STUDIES IN MICROBIC HEREDITY VII. OBSERVATIONS ON THE GENETIC ORIGIN OF THE SEVERAL TYPES OF FUNGI FOUND IN THE LESIONS OF BLASTOMYCOSIS HOMINIS

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Abstract
Following isolation of Types I and II yeasts from a single case of blastomycosis, the mold-like Type III has been derived genetically from pure line cultures of Type II. The mechanism for this transformation has been associated with specialized cells in the pleomorphic cycle of the organism. They resemble somewhat the chlamydospores. The variation mechanism in general is the same as with the bacteria, although with the yeasts no definite evidence of true isogamic conjugation was observed in this instance. The origin of very closely related biotypes also seems to be identified with the chromatic reorganizations of the pleomorphic cycle. When conjugation or similar change occurs there can be no guarantee that the culture is then a pure line. The original view of Ricketts that the 3 distinct types really comprise a rather homogeneous group is sustained by actual experiment. Isolation of Types I and II from lesions of different age makes it highly probable that variations occur in the host similar to those induced in vitro.