Scanning electron microscope studies on the parasitic cycle of Coccidioides immitis (original) (raw)

Abstract

The process involved in the in vivo conversion of the arthroconidia of Coccidioides immitis into endosporulating spherules was studied with the aid of a scanning electron microscope. By the fifth and sixth day after inoculation of laboratory mice, complete conversion had occurred in their kidneys, lungs, and spleens. The progressive stages of cleavage that occurred in the enlarged arthroconidia were initiated by invagination at several points of the cytoplasmic membrane that covers the inner surface of the developing spherule's cell wall. Through repeated branching of the cleavage cell walls, the spherule's cytoplasm was divided into progressive smaller segments. These segments were aggregated in packets and enclosed in a membranous sac. At maturity the membrane dissolved, and the endospores were freed within the spherules. Finally, the spherule wall ruptured, and the endospores were released.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pathogenic Fungi, Research Institute for Chemobiodynamics, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, 280, Chiba, Japan
    Makoto Miyaji & Kazuko Nishimura
  2. Division of Mycotic Diseases, Center for Infectious Diseases, Center for Disease Control, Public Health Service, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 30333, Atlanta, GA, USA
    Libero Ajello

Authors

  1. Makoto Miyaji
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  2. Kazuko Nishimura
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  3. Libero Ajello
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Miyaji, M., Nishimura, K. & Ajello, L. Scanning electron microscope studies on the parasitic cycle of Coccidioides immitis.Mycopathologia 89, 51–57 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00437133

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