Britannica AI Icon

Quick Summary

Aspergillus niger is a type of fungus belonging to the genus Aspergillus. This fungus is known for causing black mold on food. It is also one of the species, along with A. flavus and A. fumigatus, that can cause aspergillosis in humans.12

Aspergillosis is a group of diseases caused by Aspergillus fungi, which are common in the air. While many people inhale Aspergillus without issue, it can lead to allergic reactions, mild pneumonia, or severe, widespread infections, particularly in individuals with compromised immune systems. The fungus can enter the body through inhalation or wounds.2

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
2 Britannica Sources
  1. Aspergillus
  2. aspergillosis

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.