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Abstract
Particulate matter (PM) represents an air quality management challenge for confined swine production systems. Due to the limited space and ventilation rate, PM can reach relatively high concentrations in swine barns. PM in swine barns possesses different physical, chemical, and biological characteristics than that in the atmosphere and other indoor environments. As a result, it exerts different environmental and health effects and creates some unique challenges regarding PM measurement and mitigation. Numerous research efforts have been made, generating massive data and information. However, relevant review reports are sporadic. This study aims to provide an updated comprehensive review of swine barn PM, focusing on publications since 1990. It covers various topics including PM characteristics, sources, measurement methods, and in-barn mitigation technologies. As PM in swine barns is primarily of biological origins, bioaerosols are reviewed in great detail. Relevant topics include bacterial/fungal counts, viruses, microbial community composition, antibiotic-resistant bacteria, antibiotic resistance genes, endotoxins, and (1→3)-β-D-glucans. For each topic, existing knowledge is summarized and discussed and knowledge gaps are identified. Overall, PM in swine barns is complicated in chemical and biological composition and highly variable in mass concentrations, size, and microbial abundance. Feed, feces, and skins constitute the major PM sources. Regarding in-barn PM mitigation, four technologies (oil/water sprinkling, ionization, alternation of feed and feeders, and recirculating air filtration) are dominant. However, none of them have been widely used in commercial barns. A collective discussion of major knowledge gaps and future research needs is offered at the end of the report.
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2
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Parkinson's disease; the hibernating spore hypothesis. Med Hypotheses 2017; 104:48-53. [PMID: 28673590 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2017.05.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2017] [Revised: 05/16/2017] [Accepted: 05/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The authors support the hypothesis that a causative agent in Parkinson's disease (PD) might be either fungus or bacteria with fungus-like properties - Actinobacteria, and that their spores may serve as 'infectious agents'. Updated research and the epidemiology of PD suggest that the disease might be induced by environmental factor(s), possibly with genetic susceptibility, and that α-synuclein probably should be regarded as part of the body's own defense mechanism. To explain the dual-hit theory with stage 1 involvement of the olfactory structures and the 'gut-brain'-axis, the environmental factor is probably airborne and quite 'robust' entering the body via the nose/mouth, then to be swallowed reaching the enteric nervous system with retained pathogenicity. Similar to the essence of smoking food, which is to eradicate microorganisms, a viable agent may be defused by tobacco smoke. Hence, the agent is likely to be a 'living' and not an inert agent. Furthermore, and accordant with the age-dependent incidence of LPD, this implies that a dormant viable agent have been escorted by α-synuclein via retrograde axonal transport from the nose and/or GI tract to hibernate in the associated cerebral nuclei. In the brain, PD spreads like a low-grade infection, and that patients develop symptoms in later life, indicate a relatively long incubation time. Importantly, Actinomyces species may form endospores, the hardiest known form of life on Earth. The authors hypothesize that certain spores may not be subject to degradation by macroautophagy, and that these spores become reactivated due to the age-dependent or genetic reduced macroautophagic function. Hence, the hibernating spore hypothesis explains both early-onset and late-onset PD. Evaluation of updated available information are all consistent with the hypothesis that PD may be induced by spores from fungi or Actinobacteria and thus supports Broxmeyer's hypothesis put forward 15years ago.
