Hypersensitivity pneumonitis associated with mushroom worker's lung: an update on the clinical significance of the importation of exotic mushroom varieties.
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.
Moore
John E
JE
Northern Ireland Public Health Laboratory, Department of Bacteriology, Belfast City Hospital, Belfast. jemoore@niphl.dnet.co.uk
Convery
Rory P
RP
Millar
B Cherie
BC
Rao
Juluri R
JR
Elborn
J Stuart
JS
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000382:Agricultural Workers' Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000276:immunology; D000542:Alveolitis, Extrinsic Allergic / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000276:immunology; D000946:Antigens, Fungal / Q000276:immunology*; D001208:Asia; D001487:Basidiomycota / Q000276:immunology*; D005060:Europe; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016273:Occupational Exposure
D000946:Antigens, Fungal