penecillium aspergillus spore microscope

Infection may occur in skin, blood, bone marrow, internal organs or lymph nodes. There are approximately 175 species of Aspergillus, only about 20 of which are known to cause disease in humans.ĭiseases caused by Aspergillus are known as aspergillosis and include invasive infection, colonization, & toxicosis.Ĭertain species of Penicillium are considered pathogens. Allergy to one does not necessarily imply allergy to the other. It does not contain the mold Penicillium. Penicillium is the mold from which the antibiotic Penicillin was first derived. Spores may progress further into the respiratory system than other common spores due to their small aerodynamic diameter.

However, sensitivities may develop in some instances- especially with prolonged exposure to high spore concentrations. Often this exposure occurs without any noticeable reaction or symptoms. Health Effectsīecause these spores are so abundant, daily exposure to Aspergillus/Penicillium is very common in both indoor and outdoor environments. Penicillium is used in cheese production and is responsible for the veins in blue cheese. Halotolerant species may be found growing on refrigerated foods (7). Indoors: Found indoors on organic materials such as wood, textiles, cellulose materials, carpeting, painted surfaces, and food stuffs such as cheeses, butter/margarine meats, breads, fruits and vegetables. Outdoors: Both can be found outdoors on a variety of substrates- particularly plant materials such as cereals, grains, decaying wood, and soil (7). Growth Rate: Usually Rapid – Mature within 3-4 days however, some species are slower(6). Because of the morphological similarity of the spores, the two genera are typically grouped together as “Aspergillus-Penicillium.” Mature colonies are capable of quickly producing large numbers of spores. Colony growth rates are rapid for many species. extreme temperatures & pH levels, restricted water availability and exposure to radiation). Their distribution is world-wide with many species possessing abilities to tolerate environmental conditions that challenge other molds (i.e. Aspergillus and Penicillium Growth & Distribution (7):Īspergillus & Penicillium are incredibly adaptive and abundant organisms.

Penecillium aspergillus spore microscope