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3
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Afanou KA, Straumfors A, Skogstad A, Skaar I, Hjeljord L, Skare Ø, Green BJ, Tronsmo A, Eduard W. Profile and Morphology of Fungal Aerosols Characterized by Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM). AEROSOL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR AEROSOL RESEARCH 2015; 49:423-435. [PMID: 26855468 PMCID: PMC4741100 DOI: 10.1080/02786826.2015.1040486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Fungal aerosols consist of spores and fragments with diverse array of morphologies; however, the size, shape, and origin of the constituents require further characterization. In this study, we characterize the profile of aerosols generated from Aspergillus fumigatus, A. versicolor, and Penicillium chrysogenum grown for 8 weeks on gypsum boards. Fungal particles were aerosolized at 12 and 20 L min-1 using the Fungal Spore Source Strength Tester (FSSST) and the Stami particle generator (SPG). Collected particles were analyzed with field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). We observed spore particle fraction consisting of single spores and spore aggregates in four size categories, and a fragment fraction that contained submicronic fragments and three size categories of larger fragments. Single spores dominated the aerosols from A. fumigatus (median: 53%), while the submicronic fragment fraction was the highest in the aerosols collected from A. versicolor (median: 34%) and P. chrysogenum (median: 31%). Morphological characteristics showed near spherical particles that were only single spores, oblong particles that comprise some spore aggregates and fragments (<3.5 μm), and fiber-like particles that regroup chained spore aggregates and fragments (>3.5 μm). Further, the near spherical particles dominated the aerosols from A. fumigatus (median: 53%), while oblong particles were dominant in the aerosols from A. versicolor (68%) and P. chrysogenum (55%). Fiber-like particles represented 21% and 24% of the aerosols from A. versicolor and P. chrysogenum, respectively. This study shows that fungal particles of various size, shape, and origin are aerosolized, and supports the need to include a broader range of particle types in fungal exposure assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Komlavi Anani Afanou
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Department of Chemical and Biological Work Environment, Oslo, Norway
| | - Anne Straumfors
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Department of Chemical and Biological Work Environment, Oslo, Norway
| | - Asbjørn Skogstad
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Department of Chemical and Biological Work Environment, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ida Skaar
- Norwegian Veterinary Institute, Section of Mycology, Oslo, Norway
| | - Linda Hjeljord
- Norwegian University of Life Science, Institute of Chemistry, Biotechnology and Food Science, Ås, Norway
| | - Øivind Skare
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Department of Chemical and Biological Work Environment, Oslo, Norway
| | - Brett James Green
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Allergy and Clinical Immunology Branch, Health Effect Laboratory Division, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
| | - Arne Tronsmo
- Norwegian University of Life Science, Institute of Chemistry, Biotechnology and Food Science, Ås, Norway
| | - Wijnand Eduard
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Department of Chemical and Biological Work Environment, Oslo, Norway
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4
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Submicronic fungal bioaerosols: high-resolution microscopic characterization and quantification. Appl Environ Microbiol 2014; 80:7122-30. [PMID: 25217010 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01740-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Submicronic particles released from fungal cultures have been suggested to be additional sources of personal exposure in mold-contaminated buildings. In vitro generation of these particles has been studied with particle counters, eventually supplemented by autofluorescence, that recognize fragments by size and discriminate biotic from abiotic particles. However, the fungal origin of submicronic particles remains unclear. In this study, submicronic fungal particles derived from Aspergillus fumigatus, A. versicolor, and Penicillium chrysogenum cultures grown on agar and gypsum board were aerosolized and enumerated using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). A novel bioaerosol generator and a fungal spores source strength tester were compared at 12 and 20 liters min(-1) airflow. The overall median numbers of aerosolized submicronic particles were 2 × 10(5) cm(-2), 2.6 × 10(3) cm(-2), and 0.9 × 10(3) cm(-2) for A. fumigatus, A. versicolor, and P. chrysogenum, respectively. A. fumigatus released significantly (P < 0.001) more particles than A. versicolor and P. chrysogenum. The ratios of submicronic fragments to larger particles, regardless of media type, were 1:3, 5:1, and 1:2 for A. fumigatus, A. versicolor, and P. chrysogenum, respectively. Spore fragments identified by the presence of rodlets amounted to 13%, 2%, and 0% of the submicronic particles released from A. fumigatus, A. versicolor, and P. chrysogenum, respectively. Submicronic particles with and without rodlets were also aerosolized from cultures grown on cellophane-covered media, indirectly confirming their fungal origin. Both hyphae and conidia could fragment into submicronic particles and aerosolize in vitro. These findings further highlight the potential contribution of fungal fragments to personal fungal exposure.
