Studies on coccidioides immitis. II. Physiological studies on in vitro spherulation

Abstract

Brooks, Lula D. (Arizona State University, Tempe) and William T. Northey. Studies on Coccidioides immitis. II. Physiological studies on in vitro spherulation. J. Bacteriol. 85:12-15. 1963.-Studies on the amino acids assayed in Edamine revealed that the amino acids phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan, in addition to the amino acid derivatives dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA), epinephrine, tyramine monohydrochloride (tyramine HCl), and pyrocatechol play an important role in the Coccidioides immitis conversion process. In the presence of phenylalanine, tyrosine, tryptophan, DOPA, pyrocatechol, dextrose, and biotin, conversion as well as maturation was demonstrated. However, in epinephrine and tyramine HCl combinations, conversion occurred without maturation of the spherules. The availability of increased amounts of melanin precursors is suggested as a possible explanation for the increased susceptibility of the dark-skinned races to disseminated coccidioidomycosis. Conversion and maturation were also noted when lactic and fumaric acids served as carbon sources. The conversion of a limited number of arthrospores to spherules and their subsequent maturation in the presence of only phenol and biotin suggest the possibility that the key to the C. immitis conversion process lies in the availability of certain ring structures.