STRUCTURE AND PHYSIOLOGY
- I am a conidiophore (sexual spore generating aerobic fungus), xerophilic fungi (does not require free water for growth and can grow in humid environments). I am responsible for causing food spoilage and black mold.
TRANSMISSION AND DISEASE
- I am a plant pathogen but in rare cases, humans may become ill because of me, a disease termed as Aspergillosis.
- Aspergillosis is a serious lung disease caused due to infection by fungi.
- Aspergillosis is more common among patients whose respiratory systems have been compromised due to Tuberculosis and also among workers who frequently inhale peat dust.
TREATMENT OF INFECTION
- My primary infections can be treated with antibiotics such as Voriconazole, Itraconazole, and Amphotercin B.
DISINFECTION
- I am commonly associated with unsightly growth on manufactured goods and am commonly used as a benchmark for fungal resistance testing.