Aspergillus niger: Introduction, Pathogenicity, Laboratory Diagnosis and Treatment
Introduction of Aspergillus niger
Aspergillus niger is one of the most common and easily identifiable species of the genus Aspergillus, with its white to yellow mat later bearing black conidia. This species is very commonly found in aspergillomas and is the most frequently encountered agent of otomycosis (A. niger is one of the most common causes of otomycosis (fungal ear infections), which can cause pain, temporary hearing loss, and, only in severe cases, damage to the ear canal and tympanic membrane also. Some strains of Aspergillus niger have been reported to produce potent mycotoxins called ochratoxins and it also produces the orobol. It is also a common laboratory contaminant and comes under risk group (RG)-1 organism.
Following drugs are used to treat this etiological agent-
Amphotericin B
Itraconazole
Voriconazole
Posaconazole
Anidulafungin
Caspofungin
Further Reading
Medical Mycology. Editors: Emmons and Binford, 2nd ed 1970, Publisher Lea and Febiger, Philadelphia.
Rippon’s JW: Medical Microbiology. The pathogenic fungi and the Pathogenic Actinomycetes. 3rd ed 1988 Publisher WB Saunder co, Philadelphia.
Clinical Microbiology Procedure Handbook Vol. I & II, Chief in editor H.D. Isenberg, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, Publisher ASM (American Society for Microbiology), Washington DC.
A Textbook of Medical Mycology. Editor: Jagdish Chander. Publication Mehata, India.
Practical Laboratory Mycology. Editors: Koneman E.W. and G.D. Roberts, 3rd ed 1985, Publisher Williams and Wilkins, Baltimore.
Description of Medical Fungi-David Ellis, Stephen Davis, Helen Alexiou, Rosemary Handke, Robyn Bartley