Abstract
Abstract A description is provided for Aspergillus fumigatus . Information is included on the disease caused by the organism, its transmission, geographical distribution, and hosts. HOSTS: Common as a saprophyte in soil and fermenting vegetable matter. Pathogenic to mammals (including man), birds and insects. DISEASES: The most serious diseases caused by this fungus are the acute and chronic infections of the respiratory system (aspergillosis, aspergilloma) of man (Austwick, 1965; and many other references, e.g., RMVM 3, 677; 4, 316; 4, 549, 551) and animals (Ainsworth & Austwick, 1959; Austwick, 1965). It may also infect the cardiovascular, digestive, genital, musculoskeletal, nervous, and urinary systems, such infections usually following haematogenous spread of the pathogen from a primary focus in the lungs or air sacs. It is the most common cause of mycotic abortion in cattle (Ainsworth & Austwick, 1959; Austwick, RMVM 5, 660; Dijkstra; RMVM 5, 92) and less often in horses (Hensel et al. ; RMVM 4, 1227). Aspergillus fumigatus may also infect the ear (otomycosis) and mastoid cavity, the eye and sinuses (mycoses). Aspergillosis is a major disease of birds and is a cause of considerable losses in the poultry industry, particularly of very young birds (brooder pneumonia) (Vertinskii et al. ; RMVM 5, 758; Vallejo; 5, 940). It is also common in captive wild birds, especially water birds (Ainsworth & Rewell; RMVM 1, 2090; Dathe; 4, 1948; Saez; 4, 811), but reports of infections in free-living wild birds are more rare (Beer; RMVM 4, 2177; McDiarmid; 2, 1761; Rosen, 5, 558). A. fumigatus also invades eggs. Aspergillus fumigatus spores may induce allergic reactions in man, resulting in hay fever, asthma or allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis. It also produces toxins (Ainsworth & Austwick, 1959; Austwick, 1965). GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION: World-wide. TRANSMISSION: Soil and air-borne. Disease incidence appears to be related to heavy infection from house dust, mouldy hay or straw, litter, or feeding stuffs (Austwick, 1965; Austwick, RMVM 5, 3b).
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