Texas Mold Remediation Contractor State Practice Exam

Which fungus is associated with bird droppings?

1. Blastomyces

2. Coccidiodes

3. Histoplasma

4. Aspergillus

The correct answer is: Histoplasma

The correct answer is Histoplasma, which is a fungus that is commonly found in environments where bird droppings accumulate. This fungus thrives in soil enriched with organic matter, particularly in areas where there are large populations of birds, such as chicken coops, pigeon roosts, and bat caves. When the droppings dry and become disturbed, spores of Histoplasma can become airborne and inhaled, potentially leading to respiratory infections in humans. The unique association of Histoplasma with bird droppings is significant because it highlights a common exposure route for humans, especially in urban areas where bird populations are prevalent. Understanding this relationship is crucial for mold remediation contractors, as it guides them in assessing risk factors and contamination levels in environments where birds might contribute to mold issues. While Blastomyces, Coccidiodes, and Aspergillus are all significant fungi, they do not specifically correlate with bird droppings in the same way. Blastomyces is typically found in decaying organic matter, Coccidiodes is linked to arid, dusty environments, particularly in the southwestern United States, and Aspergillus is a common mold found in various decaying materials and indoor environments but is not specifically tied to bird droppings.