Health effects of Aspergillus in food and air
1USDA, ARS, Southern Regional Research Center, New Orleans, LA 70124, USA. Maren.Klich@ars.usda.gov
Toxicology and Industrial Health
|October 2, 2009
Abstract:
This review summarizes the health aspects of the medically important fungal genus Aspergillus. The morphology and systematics of the genus are explained as well as its biogeography. Major mycotoxins, the aspergilli that produce them, affected crops, and symptoms of the toxicoses are summarized, as are the major mycoses caused by aspergilli. The current status of the relationship between Aspergillus in the indoor environment and health issues are discussed.
Insights
This review covers the health impacts of Aspergillus, a medically significant fungus. It details mycotoxins, diseases in humans and crops, and Aspergillus
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- The fungal genus Aspergillus is medically significant, impacting human and crop health.
- Understanding Aspergillus's role in disease and toxicology is crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive summary of the health aspects of Aspergillus.
- To review the genus's morphology, systematics, and biogeography.
- To discuss the relationship between indoor Aspergillus and health issues.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on Aspergillus.
- Synthesis of information on mycotoxins, mycoses, and environmental exposure.
- Discussion of current research on Aspergillus and health.
Main Results:
- Aspergillus species produce major mycotoxins affecting crops and causing toxicoses.
- Aspergilli are responsible for significant human mycoses.
- The presence of Aspergillus in indoor environments is linked to various health problems.
Conclusions:
- Aspergillus poses diverse health risks, from crop contamination to human infections and indoor air quality concerns.
- Further research is needed to fully understand and mitigate the health impacts of Aspergillus.
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