Aspergillus ochraceus

Aspergillus ochraceus is a mold species in the genus Aspergillus known to produce the toxin ochratoxinA, one of the most abundant food-contaminating mycotoxins, and citrinin. It is a filamentous fungus in nature and has characteristic biseriate conidiophores. In humans and animals the consumption of this fungus produces chronic neurotoxic, immunosuppressive, genotoxic, carcinogenic and teratogenic effects.

Characteristics
Shape and Size
irregular in shape,. Conidia dimensions: 2.5 - 3 microns up to 1 mm diam.
Genome Information
whole genome not found
Food Source
wheat
Pathological Factor
The major toxin produced by A. ochraceus and the other closely related species is ochratoxin A. There are three toxins, ochratoxin A, B and C. This organism also produces Penicillic acid, a mycotoxin of lower toxicity. Other reported metabolites are xanthomegnin and viomellein.
Disease
bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, lung inflammation,
Symptoms
listlessness, emaciation, dehydration, and occasional diarrhea.
Affected Body Organs
lungs, gastro intestinal organs

Classification
Kingdom Fungi
Division Ascomycota
Class Eurotiomycetes
Order Eurotiales
Family Trichocomaceae
Genus Aspergillus
Species A. Ochraceus