What disease is transmitted to humans by inhalation of airborne mold spores from soil contaminated by pigeon and starling droppings?

• A. Histoplasmosis
• B. Cryptococcosis
• C. Aspergillosis
• D. Psittacosis

Answer: (A)

Airborne inhalation of mold spores from soil enriched with bird droppings causes histoplasmosis. The fungus Histoplasma capsulatum thrives in soil that has accumulated droppings from birds such as pigeons and starlings. When this soil is disturbed, tiny mold spores become airborne and can be inhaled, leading to infection in the lungs and sometimes beyond. This exposure pattern—disturbing soil contaminated with pigeon or starling droppings and inhaling the released spores—is classic for histoplasmosis. Other diseases listed involve different organisms or transmission routes and don’t fit this exact combination of mold spores, soil, and specific bird droppings.