Aspergillus A genus of mold which can be found within indoor environments. Certain species are pathogenic (harmful to human health) and cause Aspergillosis (an infection, a growth, or an allergic response due to the Aspergillus fungus).

Aspergillus molds are found everywhere world-wide, especially in the autumn and winter in the Northern hemisphere. The genus includes over 150 species but only a few of these molds can cause illness in humans and animals. Most people are naturally immune and do not develop disease caused by Aspergillus. However, when disease does occur, it takes several forms. The type of diseases caused by Aspergillus are varied, ranging from an "allergy"-type illness to life-threatening generalized infections. Diseases caused by Aspergillus are called aspergillosis. The severity of aspergillosis is determined by various factors but one of the most important is the state of the immune system of the person.

Aspergillus versicolor Conidia dimensions 2-3.5 microns. It is commonly found in soil, hay. cotton and dairy products.  As the name of this fungus implies, the conidia A. versicolor may be of various colors. This species is very common and displays great variability in colony pattern and size.
 
Clinical Relevance:
 
A. versicolor can produce a mycotoxin sterigmatocystin and cyclopiaxonic acid. These toxins can cause diarrhea and upset stomach. It is reported to be a kidney and liver carcinogen. This species is only occasionally pathogenic.
 

      Aspergillus versicolor

Clinical Information

• An important agent of opportunistic infections in debilitated patients.

• Can cause inflammatory diseases in lungs and other organs.

• Can cause fungus balls, known as mycetoma, to form in the lungs.

• Causes infection of the anterior and posterior chambers of the eye and can lead to blindness.

• Aspergillus can produce clinical infections in persons who have weak immune systems.

• Disseminated aspergillosis is a rare, acute and usually fatal infection that produces Septicemia, Thrombosis, and can affect virtually any organ, but especially the heart, lungs, brain, and kidneys.

Additional Source of Information:

• Pulmonary Aspergillosis, Part 1: Allergic Disease and Mycetomas