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Dimorphism of Pityrosporum orbiculare in a defined culture medium
Abstract:
Dimorphism of Pityrosporum orbiculare was induced in an artificial culture medium which consisted of 0.05 M glycine in 0.03-0.06 M ammonium phosphate buffer (pH 5.6), salts, glucose, and Tween-80. Of the strains tested, 78 to 85% produced hyphal elements from up to 8.5% of yeast cells. Morphologic features of P. orbiculare in culture were examined by scanning electron microscopy and compared with the appearance of fungus from clinical lesions of tinea versicolor. Morphologically, the fungi obtained in vivo and in vitro were identical.
Insights
Pityrosporum orbiculare exhibits dimorphism in a specific artificial medium, producing hyphal elements. This in vitro morphology matches the fungus found in clinical tinea versicolor lesions.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Dermatology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Pityrosporum orbiculare is a fungus implicated in skin conditions.
- Understanding its dimorphism is crucial for diagnosing and treating related infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To induce and characterize the dimorphism of Pityrosporum orbiculare in vitro.
- To compare the morphology of cultured P. orbiculare with its in vivo form.
Main Methods:
- Culturing P. orbiculare in a defined artificial medium (glycine, ammonium phosphate buffer, salts, glucose, Tween-80).
- Inducing dimorphism and quantifying yeast-to-hyphal transition.
- Utilizing scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for detailed morphological analysis.
Main Results:
- Dimorphism was successfully induced in 78-85% of tested strains.
- Hyphal elements formed from up to 8.5% of yeast cells.
- SEM revealed identical morphologies between in vitro and in vivo P. orbiculare.
Conclusions:
- A specific artificial culture medium can reliably induce dimorphism in Pityrosporum orbiculare.
- The in vitro-induced morphology accurately reflects the in vivo appearance of the fungus in tinea versicolor lesions.