Aspergillus Infection of the Hand

Organisms commonly considered nonpathogenic may at times show definite disease-producing properties. However, they are rare experiences. EvenBacillus subtilis, a ubiquitous saprophyte, has been reported as the cause of panophthalmitis by Silberschmidt and others.1Charrin and Nittis2showed thatB. subtilisacquired considerable pathogenic power by repeated transfers on blood agar. It has long been known that saprophytic molds may manifest pathogenic properties. Certain mucors, penicillium and aspergillus have been frequently reported. Harmer and Jackes3reportedAspergillus fumugatusin pus from a maxillary sinus; MacFarlan,4aspergillus niger from a tongue lesion; and Lynch,5following bites of the red bug (leptus), or chigger. Panayotatou6isolated a variety of penicillium which is usually harmless from a tongue lesion; the organism was definitely pathogenic for mice but not for rabbits. As might be anticipated, many cases of fungus infection have been reported in which the organism was