How do you identify Aspergillus fumigatus?
Identification of A. fumigatus is based predominantly upon the morphology of the conidia and conidiophores. The organism is characterized by green echinulate conidia, 2.5 to 3 μm in diameter, produced in chains basipetally from greenish phialides, 6 to 8 by 2 to 3 μm in size.
What does chitin synthase do?
Chitin synthases (CHSs) are key enzymes in the biosynthesis of chitin, an important structural component of fungal cell walls that can trigger innate immune responses in host plants and animals. Members of CHS gene family perform various functions in fungal cellular processes.
What is the shape of Aspergillus fumigatus?
The genus Aspergillus is characterized by the formation of flask-shaped or cylindrical phialides either in a single or double series on the surface of a vesicle at the apex of a conidiophore (Raper and Fennell 1965).
How does Aspergillus fumigatus grow?
fumigatus grows optimally at 37°C and a pH 3.7 to 7.6, it can be isolated wherever decaying vegetation and soil reach temperatures range between 12° and 65°C [9] and the pH ranges between 2.1–8.8 [10].
What does Aspergillus look like under microscope?
Morphology of Aspergillus Niger Like others, Aspergillus niger are filamentous fungi, which means that they tend to form filaments (hyphae) and thus resemble the structure of a plant. When viewed under the microscope, A. niger consists of a smooth and colorless conidiophores and spores.
Where is chitin synthase produced?
rough endoplasmic reticulum
Chitin Synthase is manufactured in the rough endoplasmic reticulum of fungi as the inactive form, zymogen. The zymogen is then packaged into chitosomes in the golgi apparatus. Chitosomes bring the zymogen to the hyphal tip of a mold or yeast cell membrane.
What is chitin synthesis?
Chitin synthesis is performed by a wide range of organisms including fungi and insects. The underlying biosynthetic machinery is highly conserved and involves several enzymes, of which the chitin synthase is the key enzyme. This membrane integral glycosyltransferase catalyzes the polymerization reaction.
How do you identify Aspergillus on a microscope?
Microscopic characteristics for the identification were conidial heads, stipes, color and length vesicles shape and seriation, metula covering, conidia size, shape and roughness also colony features including diameter after 7 days, color of conidia, mycelia, exudates and reverse, colony texture and shape.
Where does Aspergillus fumigatus come from?
Aspergillus fumigatus is a species of fungus. It can be found throughout the environment, including in soil, plant matter, and household dust. The fungus can also produce airborne spores called conidia. Most people can inhale many of these spores on a daily basis.
Where is Aspergillus fumigatus mold found?
In most cases, aspergillosis is caused by a type of mold called Aspergillus fumigatus. Aspergillus mold can often be found on dead leaves, compost piles and other decaying vegetable matter, stored grain, and even foods and spices. The mold spores may be carried indoors on shoes and clothing and can grow on carpeting.
What is the appearance of Aspergillus?
Surface: Initially white and then any shade of yellow, green, brown, or black, depending on species. Texture is velvety or cottony.
What is the function of chitin in fungi?
Chitin is a natural polymer found in fungi cell wall, exoskeletons of insects, and the shells of crustaceans. The main function of chitin is to provide protection and strength to fragile bodies of these organisms.
Where is chitin synthesized?
In most fungi, chitin and cell wall synthesis occurs at sites of polarised growth. During early bud growth, cell wall material is deposited at the bud tip [12]. A period of isotropic growth occurs in large budded cells where material is deposited over the entire bud surface.
What is chitin synthase inhibitors?
Chitin synthesis inhibitors are chemically diverse compounds that affect reproduction and development of chitin synthesizing organism to varying degrees (see Table 1). Some of them are efficient fungicides and impair septum and cell wall formation.
How do you get rid of Aspergillus fumigatus?
The most effective treatment is a newer antifungal drug, voriconazole (Vfend). Amphotericin B is another option. All antifungal drugs can have serious side effects, including kidney and liver damage. Interactions between antifungal drugs and other medications are also common.
What kills Aspergillus fungus?
Triazole antifungal drugs, commonly called azoles, are the primary treatment for aspergillosis. Azole-resistant A. fumigatus infections are difficult to treat, and these patients are up to 33% more likely to die than patients with infections that can be treated with azoles.
What color is Aspergillus fumigatus?
TABLE 1. The color of the colony in various Aspergillus species
| SPECIES | SURFACE | REVERSE |
|---|---|---|
| A. flavus | Yellow-green | Goldish to red brown |
| A. fumigatus | Blue-green to gray | White to tan |
| A. glaucus group | Green with yellow areas | Yellowish to brown |
| A. nidulans | Green, buff to yellow | Purplish red to olive |