November 26, 2003
Under The Scope
http://www.pureaircontrols.com/labserve/index.html
by Dr. Rajiv R. Sahay, Pure Air
Pure Air Control Services and the Environmental Diagnostics Laboratory are pleased to introduce "Under the Scope", a new section of the IEQ REVIEW. There are over 100,000 species of fungi. Many fungi are good and useful (edible mushrooms would be an example of these) while some cause problems (some fungi can injure plants and humans). Every week the IEQ Review will describe a specific microorganism, its morphological origin and potential health effects. If you would like to know about a specific organism and/or would like it published in The IEQ Review please email Dr. Rajiv Sahay with the Environmental Diagnostics Laboratory (EDL) at Pure Air Control Services laboratory@pureaircontrols.com
This week we will cover ...
Aspergillus fumigatus: A rapidly growing fungus that produces a bluish-green colony within ten days, when incubated at 25C (77F). It is a thermotolerant fungus and is very common worldwide. It can be isolated from air, plants, foodstuffs, soil, sand beaches, caves and mines, activated sludge, mangrove swamps, fresh water, compost, animal dung, silage, fodder, and cotton fabrics in the tropics.
Clinical relevance:
A. fumigatusis one of the most common causes of systemic fungal disease in humans and animals causing acute or chronic respiratory tract infections. Exposure to A. fumigatus can cause an allergic response in sensitive individuals. More importantly, A. fumigatus is an opportunistic pathogen of bone marrow transplant patients, AIDS patients, and other immune compromised individuals. It is a well documented allergen.
 
Aspergillus fumigatus
(Image Courtesy of Aspergillus Web Site,
University of Manchester)
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