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5
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Tamer Vestlund A, Al-Ashaab R, Tyrrel SF, Longhurst PJ, Pollard SJT, Drew GH. Morphological classification of bioaerosols from composting using scanning electron microscopy. WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2014; 34:1101-1108. [PMID: 24565805 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2014.01.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2013] [Revised: 01/28/2014] [Accepted: 01/31/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
This research classifies the physical morphology (form and structure) of bioaerosols emitted from open windrow composting. Aggregation state, shape and size of the particles captured are reported alongside the implications for bioaerosol dispersal after release. Bioaerosol sampling took place at a composting facility using personal air filter samplers. Samples were analysed using scanning electron microscopy. Particles were released mainly as small (<1 μm) single, spherical cells, followed by larger (>1 μm) single cells, with aggregates occurring in smaller proportions. Most aggregates consisted of clusters of 2-3 particles as opposed to chains, and were <10 μm in size. No cells were attached to soil debris or wood particles. These small single cells or small aggregates are more likely to disperse further downwind from source, and cell viability may be reduced due to increased exposure to environmental factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Tamer Vestlund
- Institute for Energy and Resource Technology, Environmental Science and Technology Department, School of Applied Sciences, Cranfield University, Building 40, Bedfordshire MK43 0AL, UK; FIRA International Ltd., Maxwell Road, Stevenage, Herts SG1 2EW, UK
| | - R Al-Ashaab
- Institute for Energy and Resource Technology, Environmental Science and Technology Department, School of Applied Sciences, Cranfield University, Building 40, Bedfordshire MK43 0AL, UK
| | - S F Tyrrel
- Institute for Energy and Resource Technology, Environmental Science and Technology Department, School of Applied Sciences, Cranfield University, Building 40, Bedfordshire MK43 0AL, UK
| | - P J Longhurst
- Institute for Energy and Resource Technology, Environmental Science and Technology Department, School of Applied Sciences, Cranfield University, Building 40, Bedfordshire MK43 0AL, UK
| | - S J T Pollard
- Institute for Energy and Resource Technology, Environmental Science and Technology Department, School of Applied Sciences, Cranfield University, Building 40, Bedfordshire MK43 0AL, UK
| | - G H Drew
- Institute for Energy and Resource Technology, Environmental Science and Technology Department, School of Applied Sciences, Cranfield University, Building 40, Bedfordshire MK43 0AL, UK.
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Frączek K, Górny RL, Ropek D. Bioaerosols of subterraneotherapy chambers at salt mine health resort. AEROBIOLOGIA 2013; 29:481-493. [PMID: 24098066 PMCID: PMC3787802 DOI: 10.1007/s10453-013-9298-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2012] [Accepted: 03/05/2013] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Nowadays, an inhalation of naturally generated aerosols has again become a widely practiced method of balneological treatment of various respiratory diseases. The aim of this study was to characterize the microbial aerosol of subterraneotherapy chambers at the Bochnia Salt Mine Health Resort in southern Poland. The measurements were carried out using a 6-stage Andersen impactor over a period of 1 year in both indoor (i.e., two subterranean chambers, where curative treatments took place) and outdoor air. The maximum bacterial aerosol concentrations in the chambers reached 11,688 cfu/m3. In such interiors, a high-performance method of microbial contaminant reduction need be introduced, especially when large groups of young patients are medically cured. Respecting fungal aerosol, its average indoor concentration (88 cfu/m3) was significantly lower than outdoor level (538 cfu/m3). It confirms that ventilation system provides efficient barrier against this type of biologically active propagules. Among identified micro-organisms, the most prevalent indoors were Gram-positive cocci, which constituted up to 80 % of airborne microflora. As highly adapted to the diverse environments of its human host (skin, respiratory tract), they can be easily released in high quantities into the air. The number of people introduced into such subterranean chambers should be in some way limited. The analysis of microclimate parameters revealed that temperature and relative humidity influenced significantly the level of bacterial aerosol only. Hence, a constant control of these parameters should be scrupulously superintended at this type of subterranean premises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krzysztof Frączek
- Department of Microbiology, University of Agriculture, 24/28 Mickiewicza Avenue, 30-059 Kraków, Poland
| | - Rafał L. Górny
- Biohazard Laboratory, Department of Chemical, Aerosol and Biological Hazards, Central Institute for Labour Protection - National Research Institute, 16 Czerniakowska Street, 00-701 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Dariusz Ropek
- Department of Agricultural Environment Protection, University of Agriculture, 21 Mickiewicza Avenue, 31-120 Kraków, Poland
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Abstract
Indoor mould development can occur following the accumulation of free water associated with a susceptible building material. Upon entry of viable fungal propagules from outdoors, the fungus becomes attached to a susceptible substrate. Vegetative growth begins if the appropriate environmental conditions exist, the primary ones being ample free water and a susceptible substrate that can provide the necessary nutrients for fungal growth. Extracellular fungal enzymes are released into the immediate environment surrounding the fungus from which nutrients are absorbed resulting in biodeterioration of building materials. As the fungal vegetative growth expands, fungal reproductive propagules such as conidia, ascospores, basidiospores, and viable hyphal units develop that are typically carried by air currents to new sites within the indoor environment. The indoor fungal ecologic niche is a complex ecosystem where different fungal species interact among themselves and with bacteria, insects, and mites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael R McGinnis
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch. Galveston, TX 77555-0740, USA.
