Final answer:
The ascomycete fungus that can cause a respiratory infection from bat droppings is Histoplasma capsulatum, which leads to the disease known as histoplasmosis.
Step-by-step explanation:
The ascomycete fungus associated with bat droppings that can cause a respiratory infection if inhaled is Histoplasma capsulatum. This dimorphic fungus thrives in environments rich in bird or bat droppings and can lead to a respiratory infection known as histoplasmosis. While it typically grows as mycelium outdoors, when the spores are inhaled, they transition into a yeast form at body temperature, which can then multiply in the lungs. This shift allows the fungus to cause a chronic lung disease that presents with symptoms similar to influenza. Antifungal drugs like amphotericin B are often used to control such infections.