Murine subcutaneous granulomatous zygomycosis induced by Absidia corymbifera

Subcutaneous zygomycosis developed in 90% of mice killed from 1 to 9 weeks following subcutaneous inoculation of spores from Absidia corymbifera. Initially the inflammation was characterized as pyo-granulomatous, but after five to six weeks of infection the dominant cells were mononuclear, and giant cells and more regular conglomerates of granulomata were formed. Within the granulomata necroses also became more abundant with time. In animals developing mycosis fungal elements were restricted to the site of infection and were never observed in regional lymph nodes or internal organs examined by conventional and immunohistochemical staining methods. The localized extension of infection was accompanied by development of specific antibodies against somatic antigens from A. corymbifera as assessed by counterimmunoelectrophoresis.