Aspergillus terreus
Encyclopedia
Aspergillus terreus is a fungus
(mold) commonly used in industry to produce important organic acids, such as itaconic acid
and cis-aconitic acid
. It was also the initial source for the drug mevinolin (lovastatin
), a drug for lowering serum cholesterol
. A. terreus may cause opportunistic infection
in people with deficient immune systems. It is refractory to amphotericin B
therapy.
Fungus
A fungus is a member of a large group of eukaryotic organisms that includes microorganisms such as yeasts and molds , as well as the more familiar mushrooms. These organisms are classified as a kingdom, Fungi, which is separate from plants, animals, and bacteria...
(mold) commonly used in industry to produce important organic acids, such as itaconic acid
Itaconic acid
Itaconic acid, or methylenesuccinic acid, is an organic compound. Itaconic acid is a white crystalline powder. Itaconic acid is a naturally occurring compound, non-toxic, and readily biodegradable. The name itaconic was devised as an anagram of aconitic.Historically, itaconic acid was obtained by...
and cis-aconitic acid
Aconitic acid
Aconitic acid is an organic acid. The two isomers are cis-aconitic acid and trans-aconitic acid. The conjugate base of cis-aconitic acid, cis-aconitate is an intermediate in the isomerization of citrate to isocitrate in the citric acid cycle...
. It was also the initial source for the drug mevinolin (lovastatin
Lovastatin
Lovastatin is a member of the drug class of statins, used for lowering cholesterol in those with hypercholesterolemia and so preventing cardiovascular disease...
), a drug for lowering serum cholesterol
Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a complex isoprenoid. Specifically, it is a waxy steroid of fat that is produced in the liver or intestines. It is used to produce hormones and cell membranes and is transported in the blood plasma of all mammals. It is an essential structural component of mammalian cell membranes...
. A. terreus may cause opportunistic infection
Opportunistic infection
An opportunistic infection is an infection caused by pathogens, particularly opportunistic pathogens—those that take advantage of certain situations—such as bacterial, viral, fungal or protozoan infections that usually do not cause disease in a healthy host, one with a healthy immune system...
in people with deficient immune systems. It is refractory to amphotericin B
Amphotericin B
Amphotericin B is a polyene antifungal drug, often used intravenously for systemic fungal infections...
therapy.