200 
Transactions of the Boyal Society of South Africa. 
MORPHOLOGY. 
A portion of the fungus growth noted in the bone cavities of ostrich 
No. 6 was collected at the time of post-mortem, and cultures were made 
from this for the purpose of studying its characters. These were found 
to correspond with those of Aspergillus fumigatus, and were as follows : — 
A filamentous mycelium from which arises at right angles germinal 
hyphge enlarged at their free end, and carrying individual basides on 
which are inserted chainettes of conidia dehiscent round in shape, 
size averaging 3 /x in diameter, greenish in colour. 
Chakacter of Culture. 
On bouillon lactose glycerine fiocons are visible in the medium at the 
15th hour. The medium remains clear. The surface of the culture at 
first white becomes green-bluish and later green- blackish. On potato, 
development is likewise rapid, the growth becoming finally green-black. 
Symptoms — Duration — and Course. 
The disease runs an acute and sub-acute course. In the acute form 
as observed in young chicks (Transmission Experiments) the first indica- 
tion that there is something amiss is a disinclination to feed, dullness, 
eyes kept partly closed, the affected chick stands or moves about slowly, 
the head is usually lowered and carried close to the body. The symptoms 
of Aspergillosis of the air-tracts consist primarily in acceleration of the 
respirations. The breathing gradually becomes more and more impeded 
and difficult and the beak is frequently kept partly open. On auscultation 
a rough breathing sound is heard chiefly during expiration. 
In the sub-acute cases in adult birds a gradual loss of condition and 
emaciation is marked. 
Duration. — In the acute form the disease runs its course in a few days. 
In the sub-acute form some weeks may elapse before death. 
Transmission Experiments. 
A number of transmission experiments were carried out, and the 
following is a summary of the results : — 
1. Aspergillus fumigatus was transmitted by — 
{a) The intravenous injection of a bouillon-lactose-glycerine-culture to 
the ostrich, pigeon, and fowl. 
ih) The inhalation of portion of a culture (potato) to the ostrich and 
pigeon. 
(c) The introduction of portion of a culture (potato) direct into the 
trachea of the ostrich. 
