Aspergillus fumigatus

Aspergillus fumigatus; A. fumigatus

Aspergillus fumigatus is a widespread saprobe that breaks down organic material in soil. The conidia of this fungus are ubiquitous in the atmosphere and commonly inhaled. In healthy individuals, A. fumigatus can cause allergic reactions or localized infections. In the immunocompromised, however, it can cause invasive aspergillosis, an increasingly frequent and often fatal diease.