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J Agromedicine 2022 Jan 13:1-13. Epub 2022 Jan 13.

Department of Environmental, Agricultural and Occupational Health, College of Public Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA.

This study was conducted to evaluate the prevalence and risk factors for work-related respiratory conditions (asthma, farmer's lung, sinusitis, rhinitis, and environmental allergies, diagnosed by a physician) among farm and ranch operators in the central US. A survey was conducted by the Central States Center for Agricultural Safety and Health (CS-CASH) in 2018, focusing on work-related injuries, illnesses, exposures, and preventive measures in a seven-state region (Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota). Farms and ranches (n = 16,818) with an email address and annual sales exceeding $5,000 were randomly selected for the survey. Read More

Respir Med 2021 08 6;184:106444. Epub 2021 May 6.

Department of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Electronic address: https://twitter.com/KerriBerriKerri.

Antigen identification is important for establishing a confident diagnosis of hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP). There are no systematically curated lists of HP-associated exposures that inform clinical relevance or disease phenotype. We sought to systematically identify all reported causes of HP in the literature and evaluate their clinical relevance. Read More

Rev Med Interne 2021 Nov 30;42(11):772-780. Epub 2021 Apr 30.

Service de Médecine Interne et Immunologie Clinique, Hôpital Pontchaillou, Rennes, France; Univ Rennes, CHU Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail) - UMR_S 1085, Rennes, France. Electronic address:

Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis (HP) is a common immune-mediated interstitial lung disease (ILD) induced by repeated exposure to environmental antigens in susceptible individuals. The most commonly known forms are bird fancier's disease and farmer's lung. However, the antigens involved are widely diverse. Read More

J Occup Med Toxicol 2021 Jan 21;16(1). Epub 2021 Jan 21.

Institute of Occupational Medicine, Social Medicine and Environmental Medicine, Goethe University Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, D-60590, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.

In the middle of the twentieth century, the from North America sooty bark disease (SBD) of maples was first discovered in England and has spread in the last decades in Central Europe, in particular. The trigger of SBD is the mould fungus Cryptostroma (C.) corticale. Read More

Wiad Lek 2020 ;73(8):1593-1599

INSTYTUT NAUK MEDYCZNYCH, UNIWERSYTET KARDYNAŁA STEFANA WYSZYŃSKIEGO , WARSZAWA, POLSKA.

Allergic alveolitis (AA) is a group of diseases with an immunologic background evoked by chronic antigen inhalation. The diagnosis is difficult due to the diversity and non-specific character of symptoms and different clinical severity. AA is the third most often interstitial-lung-disease, comprising 4-15% of all interstitial diseases. Read More

Arch Environ Occup Health 2021 15;76(8):482-493. Epub 2020 Oct 15.

Animal Science Postgraduate Program, Federal University of Grande Dourados, Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil.

The present study aimed to identify gaps in literature regarding occupational risks to broiler farming workers. A systematic review was performed in which inclusion criteria were workers in poultry farms. The search was done between May and June 2019 with online papers. Read More

Occup Med (Lond) 2020 12;70(9):620-621

Chrono-Environment Research Team UMR/CNRS-6249, University of Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Besançon, France.

J Immunotoxicol 2020 12;17(1):153-162

Allergy and Immunology Divisions, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.

Exposure to organic dust increases chronic airway inflammatory disorders. Effective treatment strategies are lacking. It has been reported that hog barn dust extracts (HDE) induce TNFα through protein kinase C (PKC) activation and that lung inflammation is enhanced in scavenger receptor A (SRA/CD204) knockout (KO) mice following HDE. Read More

Rev Mal Respir 2020 Jan 20;37(1):80-85. Epub 2019 Dec 20.

Service de pneumologie, oncologie et allergologie respiratoires, Hôpital universitaire de Besançon, CHU de Besançon, CHU Jean-Minjoz, 3, boulevard Fleming, 25000 Besançon, France; UMR-CNRS 6249 Chrono-environnement, université de Franche-Comté, 25000 Besançon, France.

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis and allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis are two forms of lung disease with presumed distinct immunoallergic mechanisms. We report the observation of a 38-year-old French farmer who, for one month, had fever and dyspnoea resistant to antibiotic therapy. A diagnosis of farmer's lung, and allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis was made on clinical, biological, functional and radiological evidence and according to the criteria established. Read More

J Agromedicine 2020 01 27;25(1):65-72. Epub 2019 Apr 27.

Department of Medical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.

In a farmer, a diagnosis of hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) might cause drastic changes in life, and guidance concerning future prospects within farming requires a best possible etiological diagnosis. We aimed to assess (1) if immunological analyses based on material samples from the work environment could be used to improve the etiologic diagnosis in a farmer suffering from HP, and (2) if combining a longitudinal immunological investigation of workplace material with a realistic work place inhalation challenge could be used to optimize counselling with respect to further employment within farming. A realistic workplace inhalation challenge was performed to explore potential associations between exposure, symptoms and immune responses. Read More

Respir Med 2019 04 5;150:101-106. Epub 2019 Mar 5.