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Zeng QY, Westermark SO, Rasmuson-Lestander A, Wang XR. Detection and Quantification of
Wallemia sebi
in Aerosols by Real-Time PCR, Conventional PCR, and Cultivation. Appl Environ Microbiol 2004; 70:7295-302. [PMID: 15574929 PMCID: PMC535157 DOI: 10.1128/aem.70.12.7295-7302.2004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Wallemia
sebi
is a deuteromycete fungus commonly found in agricultural
environments in many parts of the world and is suspected to be a
causative agent of farmer's lung disease. The fungus grows slowly
on commonly used culture media and is often obscured by the
fast-growing fungi. Thus, its occurrence in different environments has
often been underestimated. In this study, we developed two sets of PCR
primers specific to
W. sebi
that can be applied in either
conventional PCR or real-time PCR for rapid detection and
quantification of the fungus in environmental samples. Both PCR systems
proved to be highly specific and sensitive for
W. sebi
detection even in a high background of other fungal DNAs. These methods
were employed to investigate the presence of
W. sebi
in the
aerosols of a farm. The results revealed a high concentration of
W.
sebi
spores, 10
7
m
−3
by real-time
PCR and 10
6
m
−3
by cultivation, which
indicates the prevalence of
W. sebi
in farms handling hay and
grain and in cow barns. The methods developed in this study could serve
as rapid, specific, and sensitive means of detecting
W. sebi
in aerosol and surface samples and could thus facilitate investigations
of its distribution, ecology, clinical diagnosis, and exposure risk
assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing-Yin Zeng
- National Institute for Working Life, SE-90713 Umeå, Sweden
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9
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Abstract
Farm workers are often exposed to high concentrations of airborne organic dust and fungal conidia, especially when working with plant materials. The purpose of this investigation was to study the possibility of exposure to the mycotoxin ochratoxin A (OTA) through inhalation of organic dust and conidia. Dust and aerosol samples were collected from three local cowsheds. Aerosol samples for determination of total conidia and dust concentrations were collected by stationary sampling on polycarbonate filters. Total dust was analysed by gravimetry, and conidia were counted using scanning electron microscopy. A method was developed for extraction and determination of OTA in small samples of settled dust. OTA was extracted with a mixture of methanol, chloroform, HCl, and water, purified on immunoaffinity column, and analysed by ion-pair HPLC with fluorescence detection. Recovery of OTA from spiked dust samples (0.9-1.0 microg/kg) was 74% (quantitation limit 0.150 microg/kg). OTA was found in 6 out of 14 settled dust samples (0.2-70 microg/kg). The total concentration of airborne conidia ranged from < 1.1 x 10(4) to 3.9 x 15(5) per m3, and the airborne dust concentration ranged from 0.08 to 0.21 mg/m3. Conidia collected from cultures of Penicillium verrucosum and Aspergillus ochraceus contained 0.4-0.7 and 0.02-0.06 pg OTA per conidium, respectively. Testing of conidial extracts from these fungi in a Bacillus subtilis bioassay indicated the presence of toxic compounds in addition to OTA. The results show that airborne dust and fungal conidia can be sources of OTA. Peak exposures to airborne OTA may be significant, e.g., in agricultural environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Skaug
- Department of Agriculture and Natural Science, Hedmark College, Ridabu, Norway.
