Aspergillus carbonarius

What is Aspergillus carbonarius?

Aspergillus carbonarius is a mold that belongs to the genus Aspergillus. The name Aspergillus translates as "the frond" because the fungal spores look like a frond under the microscope. The genus Aspergillus comprises over 350 species of molds that are distributed worldwide and mostly live in dead, decomposing organic matter. However, some species are pathogens that can infect humans, animals or plants.

Aspergillus carbonarius is one of these pathogenic species. It is mainly found in warm and dry regions and attacks various plants such as grapes, figs, dates, coffee beans and nuts. It produces a mycotoxin called ochratoxin A (OTA), which is one of the strongest carcinogenic substances. OTA can also be detected in food or animal feed and thus enter the food chain.

How does Aspergillus carbonarius spread?

Aspergillus carbonarius spreads through its spores, which it releases into the air. The spores can survive for a long time and travel long distances. They can be carried by wind, rain, insects or birds to other plants or indoors. There, under favorable conditions such as high temperature and humidity, they can multiply and form new colonies.

The spores can also enter the human or animal body by inhalation or ingestion. There they can trigger various diseases depending on the immune status of the host.

What diseases can Aspergillus carbonarius cause?

Aspergillus carbonarius can cause various diseases in humans. These include

• Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA): Here, the fungi colonize the bronchi and lungs and trigger an allergic reaction at the same time. ABPA occasionally occurs in people with chronic lung diseases such as asthma.
• Aspergilloma: Here the fungus grows in an existing body cavity such as the paranasal sinuses or the lungs to form a spherical structure made up of fungal threads, mucus and dead cells (fungal ball). The aspergilloma can cause symptoms such as nosebleeds, headaches or coughing.
• Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA): Here the fungus penetrates deeper into the lung tissue and causes severe pneumonia. IPA is a life-threatening complication in people with a weakened immune system, for example due to cancer, AIDS or organ transplants.
• Disseminated aspergillosis: Here the fungus spreads throughout the body via the bloodstream and infects other organs such as the brain, heart or kidneys. Disseminated aspergillosis is also a life-threatening disease that requires rapid treatment.

Aspergillus carbonarius can also infect animals such as dogs. In particular, it can affect the ears, skin or gastrointestinal tract and cause inflammation, ulcers or diarrhea. It can also lead to liver or kidney damage through the formation of OTA.

Aspergillus carbonarius is also a plant pathogen that infects various harvested products such as grapes, figs, dates, coffee beans or nuts and impairs their quality and safety. It can also lead to crop loss or spoilage.

How can you protect yourself against Aspergillus carbonarius?

To protect yourself from Aspergillus carbonarius, you should take a few precautions. These include:

• Avoiding contact with suspected mold sources such as compost piles, organic waste garbage cans or potting soil.
• Wearing protective clothing such as gloves, breathing masks and goggles when working with mold or potentially contaminated materials.
• Regularly ventilate and clean indoor spaces to prevent mold growth.
• Avoid food or pet food that has mold or an unpleasant odor.
• Check food or animal feed for OTA content and comply with legal limits.
• Seek medical help if aspergillosis is suspected and follow the prescribed treatment.