Aspergillus Glossary

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Alternaria sp.

Aw - 0.89. Conidia dimensions 18-83 x 7-18 microns (5). A very

common allergen (7) with an IgE mediated response (17). It is often

found in carpets, textiles (17, 5), and on horizontal surfaces in

building interiors. Often found on window frames (17). Outdoors it

may be isolated from samples of soil (17, 5), seeds and plants (17).

It is commonly found in outdoor samples. The large spore size 20 -

200 microns in length and 7 - 18 microns in sizes, (17) suggests

that the spores from this fungi will deposited in the nose, mouth

and upper respiratory tract. It may be related to bakers asthma

(17). It has been associated with hypersensitivity pneumonitis (E).

The species Alternaria alternata is capable of producing tenuazonic

acid and other toxic metabolites which may be associated with

disease in humans or animals (5). Common cause of extrinsic asthma

(immeadiate-type hypersensitivity: type I) (26). Acute symptoms

include edema and bronchiospasms, chronic cases may develop

pulmonary emphysema (26).

caesiellus

This species is only occasionally pathogenic (26).

Aspergillus candidus

Aw 0.75 (5). Conidia dimensions 2.5-4 microns (5). Found in warm

soils, grain and in the secondary decay of vegetation (5).

Associated with respiratory complaints in a recent house

investigation. (MAC) Can produce the toxin petulin which may be

associated with disease in humans and other animals (5).

Aspergillus carneus

This species is only occasionally pathogenic (26).

Aspergillus clavatus

Conidia dimensions 3-4.5 x 2.5-4.5 microns (5). Found in soils and

animal manure (5). Can produce the toxin petulin which may be

associated with disease in humans and other animals (5). This

species is only occasionally pathogenic (26).

Aspergillus deflectus

This species is only occasionally pathogenic (26).

Aspergillus flavus

Aw 0.78 (5). Conidia dimensions 3-6 microns (5) or 3-5 microns (26).

It grows on moldy corn and peanuts (5). It can be found in warm

soil, foods and dairy products (5). Some strains are capable of

producing a group of mycotoxins - in the aflatoxin group. Aflatoxins

are known animal carcinogen. There is limited evidence to suggest

that this toxin is a human carcinogen. The toxin is a poisonous to

humans by ingestion. It may also result in occupational disease via

inhalation (27). Experiments have indicated that it is teratogenic

and mutagenic (20). It is toxic to the liver (1, 5, 27). It is

reported to be allergenic (7). Its presence is associated with

reports of asthma. It can be found in water damaged carpets (NC).

The production of the fungal toxin is dependent on the growth

conditions and on the substrate used as a food source. This fungus

is associated with aspergillosis of the lungs (5, 26) andor

disseminated aspergillosis (5). This fungus is occasionally

identified as the cause of corneal, otomycotic and nasoorbital

infections (26).

Aspergillus fumigatus

Aw 0.82 (5); Optimum > 0.97 (22). Conidia dimensions 2-3.5 microns

(5). Major cause of aspergillosis (5, 26). Both invasive and

allergic aspergillosis are caused by this organism (26).

Aspergillosis affects individuals who are immune compromised. It is

considered a human pathogen. It grows well at 35 degrees C. It is

commonly found outdoors in compost piles with temperatures higher

than 40 degrees C, in mild to warm soils and on cereals (5).

Aspergillus glaucus

Conidia dimensions 5-6.5 microns (5). Common outdoor fungus in the

winter (NC). It is reported to be allergenic. This species is only

occasionally pathogenic (26). It can grow on leather (NC). This

fungus can grow at low moisture levels on grains, sugary food

products, meat and wool (5). The ascomycetous state is Eurotium sp.

Aspergillus nidulans

Aw 0.78 (5). Conidia dimensions 2-4 microns (5). Found in mild to

warm soils and on slowly decaying plants (5). Can produce the

mycotoxin sterigmatocystin. This toxin has been shown to produce

liver and kidney damage in lab animals. This fungus is associated

with aspergillosis of the lungs andor disseminated aspergillosis

(5). This species is only occasionally pathogenic (26).

Aspergillus niger

Aw 0.77 (5); Optimum > 0.97 (22). Conidia dimensions 3.5 - 5 microns

(5) or 4 to 5 microns (26). Less common cause of aspergillosis. It

has a musty odor. It is commonly found in the environment on

textiles, in soils, grains, fruits and vegetables (5) . It has been

reported to cause skin and pulmonary infections (26). It is a common

cause of fungal related ear infections-otomycosis (5, 26).

Aspergillus ochraceus

Aw 0.77 (5). Conidia dimensions 2.5 - 3 microns (5). Found in

grains, soil and salted food products (1, 5). It is not usually

associated with decaying vegetation (5). Can produce a kidney toxin

ochratoxin A which may produce ochratoxicosis in humans (1, 5). This

is also known as Balkan nephropathy (1). The toxin is produced at

optimum growth conditions at 25 degrees C and high moisture

conditions. The ochratoxin may also be produced by other Aspergillus

sp. and Penicillium sp. (1). Other toxins which can be produced by

this fungus include penicillic acid, xanthomegnin and viomellein

(5). These are all reported to be kidney and liver toxins (5).

Aspergillus oryzae

This species is only occasionally pathogenic (26).

Aspergillus parasiticus

Some strains are capable of producing a group of mycotoxins - in the

aflatoxin group. Aflatoxins are known animal carcinogen. There is

limited evidence to suggest that this toxin is a human carcinogen.

The toxin is a poisonous to humans by ingestion. Experiments have

indicated that it is teratogenic and mutagenic. (20) It is toxic to

the liver(1). The production of the fungal toxin is dependent on the

growth conditions and on the substrate used as a food source (1).

Aspergillus penicilloides

Conidia dimensions 3-3.5 x 4-5 microns (5). Can grow in areas with

low water activity (5). It is found in house dust and food (5).

Aspergillus restrictus

This species is only occasionally pathogenic (26).

Aspergillus sp.

Aw 0.75 - 0.82 (5) Reported to be allergenic (7). Members of this

genus are reported to cause ear infections (5). Many species produce

mycotoxins which may be associated with disease in humans and other

animals (5). Toxin production is dependent on the species or a

strain within a species and on the food source for the fungus. Some

of these toxins have been found to be carcinogenic in animal

species. Several toxins are considered potential human carcinogens

(20). Common cause of extrinsic asthma (immeadiate-type

hypersensitivity: type I) (26). Acute symptoms include edema and

bronchiospasms, chronic cases may develop pulmonary emphysema (26).

Aspergillus sydowi

This species is only occasionally pathogenic (26).

Aspergillus terreus

Aw 0.78 (5). Conidia dimensions 1.8-2.4 microns (5) or 2 - 2.5

microns (26). Aleurospores 6 - 7 microns in diameter are also

produced (26). Found in warmer soil and in grains, straw. cotton and

decomposing vegetation (5). Can produce the toxin patulin and

citrinin which may be associated with disease in humans and other

animals (5). This fungus is associated with aspergillosis of the

lungs and or disseminated aspergillosis (5, 26). Found as an isolate

from otomycosis - ear infection and onychomycosis - infection of

finger or toe nails (26).

Aspergillus ustus

This species is only occasionally pathogenic (26).

Aspergillus versicolor

Aw 0.78 (5). Conidia dimensions 2-3.5 microns (5). It is commonly

found in soil, hay. cotton and dairy products, It can produce a

mycotoxin sterigmatocystin and cyclopiaxonic acid (5). These toxins

can cause diarrhea and upset stomach. It is reported to be a kidney

and liver carcinogen. This species is only occasionally pathogenic

(26).