Arthroderma simiisp. nov., the perfect state ofTrichophyton simii(Pinoy) comb. nov.

Abstract

The mycological, clinical and epidemiological aspects of a dermatophyte isolated on 31 occasions from ringworm infections of monkeys, poultry, man and a dog, in or originating from India, are described. In culture the fungus is similar to Trichophyton mentagrophytes, but is generally thinner and more finely granular. Microscopically it is distinguished by the production of enormous numbers of smooth, thin-walled, cylindrical to fusiform macroconidia which degenerate rapidly with the formation of intercalary chlamydospores, and clavate to pyriform microconidia. Cleistothecia characteristic of the genus Arthroderma are produced on soil mixed with horse hair or feathers and on some other media, particularly glucose peptone agar. The species is heterothallic. Lesions in monkeys are covered by thin, silvery scales and there is inflammation of the underlying dermis. Hair loss is slight and few infected hairs have been seen. Experimental infections in guinea pigs are usually very severe, with intense inflammation and some hair loss in the early stages, followed by extensive hyperkeratosis and perifollicular abscess formation. Guinea pig hairs are readily invaded: infected hairs usually show vivid green fluorescence under Wood's light and a characteristic ecto-endothrix distribution of arthrospores. In the chicken experimental infection of the comb produces rapidly growing, whitish, crust-like lesions with extensive focal necrosis of the stratum corneum and acute inflammatory reaction in the underlying stratified epithelium and dermis. The fungus is considered to be conspecific with Epidermophyton simii Pinoy. This species is transferred to Trichophyton and the name Arthroderma simii Stockdale, Mackenzie & Austwick is proposed for its perfect state. Die klinischen, mykologischen und epidemiologischen Aspekte eines Dermatophyten indischer Herkunft (31mal von Hautflechten bei Affen, Geflügel, Menschen und einem Hund isoliert) werden beschrieben. Bei manchen Isolaten bilden sich Kleistothezien-typisch für die Gattung Arthroderma-, wobei die Arten heterothallisch sind. Der Pilz wird als konspezifisch mit Epidermophyton simii Pinoy betrachtet; diese Art wird zur Gattung Trichophyton gerechnet, und der Name Arthroderma simii Stockdale, Mackenzie & Austwick wird für ihr perfektes Stadium vorgeschlagen.