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| This species is considered
common to indoor environments. It is widespread in cultivated
soils, but has also been documented in uncultivated soils,
grains, and salted food products. It is not usually associated
with decaying vegetation. This fungus has an Aw (water
activity) of 0.77 with conidia (spores) having dimensions
of 2.5 - 3 microns. It is reported to be allergenic. It
has not been reported as causing any invasive disease
to date. This fungus can also produce ochratoxin A, which
may produce ochratoxicosis in humans. This is also known
as Balkan nephropathy, a disorder that affects the kidneys.
The toxin is produced at optimum growth conditions at
25 degrees C and high moisture conditions. The ochratoxin
may also be produced by other Aspergillus sp. and Penicillium
sp. Other toxins which can be produced by this fungus
include penicillic acid, xanthomegnin and viomellein.
These are all reported to be kidney and liver toxins. |
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