Aspergillus flavus/oryzae

Isolates of Aspergillus flavus and A. oryzae are morphologically indistinguishable. A. flavus can be found virtually anywhere on Earth and has been isolated from dry areas in Chile, antarctic lakes, humidifiers, plants, insects, animals, leather, feathers, cotton fabrics, paintings, etc. Distributions of A. flavus in American soils are more dense in the southern U.S. A. flavus can produce aflatoxins under some circumstances. Aflatoxin B1 is the most potent carcinogen (cancer-causing agent) known, and lethal doses of this compound are known to be extremely low in mice. In man, A. flavus can cause pulmonary aspergillosis and weakened patients can suffer from cutaneous, nasal and cerebral infections.