A new model for growth and filament production of Pityrosporum ovale (orbiculare) on human stratum corneum in vitro.

A new model for the production of hyphae in Pityrosporum ovale in vitro is described. P. ovale was cultured on human stratum corneum pieces placed directly on a culture medium. The highest number of hyphae (24%) was seen after 6 d of incubation at 37 degrees C in a microaerophilic environment. There was a variation between the strains tested. This model opened possibilities to study the filamentous form of P. ovale in vitro. The effect of antimycotics and variation in antigens may be investigated and compared to the yeast form.