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Occupational asthma to spores of Pleurotus cornucopiae
A Michils1, P De Vuyst, N Nolard
1Dept of Pneumology, Erasme Hospital, University of Brussels, Belgium.
Abstract:
We report the case of a young man who developed severe asthma a few months after starting work in a factory producing a single type of mushroom: Pleurotus cornucopiae (a basidiomycete). Immunological investigations, performed with material recovered from the filtering devices of the mushroom's bed, led to demonstration of specific IgE and IgG against spore extracts and to isolation of one discriminant antigen (molecular weight: 10.5 kd). Current data concerning the underestimated role of the basidiomycetes in allergic asthma are reviewed.
Insights
A young man developed severe asthma linked to occupational exposure to Pleurotus cornucopiae mushroom spores. Specific IgE and IgG antibodies were identified, highlighting basidiomycetes as an underrecognized cause of allergic asthma.
Area of Science:
- * Mycology and Immunology
- * Occupational Health and Allergy
Background:
- * Occupational asthma is a significant health concern.
- * Mushroom farming, particularly involving basidiomycetes, is a potential source of allergens.
Observation:
- * A young male factory worker producing Pleurotus cornucopiae developed severe asthma symptoms.
- * Exposure occurred over several months in the mushroom production environment.
Findings:
- * Immunological tests revealed specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) against Pleurotus cornucopiae spore extracts.
- * A distinct antigen (10.5 kDa) was isolated from the mushroom spores, implicated in the allergic response.
Implications:
- * Basidiomycetes, like Pleurotus cornucopiae, may play a more significant role in allergic asthma than previously recognized.
- * This case underscores the need for increased awareness and diagnostic consideration of mushroom spore allergy in occupational settings.