very numerous transplantations. Gelatine 

 is rapidly liquefied. It does not form gas in any carbohydrate 

 medium. 



Microscopically the fungus shows features intermediate between 

 a trichophyton sensu lato, a microsporum and an achorion. 



Figs. 509 and 510. — Cultures of Fig, 511. — Microscopical Appear- 

 Trichophyton halcaneum Castel- ancesof Trichophyton balcaneum 

 LANi: Glucose Agar. Castellani : Hanging - drop 



Culture. 



Genus Achorion Remak, 1845. 



DBflnltion. — Trichophytoneae with mycelial filaments and spores 

 in the lesions; in cultures conidial-bearing hyphae present, with 

 spores situate laterally and apically. Fusiform bodies in cultures 

 in the form of swollen claviform ends of filaments. Yellow fa vie 

 scutula present in lesions. 



*JType Species. — Achorion schoenleini Lebert, 1845. 



Remarks. — The fungi belonging to this genus often show during 

 parasitic life much longer mycelial segments than Trichophytons 

 and Microsporons ; masses of them, developing in hair follicles, 

 form the well-known sulphur-coloured scutula which always develop 

 round a hair. In the hairs the mycelial tubes are frequently tri- 

 chotomous and tetrachotomous, forming structures which have been 

 compared in appearance to the skeleton of the human foot, and 

 called ' favus tarsi.' 



Cultures. — Sabouraud has noted that in hanging-drop cultures 

 the spores sometimes develop very slowly, sometimes rapidly. 

 When the development is slow, there is formation of numerous 

 chlamydospores of various sizes, with a double contour membrane. 

 When the development is rapid, one notes that the mycelium 

 ramifies quickly in every direction, with presence of very few or 

 no chlamydospores. The following structures may be noted : 



I. Claviform Bodies. — The terminal portion of some filaments 

 becomes swollen and claviform. These claviform filaments have 



