Aspergillus calidoustus is a species of fungus in the section Ustus, which grows at 37 °C (formerly called A. ustus, a species that fails to grow at 37 °C) and exhibits high minimal inhibitory concentrations to azoles. It is considered an agent of opportunistic infection.
Laboratory identification Colonies can appear white and progress to brownish-yellow. Curved conidiophores and Hülle cells can be identified. The conidia are echinulated (spiny).
Survival in outer space A. calidoustus has been found to survive conditions resembling the surface of Mars, which poses contamination risks for future missions.
References
External links "Could an Earthly Fungus Contaminate Mars? NASA May Have Found One Hardy Enough." New York Times, April 24, 2026