Effect of continuous and intermittent elevated temperatures on thein vitrogrowth ofBlastomyces dermatitidis

Abstract

The growth characteristics of 9 isolates of Blastomyces dermatitidis were studied at temperatures ranging from 35° C. to 43° C. Generation time ranged from 9–12 hr. Minimum generation time and maximum total growth did not necessarily occur at the same temperature. Maximum total growth was obtained at 35° C. with 5 isolates and at 37° C. with 4 isolates. All of the isolates grew well at 39° C. and only 1 isolate failed to grow at 41° C. Eight of the 9 isolates grew at 42° C. and a minimal amount of growth was obtained with 1 isolate at 43° C. Isolates growing at 37° C. were subjected intermittently to elevated temperatures of 39° C. and 41° C. in order to determine the effect on growth rate and total growth. The results are discussed in relation to published observations on the inhibitory effect of elevated body temperature and experimental mycoses in animals.