Severe Bronchial Asthma Apparently Due to Fungus Spores Found in Maple Bark

Towey, John W.; Sweany, Henry C.; Huron, Willis H.

doi:10.1001/jama.1932.02740580021005

Cited by 85 publications

(25 citation statements)

References 6 publications

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“…The fact that other similar diseases-maple bark disease (Towey, Sweany, and Huron, 1932), bird fancier's lung (Carrego,1969), and suberosis (Pimentel and Avila, 1973)-may present asthma-like manifestations and that we identified another 'aggressor'-cork dust-in the bronchial mucosa of cork workers with asthmalike syndromes seems to support this theory. However, other factors may be responsible for the onset of bronchial asthma in workers in the textile industry, as, for instance, phthalic anhydride used in the production of nylon (Simonin, 1961).…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 53%

Respiratory disease caused by synthetic fibres: a new occupational disease.

Pimentel¹,

Ávila²,

Lourenço³

1975

Thorax

121

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Seven patients exposed to the inhalation of synthetic fibres presented with various bronchopulmonary diseases, such as asthma, extrinsic allergic alveolitis, chronic bronchitis with bronchiectasis, spontaneous pneumothorax, and chronic pneumonia. The histological features are described and an attempt has been made to set up immunological techniques for the diagnosis. A series of histochemical techniques, based on textile chemistry, are proposed for the identification of the inclusions found in bronchopulmonary lesions. The results of the experimental production of the disease in guinea-pigs by the inhalation of synthetic fibre dusts are presented. The prognosis of these cases is good in the acute or recently established cases but is poor when widespread and irreversible fibrosis has set in. The authors consider that pulmonary disease due to inhaled particles is probably set off by an individual factor, possibly immunological.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 53%

Respiratory disease caused by synthetic fibres: a new occupational disease.

Pimentel¹,

Ávila²,

Lourenço³

1975

Thorax

121

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“…In 1932, the first clinical presentation of HP was described in Maple bark strippers due to Cryptostroma corticale, a fungus found under the bark [9]. In the same year Farmer's lung was described [10].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis in a Housewife Exposed to Aspergillus flavus in Poor Living Conditions: A Case Report

Fernandes

Estibeiro

Mesquita

2016

JCDR

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A 43-year-old housewife presented with chief complaints of dry cough, breathlessness and chest discomfort for over two years. Prior to presenting to us, she had received antibiotics, bronchodilators and steroids on multiple occasions but with temporary relief. There was no history of haemoptysis, chest pain, fever, night sweats or weight loss. She did not have significant past or family history or any addictions.Her respiratory rate was 20 breaths/ min, pulse 90/min, blood pressure 120/80mmHg and oxygen saturation 97% on room air.Physical examination was normal. Auscultation of lung revealed bilateral crepitations and rhonchi. Cardiac, per abdomen and CNS examination were normal. Investigations showed normal haematology, renal and liver function and a negative collagen profile.Chest X-ray showed diffuse haziness in bilateral lung fields. Pulmonary function test (spirometry) was normal. HRCT thorax b] showed areas of ground glass opacities, poorly defined small centrilobular nodules and areas of mosaic perfusion, findings classical of hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Patient was always a housewife and never had pets. We could not identify any allergens from her history and in view of diagnosis of Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis bronchoalveolar lavage was planned. However, she did not give consent. She was started on prednisolone at 1mg/ kg/day and tapered over six months. Patient responded well to the treatment [Table /Fig-2a,b].Within two months patient relapsed. As history could not reveal any offending agent and she being a housewife, it was decided to inspect her home for any possible risk factor. Her house had a musty odour. She was living in a three room house with moist walls and roofs, covered with molds [Table/ Fig-3a,b]. Scrapings were taken from multiple sites from the walls. Examination on 10% KOH showed hyaline septate hyphae, 3-4µ with dichotomous branching. Growth on Sabouraud's dextrose agar from all sites was identified as Aspergillus flavus [Table /Fig-4 We report a case of subacute hypersensitivity pneumonitis in a housewife who despite being symptomatic remained undiagnosed for two years. She showed a good response to therapy, but soon relapsed. Visit to her home revealed that she lived in a damp house full of moldy walls.

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“…The occurrence of an "epidemic of severe bronchial asthma" associated with a fungus growing under the bark of decaying maple trees was reported in 1932 by Towey et al 4 Another more recent epidemic associated with a fungus from a similar source has also occurred. 6 Demonstration of the occurrence of cryptococci in pigeon nests throughout many parts of the world has resulted in attempts to connect Cryptococcus infection in humans with the fungus in pigeon nests.…”

Section: Microepidemics Of Fungus Diseasesmentioning

confidence: 93%

Microepidemics of Fungus Diseases

Furcolow¹

1966

Archives of Environmental Health: An International Journal

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Severe Bronchial Asthma Apparently Due to Fungus Spores Found in Maple Bark

Cited by 85 publications

References 6 publications

Respiratory disease caused by synthetic fibres: a new occupational disease.

Respiratory disease caused by synthetic fibres: a new occupational disease.

Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis in a Housewife Exposed to Aspergillus flavus in Poor Living Conditions: A Case Report

Microepidemics of Fungus Diseases

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