Anyone working with such decaying plant material may be subject to potential health hazards arising from Aspergillus . Physicians have found these spores in the ears, nose and lungs of humans. While Aspergillus is considered opportunistic fungi, most people are naturally immune and do not develop Aspergillus related disease, Aspergillosis . The severity of Aspergillosis is related to various factors including the state of an individual's immune system or the presence of a predisposed condition. Thus, persons with compromised immune systems are at greater risk of infection.
Most initial infections are as result of inhalation of spores and involve the respiratory system.
When the disease does occur, it takes several forms. Aspergillosis can range from sinusitis conditions to pulmonary infections as severe as pneumonia. Allergic aspergillosis typically becomes chronic. Continued colonization of the spores in the body may result in the continuation of a chronic condition or can become invasive. 2 Aspergillus disease can occur in the sinuses leading to Aspergillus Sinusitis .