Aspergillosis: A Mycotic Zoonotic Disease

Aspergillus species are among the most prevalent of the saprophytic moulds. Despite the genus having more than 190 species, only a small portion of these have been linked to opportunistic infections in both animals and people. The species that invades tissue the most frequently is Aspergillus fumigatus. Aspergilli are common soil inhabitants and are also found in large numbers in decomposing organic matter. Aspergillus fumigatus often occurs in overheated, poor-quality hay and in compost heaps. Spores of Aspergillus species are present in dust and air. It causes respiratory infections that are contracted through spore inhalatio