Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

The ultrastructure of Prototheca wickerhamii

  • Published:
Mycopathologia Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Two clinical isolates of Prototheca wickerhamii were freeze-dried, fixed and studied by electron microscopy and were also examined growing in culture medium by phase contrast light microscopy. Resting spores placed on fresh medium developed cytoplasmic extensions which sequestrated before proliferation occurred. In the presence of adequate nutrients vegetative spores grew and subdivided to form up to 12 endospores within large sporangia which ruptured to release free spores every 5–6 hours. These proliferating or vegetative spores contained much more endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria than the resting spores which contained more lipid, and often starch granules as well, but relatively few membranous organelles.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Arnold, P. & D. G. Ahern. 1972. The systematics of the genus Prototheca with a description of a new species P. filamenta. Mycologia, 4: 265–275.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cox, G. E., J. D. Wilson & P. Brown. 1974. Protothecosis: a systemic algal infection. Lancet, 2: 379–382.

    Google Scholar 

  • Davies, R. R., H. Spencer & P. O. Wakelin. 1964. A case of human protothecosis. Roy. Soc. Trop. Hyg., 58: 448–451.

    Google Scholar 

  • Feo, M. 1972. Five Prototheca strains of human origin. Mycopath. Mycol. Appl., 46: 53–59.

    Google Scholar 

  • Joshi, K. R., J. B. Gavin & E. E. Wheeler. 1973. A scanning electron microscopic study of morphogenesis of Candida albicans. Sabouraudia, 11: 263–266.

    Google Scholar 

  • Joshi, K. R., E. E. Wheeler & J. B. Gavin. 1973. Scanning electron microscopy of colonies of six species of Candida. J. Bacteriol., 115: 341–348.

    Google Scholar 

  • Klintworth, G. K., B. F. Fetter & H. S. Nielsen (Jnr). 1968. Protothecosis, an algal infection: report of a case in man. J. Med. Microbiol., 1: 211–216.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nadakavukaren, M. J. & D. A. McCracken. 1973. Prototheca: an alga or fungus? J. Phycol., 9: 113–116.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sudman, M. S. 1974. Protothecosis. A critical review. Am. J. clin. Path., 61: 10–19.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tindall, J. P. & B. F. Fetter. 1971. Infections caused by achloric algae (Protothecosis). Arch. Dermatol., 104: 490–500.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pathology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand

    K. R. Joshi, J. B. Gavin & E. E. Wheeler

Authors
  1. K. R. Joshi
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. J. B. Gavin
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. E. E. Wheeler
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Joshi, K.R., Gavin, J.B. & Wheeler, E.E. The ultrastructure of Prototheca wickerhamii. Mycopathologia 56, 9–13 (1975). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00493576

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00493576

Keywords

Search

Navigation