Primary Pulmonary Infection with Monosporium apiospermum: Report of a Case with Clinical, Pathologic and Mycologic Data

A case of primary infection of the lung by Monosporium apiospermum is presented. Two types of fungal granules—one large, the other small—are described and illustrated. Evidence is presented to indicate that the large granules represent an actively growing phase of the fungus in tissue, and the small ones latent or inhibited stages of growth. The distinctive histopathology of primary pulmonary infection by M. apiospermum is described in detail. It is similar to that of Madura foot. Attention is directed to the need for careful examination of all lung abscesses, in order to establish an etiologic diagnosis by appropriate culture and microscopic study.