Aspergillus

Question 1

To which phylum does Aspergillus belong?

Answer 1

Aspergillus belongs to the phylum Ascomycota.

Question 2

Where is Aspergillus commonly found?

Answer 2

Aspergillus is found in air, soil, and animal feed.

Question 3

When does Aspergillus cause opportunistic infections in animals?

Answer 3

Under stress, excessive fungal exposure, or prolonged antibiotic/corticosteroid therapy.

Question 4

Which Aspergillus species produce aflatoxins?

Answer 4

Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus produce aflatoxins.

Question 5

What condition do aflatoxins from Aspergillus cause in animals?

Answer 5

Acute or chronic aflatoxicosis (especially in swine, cattle, and poultry)

Question 6

What diseases does Aspergillus cause in cattle?

Answer 6

Abortions, pulmonary/cutaneous aspergillosis, rumenitis, gastritis, and mastitis.

Question 7

How does Aspergillus affect lambs?

Answer 7

Causes generalized infections.

Question 8

What reproductive issue does Aspergillus cause in mares?

Answer 8

Abortions.

Question 9

What clinical sign is seen in foals with Aspergillus infection?

Answer 9

Persistent diarrhea.

Question 10

What organ system does Aspergillus target in cats?

Answer 10

The lungs (pulmonary disease).

Question 11

What specific fungal condition does Aspergillus cause in horses?

Answer 11

Guttural pouch mycosis.

Question 12

What structure confirms identification of the Aspergillus genus?

Answer 12

Presence of conidiophores

Question 13

What is the distinctive shape of Aspergillus fumigatus conidiophores?

Answer 13

Flask-shaped

Question 14

What hyphal feature is characteristic in aspergillosis lesions?

Answer 14

Short, thick, septate hyphae

Question 15

Which fungal enzyme is associated with tissue damage in aspergillosis?

Answer 15

Elastase

Question 16

All Aspergillus species have identical conidiophore shapes. (T/F)

Answer 16

False

Question 17

One of the most important fungal pathogens in animals (Aspergillus)

Answer 17

Aspergillus fumigatus

Question 18

Which birds are particularly susceptible to Aspergillus fumigatus infections?

Answer 18

Poultry and captive penguins (causes respiratory disease)

Question 19

What structures give Aspergillus fumigatus colonies their green color?

Answer 19

Dark green conidia (spores) on swollen hyphal tips

Question 20

What are the characteristics of Aspergillus fumigatus hyphae?

Answer 20

Nonpigmented, branched, and septate

Question 21

What stain causes a deep red color of Aspergillus fumigatus?

Answer 21

periodic acid-Schiff (PAS)

Question 22

What stain causes a deep brown/black color of Aspergillus fumigatus?

Answer 22

silver impregnation.

Question 23

What media is used for rapid growth of Aspergillus fumigatus?

Answer 23

Sabouraud agar

Question 24

What major antigens does Aspergillus fumigatus contain?

Answer 24

Galactomannan and protein antigens

Question 25

What immune responses do Aspergillus fumigatus antigens trigger?

Answer 25

Immediate/delayed hypersensitivity

Question 26

How is Aspergillus fumigatus transmitted to birds?

Answer 26

Contaminated feed/moldy litter and Airborne conidia

Question 27

Which avian species are affected by Aspergillus fumigatus?

Answer 27

Chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, pigeons, canaries, wild birds

Question 28

Which age group is more susceptible in birds?

Answer 28

Young birds (more than adults)

Question 29

What Epizootic outbreaks of Aspergillus fumigatus infection in Poultry

Answer 29

brooder pneumonia

Question 30

What unique form occurs in turkey poults on infection of Aspergillus fumigatum?

Answer 30

Encephalitic aspergillosis

Question 31

How does Aspergillus fumigatus affect lambs?

Answer 31

Causes pulmonary infections

Question 32

Where is it found in ewes/fetal sheep?

Answer 32

In amniotic fluid, skin, and lungs

Question 33

What is the primary antifungal used against Aspergillus fumigatus?

Answer 33

Amphotericin B and Ketoconazole