Aspergillus niveus

Aspergillus niveus is a species of fungus in the genus Aspergillus, belonging to the family Aspergillaceae. It is known for its ability to produce a variety of secondary metabolites, including several that are biologically active.

Taxonomy

The species was first described in 1965 by the mycologist R. Thom and Church. The specific epithet niveus is derived from the Latin word for "snowy", referring to the white to cream color of the colonies.

Description

Aspergillus niveus is characterized by its white to cream-colored colonies, which can reach a diameter of up to 25 mm in seven days. The conidiophores are hyaline, smooth-walled, and bear a vesicle at the apex. The conidia are globose to subglobose, smooth-walled, and measure 2.5–3.5 µm in diameter.

Distribution and habitat

Aspergillus niveus is a cosmopolitan species, found in a wide range of habitats worldwide. It has been isolated from soil, plant debris, and indoor environments.

Pathogenicity

While Aspergillus niveus is not typically pathogenic to humans, it can cause opportunistic infections in immunocompromised individuals. It has also been implicated in cases of onychomycosis and otomycosis.

Secondary metabolites

Aspergillus niveus is known to produce a variety of secondary metabolites, including the antibiotic aspergillic acid and the mycotoxin sterigmatocystin. The latter is a potent carcinogen and has been linked to liver and lung cancer in laboratory animals.

See also

• Aspergillus
• Aspergillaceae
• Mycology