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Published on: January 7, 2019
Farmer's Lung in Urbanites.
Summary
Farmer's Lung, a respiratory disease, may be more common in urban settings than previously believed. A study found antibodies to T. polyspora in 13% of urban horse riders, suggesting increased prevalence.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Medicine
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Immunology
Background:
- Farmer's Lung is a hypersensitivity pneumonitis caused by exposure to thermophilic actinomycetes, such as Thermoactinomyces vulgaris.
- While typically associated with agricultural environments, this case report highlights a potential urban exposure route through recreational horse riding.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of Farmer's Lung in a non-agricultural setting.
- To investigate the prevalence of antibodies to T. polyspora in an urban horse-riding population.
- To assess the potential underestimation of Farmer's Lung incidence in Canada.
Main Methods:
- A case of Farmer's Lung was diagnosed in a city dweller with recreational horse riding exposure.
- A serological survey was conducted among members of an urban riding club to detect antibodies against T. polyspora.
- Environmental factors, specifically rainfall, were compared between the riding club's location and national averages.
Main Results:
- The case presented demonstrates that Farmer's Lung can occur in urban dwellers with recreational exposure to horses.
- Antibodies to T. polyspora were detected in 13% of the surveyed urban riding club members.
- Analysis suggests that Farmer's Lung may be more prevalent nationally than current data indicate, potentially influenced by regional rainfall patterns.
Conclusions:
- Farmer's Lung is a potential occupational and recreational hazard for urban populations with specific exposures.
- Further epidemiological studies are required to determine the true incidence of this preventable respiratory disease in Canada.
- Environmental factors and recreational activities warrant consideration in the diagnosis and prevention of Farmer's Lung.
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