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10
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Guggenheim M, Shapiro S, Gmür R, Guggenheim B. Spatial arrangements and associative behavior of species in an in vitro oral biofilm model. Appl Environ Microbiol 2001; 67:1343-50. [PMID: 11229930 PMCID: PMC92733 DOI: 10.1128/aem.67.3.1343-1350.2001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The spatial arrangements and associative behavior of Actinomyces naeslundii, Veillonella dispar, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Streptococcus sobrinus, and Streptococcus oralis strains in an in vitro model of supragingival plaque were determined. Using species-specific fluorescence-labeled antibodies in conjunction with confocal laser scanning microscopy, the volumes and distribution of the five strains were assessed during biofilm formation. The volume-derived cell numbers of each strain correlated well with respective culture data. Between 15 min and 64 h, populations of each strain increased in a manner reminiscent of batch growth. The microcolony morphologies of all members of the consortium and their distributions within the biofilm were characterized, as were interspecies associations. Biofilms formed 15 min after inoculation consisted principally of single nonaggregated cells. All five strains adhered strongly to the saliva-conditioned substratum, and therefore, coadhesion played no role during the initial phase of biofilm formation. This observation does not reflect the results of in vitro coaggregation of the five strains, which depended upon the nature of the suspension medium. While the possibility cannot be excluded that some interspecies associations observed at later stages of biofilm formation were initiated by coadhesion, increase in bacterial numbers appeared to be largely a growth phenomenon regulated by the prevailing cultivation conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Guggenheim
- Institute for Oral Microbiology and General Immunology, Center for Dental and Oral Medicine and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Zürich, CH-8028 Zürich, Switzerland
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Bünger J, Antlauf-Lammers M, Schulz TG, Westphal GA, Müller MM, Ruhnau P, Hallier E. Health complaints and immunological markers of exposure to bioaerosols among biowaste collectors and compost workers. Occup Environ Med 2000; 57:458-64. [PMID: 10854498 PMCID: PMC1739988 DOI: 10.1136/oem.57.7.458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In a cross sectional study, work related health complaints and diseases of 58 compost workers and 53 biowaste collectors were investigated and compared with 40 control subjects. Levels of specific IgG antibodies to moulds and bacteria were measured as immunological markers of exposure to bioaerosols. METHODS With a standardised protocol, the participants of the study were interviewed for work related symptoms, conditions of exposure to bioaerosols at their workplaces, exposure to bioaerosols from other sources, atopic diseases, and smoking habits. They were clinically examined by physicians specialised in occupational medicine. Also, concentrations of specific IgG antibodies against antigens of moulds and actinomycetes occurring regularly at these workplaces were measured and compared with the health complaints of the workers. RESULTS Compost workers had significantly more symptoms and diseases of the airways (p=0.003) and the skin (p=0.02) than the control subjects. Health complaints of biowaste collectors did not differ significantly from those of the control group. Subjects with atopic diseases were underrepresented in the compost workers (p=0.003). Significantly increased antibody concentrations against fungi and actinomycetes were measured in workers at composting plants. The concentrations in biowaste collectors did not differ significantly from those in the control subjects. A significant association between the diseases and increased antibody concentrations were found in the compost workers. CONCLUSION The high exposure to bioaerosols of compost workers is significantly associated with a higher frequency of health complaints and diseases as well as higher concentrations of specific antibodies against moulds and actinomycetes. A healthy worker effect is indicated by the underrepresentation of atopic diseases among the compost workers compared with biowaste collectors and the control group.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Bünger
- Department of Occupational and Social Medicine, Centre of Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Georg-August-University, Waldweg 37, D-37073 Göttingen, Germany.
