Aspergillus parasiticus

A moderately rapid growing fungus that produces a green colony within ten days, when incubated at 25oC (77oF). It is very common worldwide and can be isolated from air, soil, activated sludge, rice, pecans, groundnuts, insects, and bird feathers. It produces aflatoxins which are very toxic to man, animals, fish, insects, and birds. Production of aflatoxins is dependent upon the substrate present and the growth conditions (temperature, relative humidity, etc.). Aflatoxins are toxic to the liver. They are teratogenic, mutagenic, and a known animal and suspected human carcinogen. Exposure to the aflatoxins occurs primarily when contaminated food is ingested. Rarely, it can be an opportunistic human pathogen.

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