Department of Parasitology Mycology, University Hospital of Besançon, UMR/CNRS 6249 Chrono-Environnement Research Team, University of Bourgogne- Franche-Comté, France.

We propose a strategy for serodiagnosis of hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP): 1) question patients about their private or occupational activity, or visit him on site; 2) select panels of six somatic specific antigens appropriate for each type of exposure; 3) and use ELISA to test concomitantly two recombinant antigens highly specific to Farmer's lung, Metalworking-fluid HP, and for Bird fancier's lung. The serodiagnosis provides an immunological argument that may complete radiological, functional lung exploration and clinical features; 4) If the serodiagnosis is negative but the suspicion of HP is strong, a microbial analysis of the patient's specific exposure is conducted; 5) "A la carte" antigens are produced from the microorganisms isolated in the patient's environment sample and tested; 6) Finally, the patient may be asked to undergo a specific inhalation challenge with the offending antigens in a safety cabin, or to avoid his usual environment for a few days. Read More

Cent Eur J Immunol 2019 20;44(4):390-394. Epub 2020 Jan 20.

Department of Microbiology, National Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases, Warsaw, Poland.

Introduction: Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) is the third most common interstitial lung disease, and is often under-recognized, especially in patients who are not aware of their occupational or environmental contact with organic antigens. The aim of the present study was to assess the results of serum specific IgG antibodies (ssIgG) in HP patients and their correlation with clinical data.

Material And Methods: 128 HP patients, median age 53 years, participated in the study. Read More

Front Immunol 2018 19;9:2625. Epub 2018 Nov 19.

Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States.

Type 1 regulatory CD4 T (Tr1) cells express high levels of the immunosuppressive cytokine IL-10 but not the master transcription factor Foxp3, and can suppress inflammation and promote immune tolerance. In order to identify and obtain viable Tr1 cells for research and clinical applications, co-expression of CD49b and LAG3 has been proposed as a unique surface signature for both human and mouse Tr1 cells. However, recent studies have revealed that this pattern of co-expression is dependent on the stimulating conditions and the differentiation stage of the CD4 T cells. Read More

Virusdisease 2018 Jun 3;29(2):167-172. Epub 2018 Apr 3.

1Animal Health Division, ICAR-Research Complex for North Eastern Hill Region, Umiam, Meghalaya 793103 India.

The aim of the present study was to characterize the virus from the lesions and histopathology of organs associated with mortality in Kuroiler (dual purpose variety of poultry developed and marketed by Keggfarms Pvt. Ltd, India) birds suspected of Marek's disease. Among 1047 birds from two farms of different location with 5. Read More

Microorganisms 2018 05 21;6(2). Epub 2018 May 21.

Biology Department, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Jamnikarjeva 101, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.

The fungal genus of the order (Wallemiomycotina, Basidiomycota) comprises the most xerotolerant, xerophilic and also halophilic species worldwide. spp. are found in various osmotically challenged environments, such as dry, salted, or highly sugared foods, dry feed, hypersaline waters of solar salterns, salt crystals, indoor and outdoor air, and agriculture aerosols. Read More

Ann Am Thorac Soc 2018 04;15(4):460-469

2 Watson Health Value Based Care, Truven Health Analytics, an IBM Company, Cambridge, Massachusetts; and.

Rationale: Hypersensitivity pneumonitis is a complex lung disease resulting from repeated inhalation of a variety of antigens. Limited data exist regarding its epidemiology.

Objectives: To describe the trends in the annual incidence and prevalence of hypersensitivity pneumonitis in the United States. Read More

PLoS One 2017 14;12(6):e0178263. Epub 2017 Jun 14.

Service de Pneumologie, CHU de Besançon, Besançon, France.

Background: Farmer's lung (FL) is a common type of hypersensitivity pneumonitis. It is often considered that fibrosis is the most frequent finding in chronic FL. Nevertheless, three cohort studies have suggested that some patients with chronic FL may develop emphysema. Read More

Med Clin (Barc) 2017 Nov 3;149(10):429-435. Epub 2017 Jun 3.

Servicio de Neumología, Hospital Universitario Lucus Augusti, Lugo, España.

Introduction: Farmer's lung disease (FLD) is a common form of hypersensitivity pneumonitis possibly underdiagnosed in our midst. The aim of this study was to describe clinical characteristics, evolution and factors that influence the prognosis of patients with FLD.

Patients And Methods: A retrospective study that included all patients diagnosed with FLD presenting an environmental exposure risk, a clinic, lung function and a compatible radiology, in which antigen sensitisation was demonstrated and/or a concordant pathology. Read More

Clin Rev Allergy Immunol 2017 Jun;52(3):305-322

Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Davis School of Medicine, University of California, 451 Health Sciences Drive, Suite 6510, Davis, CA, 95616, USA.

