Observation on Human and Animal Hairs Invaded by Trichophyton equinum In Vitro

Abstract

An attempt was made to follow the course of invasion into human and animalhairs by the dermatophyte, Trichophyton equinum, in vitro. One mZ of fungal suspension(1.1 -3.1X10 per m4 was inoculated on hairs. Under room temperature, the observationof hairs was done for 2 months. Simultaneously the reculture of hairs after treatment with0.2% HgCl. solution was carried out the confirmation of the invasion by T. equinum.From the result, guinea pig hairs were invaded by hyphae within 4 days after treatment;in cat and dog within [6 days, in rabbit within 4-9 days, in mouse and rats within 6 days.The hairs of horse and human, however, were slowly invaded after 9 days or so. As tothe form of hairs and T. equinum, the spores (microconidia) on hairs showed variety formdepending on the species of human and animals. The shape of them was globose, sub-globose, ovoid and subclavate. The hyphae were grown in hairs with broad type which indog showed 8 pm in width. The mode of keratinolysis was coaxial type in guinea pig hairsonly and rectangular type in the others.