Aspergillus • Aspergillus fumigatus
Molds
Conditions: Aspergillosis can occur in those with weakened immune systems or lung diseases
Symptoms: Coughing; wheezing; drainage; stuffiness; headache
Physical description: Usually green in color; other species can be black, yellow, or brown in color
Environmental factors: Found in humidifiers, dehumidifiers, basements, attics, decaying vegetation, paper and textiles, and foods; one of the most ubiquitous of the airborne saprophytic fungi; also common in homes
Cross Reactivity: Penicillium
Included species: Aspergillus nidulans, aspergillus flavus, aspergillus ochraceus, and more
References
- “Aspergillus.”Dictionary.com. http://www.dictionary.com/browse/aspergillus?s=t
- “Mold Allergy.” Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. http://www.aafa.org/page/mold-allergy.aspx
- “Airborne Aspergillus fumigatus conidia: a risk factor for aspergillosis.” ScienceDirect. http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1749461311000406
- Esch, Robert E., Hartsell, Cecelia J., Crenshaw, Rodger, & Jacobson, Robert S. “Common Allergenic Pollens, Fungi, Animals, and Arthropods.” Clinical Reviews in Allergy and Immunology 21, (2001): 261-292.
- “An Overview of the Genus Aspergillus.” Caister Academic Press. http://www.caister.com/openaccess/pdf/aspergillus1.pdf
- “Definition of Aspergillosis.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/diseases/aspergillosis/definition.html
- “Aspergillus fumigatus and aspergillosis.” Clinical Microbiology Reviews 12, no. 2 (1999): 310-350. National Center for Biotechnology Information. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10194462
- “What is Aspergillus and aspergillosis.” Aspergillus & Aspergillosis Website. http://www.aspergillus.org.uk/what-is-asp
- “Mold Allergy Revisited.” Annals of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology. 14, (2015): 83-89. http://www.annallhiergy.org/article/S1081-1206(14)00740-6/fulltext
Did You Know?
Aspergillus is named after a device used by the Roman Catholic clergy to sprinkle holy water called the asperges. Under the microscope, the mold looks like this device
