A fungal infection or disease caused by exposure to spores of Aspergillus fungi, which can affect the lungs and other organs.
Composed of 'Aspergillus' (the fungal genus) plus '-osis' (disease condition). First described medically in the 19th century as scientists began identifying fungal causes of illness, following improved microscopy and classification of fungi.
Aspergillosis became a significant occupational disease among grain handlers and farmers—their work exposed them to massive amounts of fungal spores. This connection between specific jobs and specific diseases was one of the first clues that led to understanding occupational health!
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