Classic microscopic appearance, Nannizzia gypsea

Note the consistently large number of macroconidia produced by colonies of Nannizzia gypsea. This large number is very helpful in differentiating N gypsea from Microsporum canis, which typically produces few macroconidia. Also important to note is the lack of hyphae. N gypsea colonies produce massive numbers of macroconidia, and hyphae are less commonly observed on cytology specimens. Note the thin walls and rounded ends of the macroconidia. Lactophenol cotton blue stain; original magnification, 40X.