1/8. New occupational allergen in citrus farmers: citrus red mite (Panonychus citri).BACKGROUND: There have been several reports of occupational allergy to spider mites (tetranychidae), but no published report has described citrus red mite (CRM, Panonychus citri)-induced occupational asthma confirmed by specific bronchial challenge. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate clinical and immunologic characteristics of CRM-induced occupational asthma. methods AND RESULTS: We encountered 16 cases of CRM-induced occupational asthma among farmers cultivating citrus fruits. Asthmatic attacks corresponded closely with their work on citrus farms. The mean duration of the latent period was 12.9 (range 7 to 20) years. During their first visit to our clinic, nine patients with FEV1 lower than 70% of predictive value showed reversible airway obstruction after inhalation of bronchodilator, and seven with FEV1 greater than 70% of predictive value showed airway hyperresponsiveness to methacholine. Fifteen of the 16 also complained of recurrent nasal symptoms, which had developed at an earlier time than the asthmatic symptoms. They showed strong positive reactions to CRM extract on skin prick test (A/H ratio > or = 1.0) and had high serum specific IgE antibody against CRM which was detected by ELISA. skin prick test with common inhalant allergens revealed that 10 had an isolated positive response to CRM with negative results to common inhalant allergens in their environment. The ELISA inhibition tests with CRM demonstrated significant inhibitions by CRM in a dose-dependent manner, while minimal inhibitions were noted by D. pteronyssinus and mugwort allergens. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that CRM could induce IgE-mediated bronchoconstriction in exposed workers on citrus farm.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = environment (Clic here for more details about this article) |
2/8. gardening in greenhouses as a risk factor for silicosis.silicosis is a typical occupational disease, although some cases caused by non-industrial exposure have also been reported. We saw a 53-year-old male gardener with recurrent non-productive cough. A routine radiograph of the chest showed bilateral pulmonary nodules and subsequent computed tomography suggested that the infiltrates could be metastases. Open lung biopsy revealed nodules consisting of fibrotic tissue while the presence of birefringent silica particles was observed by polarised light microscopy. Mineralogical analysis of the substrata from the patient's workplace revealed an SiO(2) concentration of 31%. This case indicates that the inhalation of siliceous particles in a closed environment such as a greenhouse is a risk factor for silicosis.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = environment (Clic here for more details about this article) |
3/8. erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae endocarditis: a preventable zoonosis?BACKGROUND: erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae is a bacterium ubiquitous in the environment. It can cause a variety of diseases and the risk of infection is closely related to the level of occupational exposure to infected or colonised animals. AIMS: To discuss the clinical features and treatment of this zoonosis, to increase awareness of this pathogen and to emphasise the need for meticulous attention to hygienic work practices in reducing the risk of infection. METHOD: A case report of a farmer with E. rhusiopathiae endocarditis and the management of the infection. RESULTS: The patient was successfully treated with valve replacement surgery and antimicrobial therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Early identification of this microorganism is essential for appropriate treatment of endocarditis. Greater awareness and safe work practices can help reduce the risk of human infection by this microorganism.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = environment (Clic here for more details about this article) |
4/8. Pseudo-delusory syndrome caused by Limothrips cerealium.BACKGROUND: Limothrips cerealium (or "grain thrips") is an insect of the phylum Arthropoda, known as parasite of plants of the family Gramineae; human infestation is not frequently described in literature. MATERIALS AND methods: We report the case of a 59-year-old female farmer, come to observation because of intense itching and sensation of "walking insects" on her head, with no objective cutaneous signs except lesions due to scratching. After repeated visits, in which negative results of clinical and laboratory tests suggested the diagnosis of "delusory syndrome" (Ekbom's syndrome), we finally isolated on her head some insects, identified by stereomicroscopy as L. cerealium. Careful inspection of the house of our patient allowed us to identify, as possible source of parasites, a wheat field and a deposit of grains used for animal feeding. Temporarily removing the patient from her usual environment resulted in complete clinical resolution. RESULTS: Peculiarity of symptoms caused by this parasite and consequent problems for a correct diagnosis are discussed, as well as possible solutions.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = environment (Clic here for more details about this article) |
5/8. Occupational carbamate pesticide intoxication in three farm workers. Implications and significance for occupational health in jamaica.The importance of occupational health practice principles in the delivery of health care to the working population is stressed by the authors' management of an incident of occupational pesticide poisoning. The clinical management of the patients involved, as well as the occupational and environmental health management of that incident, is discussed. An illustrative case report is used to describe an occurrence of carbofuran pesticide poisoning in three female farm workers in jamaica. This report highlights the implications and significance of this incident in terms of the sensitivity of the medical profession to similar occupational health problems.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = environment (Clic here for more details about this article) |
6/8. Henoch-Schonlein purpura following thiram exposure.Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP) is an uncommon, nonthrombocytopenic hypersensitivity vasculitis that is often idiopathic, but may be induced by infectious agents, drugs, foods, environmental chemicals, or insect bites. To our knowledge, we report the first recognized case of HSP following exposure to the widely used industrial and agricultural agent, tetramethylthiuram disulfide. Few reports of HSP or other vasculitides resulting from exposure to structurally similar compounds are available. Despite the widespread use of tetramethylthiuram disulfide, many cases of exposure may remain unrecognized, resulting in a subsequent failure to properly identify sequelae.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = environment (Clic here for more details about this article) |
7/8. neurotoxins: a neuroscience nursing challenge.Societal awareness of toxins in general has been heightened in the past few decades with the increased focus on environmental concerns. The medical profession has been aware of the effects of some toxins such as lead and mercury for centuries, while other toxins have more recently been identified. Neuroscience nurses are challenged to be aware of the neurological effects of lesser known toxins, such as ciguatera and methyl bromide, and to meet the complex needs of patients who are suffering from the effects of toxic levels of these substances.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = environment (Clic here for more details about this article) |
8/8. hypersensitivity pneumonitis in peat moss processing plant workers.A nonsmoking 54-yr-old man, employed in a peat moss packaging plant, developed dyspnea and recurrent fever. The diagnosis of hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) was made. Thirteen of 14 coworkers and 13 nonexposed control subjects were studied. Five workers were nonsmokers, two were minimal smokers, and six were smokers. HP was found in another subject. Monocillium sp. and penicillium citreonigrum, 4.6 x 10(7) CFU/g, were found in the peat moss. Three nonsmokers, the two minimal smokers (including the subject with HP), and the index case had antibodies to these microorganisms; none of the six heavy smokers had antibodies. serum TNF-alpha was higher in the workers than in the control subjects (0.930 /- 0.177 versus 0. 350 /- 0.076). Three of the four asymptomatic seropositive workers and two seronegative smokers were further evaluated. All three seropositive workers had normal lung functions and CT but they all had a lymphocytic alveolitis (30, 34, and 68% lymphocytes in their bronchoalveolar lavage [BAL]). The smokers had normal lung functions, CT, and percentage of BAL lymphocytes (3 and 13%). This study identified a previously unrecognized work environment that can lead to HP and documented a protective effect of smoking on the response to antigens.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = environment (Clic here for more details about this article) |