Blastomycosis Images

In Mucous Threads, Sputum Samples

Yeast cells dividing and clumping s they cool to room temperature in slide culture at 3 hours 400x

In my 2 slide culture, yeast cell aggregates assume a tubular structure. This metamorphosis begins within 2 hours. All the yeast cells disappear into a root like structure within 2 days.

The following photomicrographs were taken as high power views of stained slides made from the white mucous found in my sputum samples.

Sputum Sample 1000 x Yeast Cells of different sizes ( white) with immune cells, mostly lymphocytes (nuclei stained with crystal violet). Lymphocytes are often seen attached to the yeast cell wall. (Image by Stephen Gislason MD 2007)

Descriptions of the yeast phase of blastomycosis vary with the technique used to visualize them. Size estimates suggests and average of 20 microns in diameter. I have observed great variation in size from small budded daughter cells (estimated 2-4 microns) to giant yeast cells (greater than 40 microns) - one of the larger yeast cells is visible on the upper left of this image.

Enhanced contrast image of blastomycosis yeasts (not stained) and immune cells (dark stain). Sputum. 1000 x (Image by Stephen Gislason MD 2007)

Enhanced contrast image of blastomycosis yeasts and immune cells (stained blue). Sputum. 1000 x (Image by Stephen Gislason MD 2007)

After 14 Days, A Mature Blastomycosis fungal structure with mycelia. Grown in a 2-slide culture and stored at room temperature. 

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