Unexpected mould species isolated from drinking water
Micrograph of the mould Aspergillus ustus
Photo: Ida Skaar, National Veterinary Institute
Results from the project "Moulds in Norwegian drinking water" at the National Veterinary Institute demonstrated that moulds were commonly present in water from all parts of the investigated drinking water distribution systems. A total of 106 different mould species were identified, and the genera Trichoderma, Penicillium and Aspergillus were dominating. An unexpected result was the recovery of Aspergillus ustus, especially in ground water. This species is common in soil, but has, to our knowledge, not been isolated from drinking water previously. Aspergillus ustus seems to have the ability to adapt and survive at high temperatures since it was often isolated from hot-tap water. The recovery of A. ustus is of particular interest because it has been reported from infections in humans and appears to be an emerging pathogen in immunosuppressed patients.
An unexpected result was the recovery of Aspergillus ustus, especially in ground water. This species is common in soil, but has, to our knowledge, not been isolated from drinking water previously. Aspergillus ustus seems to have the ability to adapt and survive at high temperatures since it was often isolated from hot-tap water. The recovery of A. ustus is of particular interest because it has been reported from infections in humans and appears to be an emerging pathogen in immunosuppressed patients.
Contact persons
Gunhild Hageskal, research scientist, Section for Mycology
Tel: + 47 23216253
E-mail: gunhild.hageskal@vetinst.no
Ida Skaar, Head of section, Section for Mycology
Tel: + 47 23216244
E-mail: ida.skaar@vetinst.no
