An animal model of Curvularia geniculata and its relationship with human disease.

The conidiospore of Curvularia geniculata was observed in the bronchial washings of a patient who subsequently developed pulmonary aspergillosis. Curvularia geniculata was grown in culture and used in experiments in mice to explore its possible role as a disease causing agent. The fungus, after intraperitoneal injection, produced granulomas in the liver and spleen. Studies on the pathogenicity of this fungus in mice produced similar lesions to those observed in the human case. A comparison of the lesions in the patient's lung and in the animal experimental model is presented.