Germ-tube formation by atypical strains of Candida albicans

Atypical isolates of Candida albicans which failed to produce germ tubes in routine diagnostic procedures were examined for their ability to produce germ tubes in various media. Bovine serum was more effective than defined media for induction of germ tubes in the majority of isolates. A few strains formed appreciable germ tubes only in bovine serum with added thioglycollate or cysteine. One strain did not produce germ tubes in any medium. Germ-tube maturation appeared to be dependent upon mitochondrial RNA polymerase activity. The failure by an isolate to produce germ tubes, particularly in tests without strictly controlled conditions, does not preclude the possibility that the organism is C. albicans.