Aspergillus niger Introduction Aspergillus niger is a common filamentous fungus found widely in soil, air, and decaying organic matter. It is known for its black-colored spores and plays an important role in both industry and human health. Classification • Kingdom: Fungi • Phylum: Ascomycota • Genus: Aspergillus • Species: Aspergillus niger Characteristic Aspergillus niger has distinctive features: • It is a multicellular (filamentous) fungus • Produces septate hyphae • Forms black conidia on conidiophores • Grows rapidly on culture media • Tolerates a wide range of environmental conditions Habitat This fungus is commonly found in: • Soil • Air • Decaying fruits and vegetables • Stored food products Importance Industrial Importance Aspergillus niger is widely used in industry for the production of: • Citric acid • Enzymes such as amylase and proteas Medical Importance Although usually harmless, Aspergillus niger can act as an opportunistic pathogen, causing: • Otomycosis (ear infection) • Pulmonary aspergillosis in immunocompromised individuals Diagnosis Diagnosis involves: • Microscopic examination showing septate hyphae • Culture on Sabouraud dextrose agar • Observation of black conidial heads Treatment Treatment depends on the type of infection and may include: • Antifungal drugs such as itraconazole • Proper cleaning and hygiene Conclusion Aspergillus niger is an important fungus with beneficial industrial applications and potential health risks. Understanding its characteristics helps in proper identification and control. Al-Mustaqbal University is the first university in Iraq Department of Medical Laboratory Techniques – First in the Iraqi National Ranking.