Researcher Information
Sharoni Michal
sharonim@mit.edu (123) 456-7890
The information provided below is for MIT researchers' use and is subject to change by EHS. For our legal disclaimer please see - http://ehs.mit.edu/site/content/legal-disclaimer
Agent Characteristics
Aspergillus flavus
SEE ASPERGILLUS SPP!!!
RG 2
Fungi
Yes   Yes   Yes      
Family: Trichocomaceae; Genus: Aspergillus.  A. flavus is a saprophyte (lives and feeds on dead organic matter). It causes disease in agriculture crops and is an opportunistic human and animal pathogen causing aspergillosis.  Many strains of A. flavus produce mycotoxins including aflatoxins B and G.
HumansAnimalsPlants
Aerosol / InhalationCut/ Needlestick / Non-intact skinMucous Membranes
Ubiquitous in nature.  Incubation: between 2 days and 3 months.  No person-to-person spread.
Health Hazards
Infection from inhalation of spores.  If allergy develops, may cause asthma-like symptoms (coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath) with possible permanent lung damage if chronic and untreated.  In immunocompromised individuals, may cause invasive pulmonary infection (fever, cough, chest pain) and/or disseminated infection (brain, skin, bone) which may be fatal.  Long term: Liver cancer from aflatoxin.
None available
None available
Antifungal treatments are available (e.g. voriconazole, Itraconazole, amphotericin B).  Inhaled or oral steroids may be needed for asthma-like symptoms.    
Containment
BSL 2
ABSL2
Viability
10% household bleach (~0.5% sodium hypochlorite)Fresh 2% glutaraldehyde (Gluterate / CIDEX)
60C for 45 minutes; 
Can survive in soil and decomposing vegetation.
Inhalation of air contaminated with A. flavus spores.
PPE/Containment
Wear gloves, lab coat, and appropriate lab attire (pants/long dress, closed toed shoes); eye protection, e.g. safety glasses, safety goggles recommended for liquids. Additional PPE may be required depending on lab specific SOPs for handling Aspergillus flavus.
Work in a Biosafety cabinet is mandatory, Minimize use of sharps, use centrifuge lids or safety cups.
HEPA filtration
Spill Procedures
Notify others working in the lab.  Allow aerosols to settle. Don appropriate PPE.  Cover area of the spill with paper towels and apply an EPA approved disinfectant, working from the perimeter towards the center.  Allow 10 minutes of contact time. Cleanup spill materials and dispose as biowaste. Surface disinfect 5-10 minutes. Remove PPE and wash hands.
For large volume spills or biological spills in a public area, contact MIT's Biosafety Program or the EHS office (617-452-3477) during normal business hours.  If the spill occurs after hours or on weekends, activate the EHS ON CALL system by dialing Operations 3-4948 (617-253-4948) or MIT Police by dialing 100 from a campus phone or 617-253-1212 from a mobile phone.
Exposure Procedures
Flush eyes, mouth, or nose for 15 minutes at eyewash station.
Wash area with soap and water and rinse/scrub for 5-10 minutes.
Immediately report incident to supervisor, PI, or EHS Representative. PI/supervisor must submit incident report in Atlas within 24 hours.
Medical Follow-up
9:00am-4:00pm, weekdays:
contact MIT Occupational Health:
Phone: 617-253-8552
Address: 25 Carleton Street, Building E23, Cambridge, MA 02142
website		 8:00am-8:00pm, weekdays
10:00am-4:00pm, weekends
MIT Health Urgent Care
phone: 617-253-1311
address: 25 Carleton Street, Building E23, Cambridge, MA 02142
Or call MIT Police 617-253-1212		 Emergencies:
Call 100 from a campus phone or
617-253-1212 from a mobile phone
Additional comments
References
1. Hedayati, M.T. et al. 2007.  Microbiology, 153, 1677-1692
2. https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/laboratory-biosafety-biosecurity/pathogen-safety-data-sheets-risk-assessment/aspergillus.html
3. MSD Manual
4. Heyman DL. Control of Communicable Diseases Manual (19th ed). American Public Health Association.  2008; pps  67-69.
Created on April  5, 2021 at 11:51 AM (EDT). Last updated by Sharoni, Michal on Nov. 19, 2025 at 10:17 AM (EST). Owned by Zhong, Lu.
Lu Zhong
Michal Sharoni
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