Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 1, 2026

Collection and Extraction of Occupational Air Samples for Analysis of Fungal DNA
12:02

Collection and Extraction of Occupational Air Samples for Analysis of Fungal DNA

Published on: May 2, 2018

Identification of Thermobifida fusca as a main causative agent of mushroom compost worker's lung - case series

Barbara Mackiewicz1, Angelina Wójcik-Fatla2, Jacek Dutkiewicz2

  • 1Department of Pneumonology, Oncology and Allergology, Medical University, Lublin, Poland.

Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine : AAEM
|June 30, 2026
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Mushroom compost worker's lung (MCWL) is linked to thermophilic actinobacteria. Thermobifida fusca was identified as a major cause of hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) in affected workers, guiding future diagnosis.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Medicine
  • Occupational Health
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Mushroom compost worker's lung (MCWL) is a form of hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP).
  • It affects workers preparing compost for white button mushroom cultivation.
  • Identifying causative agents is crucial for worker health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify thermophilic actinobacteria strains potentially causing MCWL.
  • To investigate the role of specific bacterial species in worker symptoms.

Main Methods:

  • Clinical evaluations including HRCT, bronchoscopy, and pulmonary function tests.
  • Microscopic, culture, and genetic identification of thermophilic actinobacteria.
  • Allergological tests: agar gel precipitation and inhalation challenges.

Main Results:

  • 20 patients diagnosed with acute HP, subacute HP, or Organic Dust Toxic Syndrome (ODTS).
  • Thermobifida fusca and Laceyella sacchari isolated from compost.
  • Th. fusca showed strong precipitin reactions and positive inhalation responses in workers.

Conclusions:

  • Thermobifida fusca is identified as a primary causative agent of MCWL.
  • This finding is significant for diagnosing HP in mushroom compost facility workers.
Keywords:
Laceyella sacchariThermobifida fuscahypersensitivity pneumonitisinhalation challengemushroom compost worker’s diseaseoccupational exposurethermophilic actinobacteria

More Related Videos

Histological Quantification to Determine Lung Fungal Burden in Experimental Aspergillosis09:52

Histological Quantification to Determine Lung Fungal Burden in Experimental Aspergillosis

Published on: March 9, 2018

Related Concept Videos

Fungal Phylum Ascomycota01:28

Fungal Phylum Ascomycota

Phylum Ascomycota, a major division within the subkingdom Dikarya, comprises a diverse range of fungal species, including both unicellular yeasts and filamentous molds such as Aspergillus and Penicillium. These fungi thrive in a variety of habitats, from aquatic ecosystems to terrestrial environments, playing crucial ecological and economic roles.Morphology and ReproductionThe defining characteristic of Ascomycetes, commonly referred to as sac fungi, is the ascus—a sac-like structure that...
Fungal Group Zygomycota01:29

Fungal Group Zygomycota

Zygomycota, previously classified as a distinct fungal group, are primarily terrestrial, saprophytic molds that play a crucial role as decomposers. Recent phylogenetic studies have revealed that these fungi are now divided into two major clades — Mucoromycota, which includes many symbiotic species, and Zoopagomycota, which primarily consists of parasitic and pathogenic fungi. These groups exhibit distinct ecological roles and reproductive strategies while sharing key structural and...
Pulmonary Tuberculosis I01:29

Pulmonary Tuberculosis I

Tuberculosis, often called TB, is a contagious illness primarily caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It mainly affects the lung parenchyma but can also impact other body parts.
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
Pulmonary Tuberculosis II01:28

Pulmonary Tuberculosis II

Tuberculosis, or TB, is a bacterial infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. While its primary impact is on the lungs, leading to pulmonary tuberculosis, it can also affect various other organs, a condition referred to as extrapulmonary tuberculosis.
Here is a detailed explanation of its pathophysiology:
Transmission: The process begins when a person inhales droplet nuclei containing M. tuberculosis. These are typically released into the air when an individual with pulmonary or...
Fungal Phylum Basidiomycota01:26

Fungal Phylum Basidiomycota

Basidiomycota is a diverse phylum of fungi that includes ecologically significant decomposers such as white rot fungi, symbionts like mycorrhizal fungi, plant pathogens such as rusts and smuts, and edible species like Agaricus bisporus (the common button mushroom). These fungi play crucial roles in nutrient cycling, symbiotic relationships, and even human health. Their defining feature is the basidium, a microscopic club-shaped structure responsible for producing basidiospores.Fruiting Bodies...
Fungal Phylum Microsporidia01:28

Fungal Phylum Microsporidia

Microsporidia are a group of obligate intracellular fungi that were initially classified as protists but were later reclassified based on phylogenetic, molecular, and structural evidence linking them to the Chytridiomycota. These unicellular, non-motile organisms are highly specialized parasites that infect a wide range of animal hosts, including humans. They have evolved extensive genomic and metabolic reductions, making them highly dependent on their hosts for survival.Morphology and Genomic...