There are possibly millions of mold species on earth. The vast majority of these mold spores live in harmony with humans, rarely causing disease. The rare species that does cause disease does so by triggering allergies or asthma, or may be involved in hypersensitivity diseases such as allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis or allergic fungal sinusitis. Read More

PLoS One 2016 4;11(8):e0160888. Epub 2016 Aug 4.

UMR6249 Chrono-Environnement, University of Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Besançon, France.

The use of recombinant antigens has been shown to improve both the sensitivity and the standardization of the serological diagnosis of Farmer's lung disease (FLD). The aim of this study was to complete the panel of recombinant antigens available for FLD serodiagnosis with antigens of Lichtheimia corymbifera, known to be involved in FLD. L. Read More

Arch Bronconeumol 2016 Jun 10;52(6):321-8. Epub 2016 Feb 10.

Grupo Gallego Multidisciplinar de Enfermedades Pulmonares Intersticiales Difusas (GAMEPID), Sociedad Gallega de Patología Respiratoria (SOGAPAR), España.

Farmer's lung disease (FLD) is a form of hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) caused by inhaling microorganisms from hay or grain stored in conditions of high humidity in the agricultural workplace. It is probably underdiagnosed, especially in northern Spain, where climatic conditions favor the development of this disease. According to previous studies, the most common antigens are usually thermophilic actinomycetes and fungi. Read More

BMJ Case Rep 2015 Dec 21;2015. Epub 2015 Dec 21.

Department of Respiratory Diseases, University Hospital of Besançon, Besançon, France UMR/CNRS 6249 Chrono-Environment, University Hospital of Besançon, Besançon, France.

Combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema is a distinct syndrome reported in patients who smoke. A 72-year-old, never-smoking female dairy farmer was referred for progressive dyspnoea on exertion, basal crackles on auscultation, normal spirometry and normal lung volumes but decreased diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide, centrilobular emphysema in the upper zones of the lungs and diffuse infiltrative lung disease in the lower zones on high-resolution CT scan. Bronchoalveolar lavage differential cell count showed 35% lymphocytosis, and precipitating antibodies for Wallemia sebi, Trichoderma species and Cladosporium sphaerospermum were identified. Read More

BMJ Open 2015 Jul 22;5(7):e007350. Epub 2015 Jul 22.

Department of Health Protection, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Kuopio, Finland Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland.

Objectives: Farming as an occupation is considered a risk factor for asthma and reduced lung function. By contrast, living on a farm during infancy has been reported to be associated with lower risk of asthma in adulthood. However, little is known about the association between farming environment during infancy and lung function in adulthood. Read More

Ann Am Thorac Soc 2015 May;12(5):631-41

Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Respiratory Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio.

The era of bronchoscopy began with Gustav Killian in 1876 when he removed a pork bone from a farmer's airway, using an esophagoscope. Prompted by this accomplishment, Chevalier Jackson, an American otolaryngologist, laid the platform for the modern-day rigid bronchoscope in the early twentieth century. In 1967 Shigeto Ikeda revolutionized the field of bronchoscopy by his innovation of the fiberoptic bronchoscope. Read More

BMC Pulm Med 2015 Mar 6;15:18. Epub 2015 Mar 6.

Université de Lorraine, INGRES, EA 7298, Vandoeuvre lès Nancy, F-54505, France.

Background: Argan is now used worldwide in numerous cosmetic products. Nine workers from a cosmetic factory were examined in our occupational medicine department, following the diagnosis of a case of hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) related to handling of argan cakes.

Methods: Operators were exposed to three forms of argan (crude granulates, powder or liquid) depending on the step of the process. Read More

Rev Mal Respir 2015 Mar 5;32(3):275-8. Epub 2014 Aug 5.

Service de pneumologie, hôpital Jean-Minjoz, 2, boulevard Fleming, 25030 Besancon cedex, France.

Introduction: Farmer's lung (FL) is the most common type of hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP), with an estimated prevalence of between 0.5 and 1.5% in dairy farmers. Read More

J Med Microbiol 2015 Apr 9;64(Pt 4):359-368. Epub 2015 Feb 9.

Parasitology-Mycology Department, University Hospital, Besançon, France.

Electrosyneresis and double diffusion are immunoprecipitation techniques commonly used in the serological diagnosis of Farmer's lung disease (FLD). These techniques are reliable but lack standardization. The aim of this study was to evaluate Western blotting for the serodiagnosis of FLD. Read More

Genome Announc 2014 Dec 18;2(6). Epub 2014 Dec 18.

Dermatology Department, University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland.

Saccharopolyspora rectivirgula is the main cause of farmer's lung disease. The development of recombinant antigens to standardize the serodiagnosis of the disease requires knowledge of the S. rectivirgula genome. Read More