Effect of Carbon and Nitrogen Nutrition on Pleomorphism in Trichophyton Mentagrophytes

Abstract

Pleomorphism in granular strains of Trichophyton mentagrophytes can be increased or decreased by modifying the nutritional environment. The presence of one of several carbohydrates is necessary and may be the controlling nutritional parameter determining whether or not mutant pleomorphic patches appear, although concentration of the nitrogen source is also important in the pleomorphic response. None of the non‐carbohydrate carbon‐containing compounds tested supported pleomorphism. The activity of any one compound, carbon or nitrogen, appears to be unrelated to the dry weight attainable in the presence of that compound; although a certain level of growth is necessary, it is not a sufficient requisite for pleomorphism. Data presented here give no clue as to the specific grouping or configuration of the carbohydrate which might be required for development of the pleomorphic patch. Some strains develop mutant patches readily when grown at 36 C on a medium containing a suitable source of carbohydrate and nitrogen. Other strains form patches on a more restricted range of these compounds; a few strains show no pleomorphic activity.