Germ tube

Germ tubes of Candida albicans

A germ tube is an outgrowth produced by spores of spore-releasing fungi during germination.

The germ tube differentiates, grows, and develops by mitosis to create somatic hyphae.[1]

A germ tube test is a diagnostic test in which a sample of fungal spores are suspended in animal serum and examined by microscopy for the detection of any germ tubes.[2] It is particularly indicated for colonies of white or cream color on fungal culture, where a positive germ tube test is strongly indicative of Candida albicans.[2]

See also

References

  1. ↑ C.J. Alexopolous, Charles W. Mims, M. Blackwell, Introductory Mycology, 4th ed. (John Wiley and Sons, Hoboken NJ, 2004) ISBN 0-471-52229-5
  2. 1 2 Chapter IV. Germ Tube Test in YEAST IDENTIFICATION document at doctorfungus.org. Retrieved July 2011


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