This month’s Microbe has been guest-chosen by Shani from Aeris Environmental. Shani graduated with a Health Sciences Degree from the University of Central Florida in 2015 and currently works as an Air Quality Applied Scientist in Queensland.
Microbe Name: Aspergillus spp.
Classification: Fungi
Cultured from / Found in: HVAC Coils, Filters, Grilles and Diffusers
Associated Health Risks: Allergic Reactions, Lung Infections, Infections in other Organs
Shani says, “Aspergillus spp. is a fungi that we often come across, due to HVAC-related moisture/condensation or poor hygiene maintenance.
This common pathogenic fungi grows easily within facilities around North Queensland due to the warm, humid conditions. Even in facilities with low humidity, some xerophilic Aspergillus species may grow on a wide range of substrates with limited moisture.
Poor hygiene maintenance and dust build-up provides the nutrient for this fungi to proliferate indoors.
Annual air and surface microbial sampling should be collected to identify indoor microbial levels, particularly in healthcare facilities with immunocompromised occupants. Air quality professionals should be engaged for testing and remediation.
Should mould be identified in your facility, an antimicrobial product should be applied on all affected surfaces to kill the microbes and prevent regrowth, such as Aeris Mould Pro™ ."
Health Risks
The types of health problems caused by Aspergillus include allergic reactions, lung infections, and infections in other organs [1].

Illustration depicting pulmonary aspergillosis, a lung infection by Aspergillus mould. Picture: Shutterstock.
Population genomics confirms acquisition of drug-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus infection by humans from the environment
This new paper from researchers at Imperial College London in the UK warns that a drug-resistant mould is spreading from the environment into vulnerable people's lungs. [3]
Aspergillosis is an infection caused by this type of mould (fungus). The illnesses resulting from aspergillosis infection usually affect the respiratory system, but their signs and severity vary greatly.
The Aspergillus mould that triggers the illnesses, is everywhere — indoors and outdoors. Most strains of this mould are harmless, but a few can cause serious illnesses when people with weakened immune systems, underlying lung disease or asthma inhale their fungal spores.
In some people, the spores trigger an allergic reaction. Other people develop mild to serious lung infections. The most serious form of aspergillosis — invasive aspergillosis — occurs when the infection spreads to blood vessels and beyond.
Depending on the type of aspergillosis, treatment may involve observation, antifungal medications or, in rare cases, surgery. [2]
Summary
Safe indoor air from a serviced HVAC system means a lower particle count, less breathing difficulties for building occupants and prevents serious health complications for the immunocompromised. As a product partner of Aeris Environmental, Clean-Air takes full advantage their product range to provide targeted and effective mould remediation, having the knowledge and expertise to test, treat and eliminate serious mould-related risks within your HVAC system. For Indoor Air Quality Testing and Remediation contact our team today.
[1] https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/diseases/aspergillosis/index.html [2] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/aspergillosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20369619 [3] https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/7716705/serious-lung-infections-linked-to-mould/ | Aeris Environmental on LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/company/aeris-environmental/ | Aeris Mould Pro Product: Aeris Mould Pro™