Database of Human Fungal Pathogens
Related to Food borne and Waterborne Diseases
Aspergillus niger
A. niger, the black mold is a filamentous fungus mostly found on decaying plant materials, soil, icy grounds, marine and indoor enviroments. It plays important role in degradation and recycling of dead plant elements. It is both pathogenic and economically important fungus. As a pathogen it commonly causes ear and lungs infection in human and birds. It transmits into humans by inhalation of airborne conidia. As a economically important fungus, it plays a significant role for the industrial production of citric and gluconic acids, ?-amylase and glucose oxidase and many other enzymes.
Characteristics
Shape and Size
Conidiophores are 400-3000 µm long, terminating in a globose vesicle (30-75 µm in diameter). Conidia, 4-5 µm in diameter are very rough and globose and black in color.
3-nitropropionic acid and ochratoxin A are two mycotoxins produced bt the fungi. Ochratoxin-A (OTA) is a fungal metabolite with potential toxic effects on the central nervous system.