In the United Kingdom, A. fumigatus is the most common species causing disease. The organism can infect the lungs, inner ear, sinuses and, rarely, the eye of previously healthy persons. In the immunosuppressed host, Aspergillus can disseminate throughout the body. This is a systemic infection caused by the yeast Cryptococcus neoformans. The commonest manifestation is a subacute or chronic form of meningitis resulting from the inhalation of the organism.
Pulmonary infection can also occur.
The disease affects both healthy and immunosuppressed individuals and occurs world-wide. C. neoformans can be isolated in large numbers from pigeon droppings in the environment, although such birds do not appear to harbour the yeast. Other Fungal Related Disease Constant exposure to fungal spores in the atmosphere can induce respiratory allergies. Elevated antibodies to a range of common spore forming fungi have been demonstrated in occupational diseases such as Humidifier fever, Malt workers' lung and Wheat threshers' disease. Ergotism is caused by eating bread prepared from rye infected with the fungus Claviceps purpurea.