ADIASPIROMYCOSIS IN SOUTH AUSTRALIAN HAIRY-NOSED WOMBATS (Lasiorhinus latifrons)

Abstract

Spherical organisms, with an average diameter of about 22 microns, were detected in the lungs of adult and pouched young hairy-nosed wombats (Lasiorhinus latifrons). Although infections of up to 640 X 10(3) organisms per cubic centimeter were detected, their presence produced only limited pathological change. In-vitro growth was obtained at 30 C but not at 37 C or 40 C. However, at the higher temperatures, typical chlamydospore spherules were produced by colonies initially grown at 30 c. This report presents the first record of adiaspiromycosis in Australia and in wombats.