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Lappalainen S, Pasanen AL, Reiman M, Kalliokoski P. Serum IgG antibodies against Wallemia sebi and Fusarium species in Finnish farmers. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 1998; 81:585-92. [PMID: 9892031 DOI: 10.1016/s1081-1206(10)62710-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Wallemia sebi and Fusarium species are common fungi in agricultural environments. Because Fusarium species are difficult to culture, and W. sebi has only recently been found in an agricultural environment with the use of a new culture medium, immunochemical methods may be important for evaluating exposure to these fungi. OBJECTIVE Immunoglobulin (Ig) G antibodies against W. sebi and two Fusarium species were measured in the sera of Finnish farmers to estimate exposure to fungi. METHODS Serum-specific IgG antibody levels against the fungi were determined in farmers with farmer's lung disease and asthma, as well as in asymptomatic farmers with low and high IgG antibody levels against other agricultural microorganisms, and in control persons (printing and office workers). Both enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and enzyme-linked immunofiltration assay (ELIFA) techniques were used. RESULTS Significantly higher IgG antibody levels against the fungi studied were observed in farmer's lung patients and asymptomatic farmers with high IgG levels against other agricultural fungi, than in the control group. On the other hand, the development of IgG antibodies to the fungi in asthmatic farmers remained unclear because of a discrepancy between the ELISA and ELIFA results. Cross-reactivity between Fusarium species was detected. CONCLUSIONS The results indicate that Finnish farmers are exposed to W. sebi and Fusarium species in their work environment to a greater extent than has earlier been evaluated with air sampling and microbiologic methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Lappalainen
- University of Kuopio, Department of Environmental Sciences, Finland
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13
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14
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Nakagawa-Yoshida K, Ando M, Etches RI, Dosman JA. Fatal cases of farmer's lung in a Canadian family. Probable new antigens, Penicillium brevicompactum and P olivicolor. Chest 1997; 111:245-8. [PMID: 8996026 DOI: 10.1378/chest.111.1.245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Three Canadian farmers, including a married couple and another close relative, died from progressive pulmonary fibrosis. Their histories and investigations were compatible with chronic farmer's lung (FL). Our environmental and immunologic studies indicate Penicillium brevicompactum and P olivicolor as probable new antigens of FL in a cool and dry climate.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Nakagawa-Yoshida
- Centre for Agricultural Medicine, Royal University Hospital, Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada
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15
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Christensen LH, Clementsen P, Larsen FO, Stahl Skov P, Gravesen S, Milman N, Norn S. Microorganisms and mediator release: a mechanism in respiratory disorders caused by infectious and environmental exposure. Inflamm Res 1995; 44 Suppl 1:S34-5. [PMID: 8520989 DOI: 10.1007/bf01674383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- L H Christensen
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Panum Institute 18, Denmark
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16
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Malmberg P, Rask-Andersen A, Rosenhall L. Exposure to microorganisms associated with allergic alveolitis and febrile reactions to mold dust in farmers. Chest 1993; 103:1202-9. [PMID: 8131466 DOI: 10.1378/chest.103.4.1202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVE To compare exposure to microorganisms associated with allergic alveolitis (AA) and with febrile reactions to inhaled mold dust (organic dust toxic syndrome [ODTS]) in farmers and in normal subjects. DESIGN A prospective study in which exposure was evaluated within two weeks of medical consultation for AA or ODTS. Samples were collected during normal farming (background) and during the handling of materials associated with disease or causing maximal exposure in reference farms (worst case). SETTING Swedish farms PARTICIPANTS Eleven farmers with a confirmed diagnosis of AA from ten farms, 16 subjects with symptoms of ODTS from 12 farms, and 17 reference farmers. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS Worst-case samples representative of the exposure preceding disease were obtained on four farms where five farmers had had AA; the samples contained on average 2.6 +/- 1.8 x 10(9) (SD) spores/m3 of air. On six farms where nine farmers had had ODTS, representative samples averaged 13 +/- 13 x 10(9) spores/m3, and on reference farms this figure was 0.12 +/- 0.20 x 10(9) spores/m3. The daily spore dose associated with allergic alveolitis was 2 x 10(9) spores/d, which was ten times higher than on reference farms. The average dose associated with ODTS was 2 x 10(10) spores. Worst-case samples, collected during 10 to 30 min, contributed to more than 90 percent of the day exposure on farms where AA or ODTS had occurred. CONCLUSION Allergic alveolitis was associated with high exposure levels on most weekdays for weeks, and ODTS was associated with extreme exposure occurring on a single day. There was no correlation with individual spore types and disease and the present results are compatible with a hypothesis that common cell wall components of microorganisms may cause "toxic" symptoms and stimulate immune reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Malmberg
- Respiratory Division, National Institute of Occupational Health, Stockholm, Sweden
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17
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Norn S, Kristensen KS, Dien T, Clementsen P, Gravesen S. Fungal spores enhance basophil histamine release. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 1993. [DOI: 10.1007/bf01996466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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