Aspergillus

fungus1Aspergillus accounts for a significant number of fungal species for microfungi. While colours of the fungus varies accordingly to its species, growths on agar for the study shows a light green colony center with white edges.

Features

fungus2

Conidiophores and spores of the Aspergillus are transparent or light-coloured. The conidiophores are simple and long, with the tip swelling to form a bulb or vesicle. Flask-shaped phialides radiate from the vesicle in all directions forming a crown of phialides. The conidia are 1-celled, round and often coloured.

 

Pigment Colour of Fungus
  • Transparent (hyaline) or bright coloured (Spores and conidiophores)
Observed Spores Growth
  • At tip (Apical) forming crown shape
Spore Characteristics
  • 1-celled
  • Round and light-coloured

Allergenic Diseases

Affected Areas

Forms/ Medical Terms

Descriptions

Airway to Lungs (Bronchial Tubes)

Asthma
  • Inflammation and constriction of airway to lung

Skin
  • Sensitization and reactivity of the skin to airborne cladosporium

 

Eyes

 

Allergic Rhinitis
  • Occurs when allergens trigger release of histamine, causing inflammation and fluid production in linings of nasal passages, sinuses, and eyelids
  • Reactions include sneezing, congestion, runny nose, itchy nose, throat, eyes, and ears

 

Throat

 

Nose

Allergic Fungal Sinusitis (AFS)
  • Occurs in individuals with a background of asthma and rhinitis
  • Does not invade tissue; fills up sinus with substances of membrane cells, decomposing white blood cells and fungal hyphae
  • Built-up pressure in the sinus can eventually cause expansion and erosion of the sinus walls

 

Pathogenic Diseases

Affected Areas Forms/ Medical Terms Descriptions
Eyes Keratitis Cornea inflammation, usually after wounding or injuring the cornea
Endophtalmitis Inflammation internal eyeball tissue structures
Skin (Cutaneous) Onychomycosis Thickening, roughening, and splitting of nails due to infection
Ears Otomycosis Inflammation of the ear canal
Bone Osteomyelitis Inflammation of bone and bone marrow
Heart Endocarditis Inflammation of the internal membrane of the heart