Cryptococcus and Histoplasma Risk Awareness

Certain fungi found in the environment can become an indoor air quality or occupational exposure concern when contaminated soil, dust, bird droppings, bat droppings, or decaying organic material are disturbed. Two organisms often discussed in these exposure settings are Cryptococcus neoformans and Histoplasma capsulatum.

Cryptococcus neoformans is an environmental yeast/fungus associated with soil, bird droppings, decaying wood, and some trees. Exposure can occur when microscopic fungal particles become airborne and are inhaled. In susceptible individuals, Cryptococcus can cause serious infection, most commonly affecting the lungs or central nervous system. CDC notes that Cryptococcus is found in the environment and infection can occur after inhaling spores.

Histoplasma capsulatum is a fungus associated with soil and environmental material enriched with bird or bat droppings. Activities such as demolition, renovation, excavation, cleanup of droppings, HVAC disruption, or remediation work may increase exposure risk when contaminated material becomes airborne. NIOSH notes that Histoplasma grows especially well in soil or environmental material containing large amounts of bird or bat droppings.

Air Allergen provides environmental microbiology analysis to help clients better understand potential fungal contamination concerns in buildings, workspaces, and remediation environments.