Short answer · Medically reviewed summary · Last updated: 2026-05-08
Aspergillosis is an infection caused by the inhalation of spores from the Aspergillus mold, which is ubiquitous in the environment. While most people breathe in these spores daily without consequence, individuals with weakened immune systems or underlying lung conditions are at a significantly higher risk of developing severe, invasive forms of the disease. What causes Aspergillosis? The primary cause of Aspergillosis is the inhalation of microscopic fungal spores belonging to the Aspergillus genus.
14 people with Aspergillosis have shared their first-person experience on this question at DiseaseMaps.
Which are the causes of Aspergillosis?
Causes of Aspergillosis explained: genetic and environmental factors, reviewed against medical sources, plus patient perspectives.
Aspergillosis is an infection caused by the inhalation of spores from the Aspergillus mold, which is ubiquitous in the environment. While most people breathe in these spores daily without consequence, individuals with weakened immune systems or underlying lung conditions are at a significantly higher risk of developing severe, invasive forms of the disease.
What causes Aspergillosis?
The primary cause of Aspergillosis is the inhalation of microscopic fungal spores belonging to the Aspergillus genus. In healthy individuals, the immune system effectively clears these spores. However, in vulnerable patients, these spores can germinate and invade tissues, potentially spreading to the nervous system or skeletal system, which can lead to complications like the severe headache, eye protrusion, and loss of consciousness sometimes associated with invasive Aspergillosis.
Is Aspergillosis genetic or hereditary?
Aspergillosis is not a genetic disease and is not inherited. It is an opportunistic infection rather than a condition caused by chromosomal mutations or inherited gene defects. While researchers are studying whether certain genetic variations in the immune system might make some individuals more susceptible to fungal infections, the disease itself is strictly external in origin.
What are the primary risk factors for Aspergillosis?
Understanding the difference between a cause (the mold spores) and a risk factor (the condition that allows the mold to grow) is vital for patients. Risk factors for Aspergillosis include:
- Prolonged neutropenia (low white blood cell counts) often caused by chemotherapy.
- Long-term use of high-dose corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive medications.
- Pre-existing structural lung diseases such as COPD, cystic fibrosis, or previous tuberculosis.
- Organ or stem cell transplantation.
How is the etiology of Aspergillosis being researched?
Current research into Aspergillosis focuses on early diagnostic markers and overcoming antifungal resistance. Because Aspergillosis can affect complex areas like the nervous system, clinical trials are investigating more effective delivery methods for treatments like Itraconazole. Currently, over 497 members of the DiseaseMaps.org community are sharing their experiences with Aspergillosis, providing valuable real-world data to help researchers understand the disease's progression.
Next steps
- Consult an infectious disease specialist or neurosurgeon if you experience persistent neurological symptoms.
- Discuss your specific immune status with your care team to mitigate environmental exposure.
- Connect with the 497 members in the DiseaseMaps.org community to share support and insights.
- Regularly monitor your treatment adherence if you have been prescribed Itraconazole.
Medical disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
References
- NIH Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD): Aspergillosis overview.
- Orphanet: Rare infectious diseases database.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Fungal Diseases - Aspergillosis.
- PubMed: Clinical reviews on invasive aspergillosis in the nervous system.
Posted Sep 11, 2017 by Michele 2656
Posted Oct 18, 2017 by Vaughan 2500
I do know that hypersensitive pneumonitis can be contracted from being a baker(flour dust) or worm beds or farmer or any other life activity that causes constant irritation to lungs. Oftentimes people who keep birds can catch this condition from the bird droppings. Apparently even a hot tub that is mismanaged with its chemicals can give someone hypersensitive pneumonitis aspergillus.
Posted Oct 21, 2017 by Boni 1450
Also some who have damage to their lungs
Posted Nov 9, 2017 by Sam 2500
Posted Aug 14, 2018 by StuartMcKelvie 4050
Posted Aug 8, 2019 by Patricia Fletcher 2500
1. Undergoing a medical procedure that renders them severely immunocompromised
2. Have inherited a set of 'susceptibility genes'
3. Have pre-existing lung damage eg Tb scars, COPD
Aspergillosis is caused by the fungus Aspergillus and its spores are present in virtually all of the air we all breathe, consequently, we cannot avoid breathing them in completely. This is the main route of infection.
Aspergillus is more plentiful in the air around disturbed soils and areas where there is lots of rotting vegetation. Damp homes and places of work also often have increased levels of Aspergillus spores in the air. It is unlikely that someone who does not have one of the above list of risk factors will get aspergillosis although they might be at risk of a sinus infection.
Clearly, if someone who has one of the risk factors were to enter a damp building then they would be at increased risk of getting aspergillosis.
Posted Oct 16, 2019 by GAtherton 3100
Posted Oct 17, 2019 by Linda Galbraith 2500
Posted Oct 18, 2019 by Mubashar Iqbal 800
If you have asthma, your lungs are compromised.
You shouldn't use, potting mix, compost, or dig. soil, particularly in enclosed places.
Posted Oct 19, 2019 by Pam Mars 2500
Childhood asthma
Stressful life
Poor diet
Posted Feb 14, 2020 by Peta 3110
Posted Feb 15, 2020 by Dayna 1700
Posted Aug 25, 2020 by Coco2020 1000
Posted Oct 26, 2017 by Antônio 200
