Traumatization of skin tissue results in infection that begins as small, purplish, ulcerated lesions, which soon become necrotic and spread to lymph nodes. Localized pulmonary infection is often mistaken for TB whilst the disseminated form can affect any organ of the body. Intravenous Amphotericin B is used as treatment. The nephrotoxic effects of this drug need to be considered if used for long periods. Aspergillus fumigatus is the most virulent species but A. niger and A. flavus may also be involved in infections.
Lung infection is characterized by granulomatous lesions in the lung parenchyma.
The prognosis in pulmonary infection is very poor . Nystatin and Amphotericin B have been used as treatments with only some success whilst steroids have been shown to relieve airway obstruction. In addition to the above, there also exists the very real opportunity for introduction of pathogenic organisms into growing fields and nurseries . The worst scenario may be the introduction of crop pathogens into fields or areas that are currently free of the disease-causing pathogens . Conclusions There are too many bacteria and fungi to mention in this short overview that can cause serious, debilitating and often fatal diseases of humans and animals.