Laboratory Studies of Military Mycoses

Representative strains of dermatophytes from Vietnam and stateside installations were assayed for sensitivity to griseofulvin and for production of proteolytic enzymes. A new selective medium for the isolation and differentiation of dermatomycetes (DTM) from saprobic fungi was developed and tested in the field with great success. The principle employed was the inherent capacity of keratinolytic fungi to alkalinize medium. The addition of Dieldrin to our routine Sabourauds medium proved of value in controlling mycophagous mites. A serum-substitute for the identification of Candida albicans by the production of pseudogerm-tubes was designed and proved its value in extensive testing in the field situation. A selective and highly differential medium for the specific isolation and identification of C. albicans was developed. Its selectivity is dependent upon use of a specific carbon source, a critical pH, a high concentration of cycloheximide, and an elevated incubation temperature. The value of the drug Pimaricin, a polyene antifungal antibiotic, was established for the treatment of mycotic corneal ulcers. An isolation and transport medium for streptococci occurring in pyodermas in tropical environments was developed and proved to be a reliable and valuable field procedure. (Author) Report from the Commission on Cutaneous Diseases of the Armed Forces Epidemiological Board.