Examination of Mechanisms Responsible for Organic Dust-Related Diseases: Mediator Release Induced by Microorganisms. A Review

Abstract

Microbial content in dusts such as bacteria, endotoxins and fungal spores are thought to be important causative agents for the symptoms in organic dust‐related diseases. Micro‐organism‐induced mediator release was therefore examined in human cells. Bacteria were found to trigger the release of histamine and leurotriene B4 from bronchoalveolar cells, and in suspensions of dispersed lung and tonsillar cells they induce the release of histamine and prostaglandin D2. Basophil histamine release was triggered by both bacteria and their endotxins. Furthermore, histamine release caused by allergic as well as non‐allergic reactions was enhanced by bacteria, endotoxins and fungal spores of mould. These effects of dust components may be crucial for the symptoms in q a n i c dust‐related diseases, since the mediators are of key importance to the broncho‐obstructive and inflammatory events in these disorders.

The indoor microfungusTrichoderma viridepotentiates histamine release from human bronchoalveolar cells

“…The same activity of the spores was found in leukocyte suspensions. The concentrations needed for histamine release were in the same order as that found for other fungi and bacteria (4,5,18,19), except for Stachyhotrys atra which showed release at 10 times lower concentrations (14). The mediator release was triggered by non-immunological mechanisms since the histamine release was not changed by removal of IgE molecules from the cell surface of the basophils before exposure of the cells to the spores.…”

An Evolutionary-Based Framework for Analyzing Mold and Dampness-Associated Symptoms in DMHS

“…Inflammatory and broncho-obstructive symptoms obtained by exposure to organic dust also produce similar symptoms. Norn concluded that the exposure to fungal spores enhances the histamine release triggered by both allergic and non-immunologic mechanisms (70, 71). Therefore toxic, rather than allergic or similar inflammatory, processes were involved (72).…”

Peer Reviewed: Pathogen Risks From Applying Sewage Sludge to Land

“…Heavy congestion, a symptom frequently reported among people potentially exposed to sewage sludge dusts, is part of the respiratory system's inflammatory response to irritation (14). Because respiratory fluids are rich in proteins, they help bacteria to proliferate and overwhelm the body's ability to expel the organisms, as is the case with pneumonia (37).…”

“…Lime and cationic dewatering polymers, which can enhance the irritant properties of the mixture, may also be added during wastewater and sludge treatment. Sewage sludge also contains household products, industrial wastes, and other chemicals that may compromise the body's defenses against infection by irritating the skin, eyes, and respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts (12)(13)(14). Several tons or more per acre of the final product are distributed annually for land application in populated areas.…”