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Microbes in the Environment
"[The] ability to inactivate microbes in the environment on a continuous basis is important because bacteria, including MRSA, can survive in a variety of conditions for long periods of time and can spread via dust particles, clothing, furniture, or hospital equipment that have been in contact with infected patients..."
Dr. Charles P. Gerba PhD
Professor of Environmental Microbiology
University of Arizona
Black mold (Aspergillus niger) - fruiting structure and spores. Aspergillus niger is a ubiquitous soil fungus that is commonly found in indoor environments, where its black colonies can be confused with those of Stachybotrys spp. The conidiophore (fruiting structure) is the swollen end of a hyphae (the fungal vegetative structure) from which radiate numerous sterigmata (short lengths of narrow hyphae) ending in short chains of conidia (spores). Aspergillus species are common saprophytic molds that grow in household dust, soil, and decaying vegetable matter, including stale food. Some species cause a variety of diseases in humans, including: otomycosis, a chronic fungal growth of the passage into the ear; allergic aspergillosis, a hypersensitive reaction (lung disease) provoked by repeated inhalation of Aspergillus spores. Some strains of A.niger have been reported to produce potent mycotoxins called ochratoxins. Various strains of A. niger are used in the industrial preparation of citric acid and gluconic acid.
Magnification: x300
Copyright Dennis Kunkel Microscopy, Inc.
This image is the property of Dennis Kunkel and Dennis Kunkel Microscopy, Inc. The image is copyrighted and any reproduction without direct approval is expressly prohibited.
For permission to license and use this image, please contact Dennis Kunkel:
Dennis Kunkel Microscopy, Inc.
P.O. Box 2008
Kailua, HI 96734
Phone: 808-263-0583
Email: kunkel@denniskunkel.com
www.denniskunkel.com
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