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Madsen AM, Crook B. Occupational exposure to fungi on recyclable paper pots and growing media and associated health effects - A review of the literature. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 788:147832. [PMID: 34034170 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.147832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Different types of pots and growing and casing media, including biodegradable materials, are used for plant and mushroom production. The fungus Peziza ostracoderma has gained attention for its visible growth on growing media for plants and casing media for mushrooms. Through a review of the literature we aim to evaluate whether exposure to fungi from recyclable pots and different growing and casing media occurs and causes occupational health effects. Based on the published papers, specific fungal species were not related to a specific medium. Thus P. ostracoderma has been found on paper pots, peat, sterilized soil, vermiculite, and rockwool with plants, and on peat, pumice, and paper casing for mushrooms. It has been found in high concentrations in the air in mushroom farms. Also Acremonium spp., Aspergillus niger, A. fumigatus, Athelia turficola, Aureobasidium pullulans, Chaetomium globosum, Chrysonilia sitophila, Cladosporium spp., Cryptostroma corticale, Lecanicillium aphanocladii, Sporothrix schenckii, Stachybotrys chartarum, and Trichoderma spp. have been found on different types of growing or casing media. Most of the fungi have also been found in the air in greenhouses, but the knowledge about airborne fungal species in mushroom farms is very limited. Eight publications describe cases of health effects associated directly with exposure to fungi from pots or growing or casing media. These include cases of hypersensitivity pneumonitis caused by exposure to: A. fumigatus, A. niger, Au. pullulans, Cr. corticale, P. ostracoderma, and a mixture of fungi growing on different media. Different approaches have been used to avoid growth of saprophytes including: chemical fungicides, the formulation of biodegradable pots and growing media and types of peat. To increase the sustainability of growing media different types of media are tested for their use and with the present study we highlight the importance of also considering the occupational health of the growers who may be exposed to fungi from the media and pots.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Mette Madsen
- The National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Brian Crook
- Health and Safety Executive, Science and Research Centre, Buxton SK17 9JN, UK
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Petnak T, Moua T. Exposure assessment in hypersensitivity pneumonitis: a comprehensive review and proposed screening questionnaire. ERJ Open Res 2020; 6:00230-2020. [PMID: 33015147 PMCID: PMC7520171 DOI: 10.1183/23120541.00230-2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypersensitivity pneumonitis is an immune-mediated inflammatory lung disease characterised by the inhalation of environmental antigens leading to acute and chronic lung injury. Along with suggestive clinical and radiological findings, history and timing of suspected antigen exposure are important elements for diagnostic confidence. Unfortunately, many diagnoses remain tentative and based on vague and imprecise environmental or material exposure histories. To date, there has not been a comprehensive report highlighting the frequency and type of environmental exposure that might lead to or support a more systematic approach to antigen identification. We performed a comprehensive literature review to identify and classify causative antigens and their associated environmental contexts or source materials, with emphasis on the extent of the supportive literature for each exposure type. Eligible publications were those that reported unique inciting antigens and their respective environments or contexts. A clinical questionnaire was then proposed based on this review to better support diagnosis of hypersensitivity pneumonitis when antigen testing or other clinical and radiological variables are inconclusive or incomplete.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tananchai Petnak
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Teng Moua
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
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Craner J. A Critique of the ACOEM Statement on Mold: Undisclosed Conflicts of Interest in the Creation of an “Evidence-Based” Statement. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 2013; 14:283-98. [DOI: 10.1179/oeh.2008.14.4.283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
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Abstract
Many home-based and leisure activities can generate hazardous respirable exposures. Routine domestic activities and a variety of hobbies, avocations, and leisure pursuits have been associated with a spectrum of respiratory tract disorders. Indoor environments present a special risk for high-intensity exposures and adverse health effects. There are important knowledge gaps regarding the prevalence of specific health hazards within and across communities, exposure-response effects, population and individual susceptibilities, best management strategies, the adverse health effects of mixed exposures, and long-term clinical outcomes following exposures. The home environment presents special health risks that should be part of the health assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lawrence A Ho
- Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Stanford University School of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, 3801 Miranda Avenue, MC 111P, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA.
