Aspergillus Flashcards
To which phylum does Aspergillus belong?
Aspergillus belongs to the phylum Ascomycota.
Where is Aspergillus commonly found?
Aspergillus is found in air, soil, and animal feed.
When does Aspergillus cause opportunistic infections in animals?
Under stress, excessive fungal exposure, or prolonged antibiotic/corticosteroid therapy.
Which Aspergillus species produce aflatoxins?
Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus produce aflatoxins.
What condition do aflatoxins from Aspergillus cause in animals?
Acute or chronic aflatoxicosis (especially in swine, cattle, and poultry)
What diseases does Aspergillus cause in cattle?
Abortions, pulmonary/cutaneous aspergillosis, rumenitis, gastritis, and mastitis.
How does Aspergillus affect lambs?
Causes generalized infections.
What reproductive issue does Aspergillus cause in mares?
Abortions.
What clinical sign is seen in foals with Aspergillus infection?
Persistent diarrhea.
What organ system does Aspergillus target in cats?
The lungs (pulmonary disease).
What specific fungal condition does Aspergillus cause in horses?
Guttural pouch mycosis.
What structure confirms identification of the Aspergillus genus?
Presence of conidiophores
What is the distinctive shape of Aspergillus fumigatus conidiophores?
Flask-shaped
What hyphal feature is characteristic in aspergillosis lesions?
Short, thick, septate hyphae
Which fungal enzyme is associated with tissue damage in aspergillosis?
Elastase
All Aspergillus species have identical conidiophore shapes. (T/F)
False
One of the most important fungal pathogens in animals (Aspergillus)
Aspergillus fumigatus
Which birds are particularly susceptible to Aspergillus fumigatus infections?
Poultry and captive penguins (causes respiratory disease)
What structures give Aspergillus fumigatus colonies their green color?
Dark green conidia (spores) on swollen hyphal tips
What are the characteristics of Aspergillus fumigatus hyphae?
Nonpigmented, branched, and septate
What stain causes a deep red color of Aspergillus fumigatus?
periodic acid-Schiff (PAS)
What stain causes a deep brown/black color of Aspergillus fumigatus?
silver impregnation.
What media is used for rapid growth of Aspergillus fumigatus?
Sabouraud agar
What major antigens does Aspergillus fumigatus contain?
Galactomannan and protein antigens
What immune responses do Aspergillus fumigatus antigens trigger?
Immediate/delayed hypersensitivity
How is Aspergillus fumigatus transmitted to birds?
Contaminated feed/moldy litter and Airborne conidia
Which avian species are affected by Aspergillus fumigatus?
Chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, pigeons, canaries, wild birds
Which age group is more susceptible in birds?
Young birds (more than adults)
What Epizootic outbreaks of Aspergillus fumigatus infection in Poultry
brooder pneumonia
What unique form occurs in turkey poults on infection of Aspergillus fumigatum?
Encephalitic aspergillosis
How does Aspergillus fumigatus affect lambs?
Causes pulmonary infections
Where is it found in ewes/fetal sheep?
In amniotic fluid, skin, and lungs
What is the primary antifungal used against Aspergillus fumigatus?
Amphotericin B and Ketoconazole
