Aspergillus niger, more commonly known as black mold, is a fairly common fungus with an extremely bad and well-earned reputation. This mold is a member of the fungal genus Aspregillus ("niger" being Latin for black), and can be responsible for a number of respiratory problems in the lungs, bronchus, sinus and ears. Fungal ear and lung infections are the the most common manifestation of Aspergullus exposure; infections are most likely to strike those with preexisting immunological disorders.
Classification of Aspergillus Niger
Classification of Aspergillus niger is important due to A. niger's status as a human and animal health hazard. Correct classification requires some knowledge of mycology, or the study of fungi, as there are hundreds of species of Aspergillus fungus. There are various methods of identification, with more becoming available in the 2000s due to advances in biotechnology.
Classification
The taxonomic, or hierarchical, classification of Aspergillus niger places it as the species A. niger; in the genus Aspergillus, the family Trichocomaceae, the order Eurotiales, the phylum Ascomycota and the kingdom Fungi. The genus Aspergillus includes more than 185 other species similar to A. niger. Approximately 20 of these species are known to cause human fungal infections, with A. niger being the most common infecting agent of the genus.
Identification
Doctors emphasize the importance of early detection of Aspergillus niger in potentially affected individuals due to fast growth of the fungus and the medical significance of its presence. In the past, A. niger was identified and classified using its physical features visible both to the naked eye and with a microscope. Recently, biochemical, molecular, and immunological methods have also become available to complement older classification techniques. Different methods are useful for different purposes, but overall the use of multiple methods is best to overcome any identification errors.
Features
Aspergillus niger is a common, versatile fungus with a thready appearance and a soft texture. Color is initially white but soon turns black on the top side, while the bottom side remains pale yellow. A. niger grows quickly, like most Aspergillus species. There are also microscopic features distinct to A. niger that a mycologist can use to classify a sample.
Clinical Importance
Aspergillus niger commonly follows ear infections into human ears and sometimes infects the lungs of people with weak immune systems. Aspergillus infection, also called aspergillosis, can occasionally occur in nearly any organ or organ system of the human body. Correct classification of the infestation, whether it be A. niger or any other fungal invader, is important for determining how to treat it. A. niger is toxic to eat, and infections on fruits, vegetables or grains can lead to cases of food poisoning in acute doses or cancer with chronic consumption. Some people are also allergic to A. niger.
Veterinary Importance
Animals are also susceptible to aspergillosis, particularly the lungs of birds. Consumption of food tainted with A. niger can cause abortions in sheep and cattle and death for poultry. Classification is useful for determining the proper ways to find and remove fungi from areas where animals are kept. New tools and knowledge for controlling A. niger are becoming available all the time.
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Classification
The taxonomic, or hierarchical, classification of Aspergillus niger places it as the species A. niger; in the genus Aspergillus, the family Trichocomaceae, the order Eurotiales, the phylum Ascomycota and the kingdom Fungi. The genus Aspergillus includes more than 185 other species similar to A. niger. Approximately 20 of these species are known to cause human fungal infections, with A. niger being the most common infecting agent of the genus.
Identification
Doctors emphasize the importance of early detection of Aspergillus niger in potentially affected individuals due to fast growth of the fungus and the medical significance of its presence. In the past, A. niger was identified and classified using its physical features visible both to the naked eye and with a microscope. Recently, biochemical, molecular, and immunological methods have also become available to complement older classification techniques. Different methods are useful for different purposes, but overall the use of multiple methods is best to overcome any identification errors.
Features
Aspergillus niger is a common, versatile fungus with a thready appearance and a soft texture. Color is initially white but soon turns black on the top side, while the bottom side remains pale yellow. A. niger grows quickly, like most Aspergillus species. There are also microscopic features distinct to A. niger that a mycologist can use to classify a sample.
Clinical Importance
Aspergillus niger commonly follows ear infections into human ears and sometimes infects the lungs of people with weak immune systems. Aspergillus infection, also called aspergillosis, can occasionally occur in nearly any organ or organ system of the human body. Correct classification of the infestation, whether it be A. niger or any other fungal invader, is important for determining how to treat it. A. niger is toxic to eat, and infections on fruits, vegetables or grains can lead to cases of food poisoning in acute doses or cancer with chronic consumption. Some people are also allergic to A. niger.
Veterinary Importance
Animals are also susceptible to aspergillosis, particularly the lungs of birds. Consumption of food tainted with A. niger can cause abortions in sheep and cattle and death for poultry. Classification is useful for determining the proper ways to find and remove fungi from areas where animals are kept. New tools and knowledge for controlling A. niger are becoming available all the time.
www.ehow.com
Aspergillus niger
Aspergillus niger is a fungus and one of the most common species of the genus Aspergillus. It causes a disease called black mold on certain fruits and vegetables such as grapes, onions, and peanuts, and is a common contaminant of food. It is ubiquitous in soil and is commonly reported from indoor environments, where its black colonies can be confused with those of Stachybotrys (species of which have also been called "black mould").
Some strains of Aspergillus niger have been reported to produce potent mycotoxins called ochratoxins, but other sources disagree, claiming this report is based upon misidentification of the fungal species. Recent evidence suggests some true A. niger strains do produce ochratoxin A
wikipedia.org
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Fungi |
| Phylum: | Ascomycota |
| Subphylum: | Pezizomycotina |
| Class: | Eurotiomycetes |
| Order: | Eurotiales |
| Family: | Trichocomaceae |
| Genus: | Aspergillus |
| Species: | A. niger |
wikipedia.org
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