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Caillaud D, Raobison R, Evrard B, Montcouquiol S, Horo K. Pneumopathies d’hypersensibilité domestiques. Alvéolites allergiques extrinsèques domestiques. Rev Mal Respir 2012; 29:971-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rmr.2012.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2011] [Accepted: 03/17/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Unoura K, Miyazaki Y, Sumi Y, Tamaoka M, Sugita T, Inase N. Identification of fungal DNA in BALF from patients with home-related hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Respir Med 2011; 105:1696-703. [PMID: 21824758 DOI: 10.1016/j.rmed.2011.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2011] [Revised: 07/16/2011] [Accepted: 07/18/2011] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Japan, a major type of home-related hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) is summer-type HP, which is caused by Trichosporon asahii (T. asahii) or Trichosporon mucoides. Some patients with home-related HP test negative for antibodies against Trichosporon; yet, a causative mold antigen cannot be identified. METHODS We analyzed 19 patients with home-related HP, 8 healthy volunteers, and 35 patients with other diseases. We extracted DNA from cell pellets of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), amplified the DNA by PCR using Trichosporon-specific primers or other fungus-specific primers, and cloned as well as sequenced the PCR amplicon. Other primers used were specific for Acremonium chrysogenum, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus niger, Fusarium napiforme, Humicola fuscoatra, Penicillium corylophilum, and Pezizia domiciliana. RESULTS We detected Trichosporon DNA (n = 17) and F. napiforme DNA (n = 2) by PCR in 19 patients with home-related HP; however, these species were not identified in healthy volunteers. After sequencing of the PCR amplicon for Trichosporon species, we identified T. asahii (n = 11), Trichosporon japonicum (n = 1), and Cryptococcus uzbekistanesis (n = 4). CONCLUSION We could detect fungal DNA in BALF cell pellets from patients with home-related HP. These data suggest that this method might be useful to detect antigens responsible for home-related HP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koji Unoura
- Department of Integrated Pulmonology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8519, Japan
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Beckett W, Kallay M, Sood A, Zuo Z, Milton D. Hypersensitivity pneumonitis associated with environmental mycobacteria. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2005; 113:767-70. [PMID: 15929902 PMCID: PMC1257604 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.7727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
A previously healthy man working as a machine operator in an automotive factory developed respiratory symptoms. Medical evaluation showed abnormal pulmonary function tests, a lung biopsy showed hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and his illness was traced to his work environment. His physician asked the employer to remove him from exposure to metalworking fluids. Symptoms reoccurred when he was later reexposed to metalworking fluids, and further permanent decrement in his lung function occurred. Investigation of his workplace showed that five of six large reservoirs of metalworking fluids (cutting oils) grew Mycobacterium chelonae (or Mycobacterium immunogenum), an organism previously associated with outbreaks of hypersensitivity pneumonitis in automaking factories. His lung function remained stable after complete removal from exposure. The employer, metalworking fluid supplier, union, and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health were notified of this sentinel health event. No further cases have been documented in this workplace.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Beckett
- Pulmonary and Critical Care Division, Occupational Medicine Program and Finger Lakes Occupational Health Services, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York 14642, USA.
