EFFECT OF PHYSICO-CHEMICAL ENVIRONMENT ON SPHERULATION OF COCCIDIOIDES IMMITIS IN A CHEMICALLY DEFINED MEDIUM

Abstract

Studies were made on some of the physico-chemical environmental factors affecting growth of the parasitic phase (spherule) of Coccidioides immitis in a chemically defined liquid medium (glucose, ammonium acetate, inorganic salts). Most satisfactory production of spherules was obtained from young (7-14 days) well-sporulated inocula, in a medium containing 0.67% solids (total nutrient content), with initial pH values between 6.0 and 8.0. Optimum incubation conditions included a 72-hour growth period at 37[degree]C in complete darkness, under reduced aeration.