Aspergillus versicolor

A rapidly growing fungus that produces a variable pigmented colony within fourteen days, when incubated at 25oC (77oF). It is commonly found worldwide but especially in the tropical and subtropical regions. It can be isolated from air, soil, desert soil, sand dunes, mangrove swamps, salt marshes, sewage, caves and mines, seawater, bird feathers, animal dung, moldy hay, fodder, fruit juices, rotting military equipment, optical equipment, meat products, spices, and plants. It can produce the mycotoxins sterigmatocystin and cyclopiaxonic which are associated with human disease. Both mycotoxins are liver and kidney carcinogens. Rarely, it can be an opportunistic human pathogen.

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