Who is at Risk for Non-Aspergillus Mold Infections?

Non-Aspergillus molds are abundant in our local environments. People are constantly exposed to them, yet most people do not develop serious infections. As mentioned, ringworm and other superficial infections can occur in people with normal immune systems, but we are not focused on those infections here.

These conditions prevent the immune system from performing optimally and allow for potential infection with non-Aspergillus molds.

Inoculation

Though most infections with non-Aspergillus molds occur in immunocompromised patients, anyone can get these infections, especially if directly inoculated with these fungi. Contaminated wounds—often because of traumatic injury—are a key entry point for non-Aspergillus molds to enter the human body. Environmental material (e.g., soil, water, plant matter) can enter the body after a car accident, extreme weather event, or other situation that causes trauma to a patient and exposure to environmental debris.

Reducing Risk for Non-Aspergillus Mold Infections 

If you have a weakened immune system, you are at higher risk for fungal infections. But you can take some steps to decrease the likelihood of developing one of these non-Aspergillus mold infections.

Things that might help reduce your risk include the following:

• Avoid areas with lots of dust (construction or excavation sites). If you can’t avoid these areas, consider wearing an N95 respirator or other isolation mask.
• Avoid home improvement projects likely to disrupt soil or other environmental substances. If these projects are necessary/unavoidable, consider wearing an N95 respirator and/or relocating to a safe space during construction.
• Installing an air filtration system is a consideration, but it is not necessary if the cost or disruption associated with installation is a concern.
• If you use a humidifier, clean reservoirs and filters regularly. These surfaces can be a source of bacteria, molds, and other causes of infection.
• During periods when you are very immunocompromised (discuss with a healthcare professional), avoid dusting, vacuuming, or other household chores likely to generate dust or other aerosolization of environmental substances (e.g., soil, water, plant material, etc.).
• Avoid yard work, gardening, or any other activity that causes disruption of soil. If that’s not possible:
  • Wear a mask.
  • Wear shoes, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt when doing outdoor work.
  • Wear gloves when handling soil, moss, manure, or other organic material.
  • Do not touch the soil of indoor plants or change the water in a vase of flowers.
• Clean skin injuries with soap and water especially if they involve soil or dust.
• Prophylactic (preventative) antifungal medication. If you have leukemia, are on certain types of chemotherapy, or are an organ transplant or stem cell transplant recipient, your healthcare provider may consider prescribing an antifungal medication to prevent fungal infections. This is not recommended for most patients, though may be considered in specific circumstances.