STUDIES IN THE GENUS MICROSPORUM

Abstract

Attempts to present the morphologic characters of the dermatophytes for the purpose of making their identification easier have not resulted in a classification which clearly distinguishes the specific characters. In this respect, Ota and Langeron 1 defined genera but merely listed the species which they considered should be included in these genera. Likewise, Grigorakis, 2 although he treated specific characters more thoroughly than the previous authors, failed to present a diagnostic key to the species studied, as he became involved in the theoretical role of pleomorphism among these forms. Other attempts to classify the dermatophytes mycologically have resulted in a discussion of their possible relationship to the Gymnoascaceae. In this respect, Matruchot and Dassonville 3 Nannizzi 4 and Langeron and Milochevitch 5 have in turn compared the morphologic similarities of the two groups and have proposed a classification in which the dermatophytes have been included among the