During a routine examination of a patient with a prolonged cough and low-grade fever, a medical assistant collects a sputum sample. Microscopic examination of the specimen reveals branching septate hyphae bearing spores. Which class of infectious agent is most likely responsible for the patient's respiratory symptoms?
Branching hyphae and externally borne reproductive spores are characteristic of filamentous fungi (molds) such as Aspergillus or Histoplasma. Viruses and protozoa never produce hyphae or spores. Some bacteria can form internal endospores, but they do not grow as visible, branching filaments in clinical specimens. Therefore, a fungal pathogen is the most probable cause of this presentation.
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