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Intérêt des conseillers médicaux en environnement intérieur dans la prise en charge des maladies respiratoires liées à l’air intérieur. Rev Mal Respir 2005. [DOI: 10.1016/s0761-8425(05)85550-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Moore JE, Convery RP, Millar BC, Rao JR, Elborn JS. Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis Associated with Mushroom Worker’s Lung: An Update on the Clinical Significance of the Importation of Exotic Mushroom Varieties. Int Arch Allergy Immunol 2005; 136:98-102. [PMID: 15644640 DOI: 10.1159/000083298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2004] [Accepted: 12/03/2004] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypersensitivity pneumonitis remains an important industrial disease in mushroom workers. It has a significant morbidity, and early diagnosis and removal from exposure to the antigen are critically important in its management. Recently, several new allergens have been described, particularly those from mushroom species originating in the Far East, which are of clinical significance to workers occupationally exposed to such allergens in cultivation, picking, and packing of commercial mushroom crops. Importing of exotic mushrooms including Shiitake is common in EU countries, and some of the exotic species of mushrooms are cultivated for local markets. This practice may contribute to an increase in clinical cases of mushroom hypersensitivity pneumonitis. This update reviews the recent literature and examines changing trends of mushroom worker's lung, with increased movement of commercial product and labour markets worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- John E Moore
- Northern Ireland Public Health Laboratory, Department of Bacteriology, Belfast City Hospital, Belfast.
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Nordness ME, Zacharisen MC, Fink JN. Toxic and other non-IgE-mediated effects of fungal exposures. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep 2003; 3:438-46. [PMID: 12906783 DOI: 10.1007/s11882-003-0081-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
There are more than 100000 recognized species of fungi, comprising 25% of the biomass of the earth. Allergic, IgE-induced, manifestations of airborne fungi are common, whereas non-IgE manifestations are rare. Recently, much focus has been placed on the non-IgE-mediated effects of various molds, including hypersensitivity pneumonitis, infectious disease, and mycotoxicoses. Hypersensitivity pneumonitis is a clinical syndrome associated with systemic and interstitial lung disease that occurs in susceptible individuals following fungal inhalation. Most fungi are not pathogenic to man; however, certain fungi are capable of infecting immunocompetent individuals. Although mycotoxins and exposure to mycotoxins ("toxic mold syndrome") are implicated in causing numerous, nonspecific, systemic symptoms, currently, there is no scientific evidence to support the allegation that human health is affected by inhaled mycotoxins. However, if mold is discovered in a home, school, or office setting, the source should be investigated and appropriate remediation undertaken to minimize structural damage and potential allergic sensitization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark E Nordness
- Section of Allergy/Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin, 9000 W Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 411, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA.
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Abstract
Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) is a group of immunologically mediated lung diseases caused by the inhalation of environmental agents in susceptible individuals. Most HP patients are non-smokers and have been exposed to organic dusts from vegetable or animal products. Some HP cases are associated with exposures to relatively simple chemical compounds. HP may present as an acute, subacute, or chronic disease and may follow various clinical courses. The type of exposure is thought to be more important in the clinical outcome than the nature of the antigen. A diagnosis of HP is often considered on the basis of clinical history of exposure with resulting respiratory symptoms, but the definitive diagnosis requires a constellation of clinical, radiologic, laboratory, and pathologic findings. The characteristic histologic triad in HP includes bronchiolitis, interstitial lymphocytic infiltration, and granulomas; however, biopsy in HP cases may lack the diagnostic triad and manifest as nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP). Avoiding exposure to the offending antigen(s) is usually sufficient to resolve symptoms and physiological abnormalities. Pulmonary fibrosis and physiological abnormalities occurring in chronic HP may be irreversible. Steroid therapy is helpful for symptomatic relief, but probably does not affect the long-term prognosis. Type III and type IV hypersensitivity reactions are involved in the pathogenesis; alveolar macrophages and T cells (Th-1 type) play a central role in the immune responses after antigen exposure via their increased interaction and secretion of regulatory mediators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunhee S Yi
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, San Diego 92103-8720, CA, USA.
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Alhamad EH, Lynch JP, Martinez FJ. Pulmonary function tests in interstitial lung disease: what role do they have? Clin Chest Med 2001; 22:715-50, ix. [PMID: 11787661 DOI: 10.1016/s0272-5231(05)70062-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Pulmonary function tests have been widely accepted and utilized in the management of interstitial lung diseases. Although the tests performed have changed little over the past several decades, extensive literature has been published highlighting their clinical role in the diagnosis, staging, prognostication, and follow-up of patients with a wide variety of interstitial lung diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- E H Alhamad
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, USA
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