Bagassosis
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Bagassosis | |
|---|---|
| Specialty | Pulmonology  |
Bagassosis, an interstitial lung disease, is a type of hypersensitivity pneumonitis attributed to exposure to moldy molasses[1] or bagasse dust.[2][3]
Some symptoms and signs of bagassosis include breathlessness, cough, haemoptysis, and slight fever. Acute diffuse bronchiolitis may also occur. An X-ray may show mottling of lungs or a shadow.
Cause
Bagassosis has been shown to be due to a thermophilic actinomycete for which the name Thermoactinomycetes sacchari was suggested.
Prevention
The following are precautionary measures that can be taken to avoid the spread of bagassosis:
- Dust control – prevention/suppression of dust such as wet process, enclosed apparatus, exhaust ventilation etc. should be used
- Personal protection – masks/respirators
- Medical control – initial medical examination and periodical checkups of workers
- Bagasse control – keep moisture content above 20% and spray bagasse with 2% propionic acid[4]