A recent article published in the journal Clinical Infectious Diseases highlights the severe risks posed by mulch for people affected by CGD.
Mulch is material such as hay, straw, sawdust, leaves, wood chips and tree bark. The report describes a clear time relationship between high exposure to these materials and developing fever, flu-like symptoms, a cough and difficult or laboured breathing.
Nine patient case studies are described and all had had exposure one to ten days prior to the onset of symptoms. The problems were caused by inhaling fungi after activities such as laying mulch in their garden, cleaning gutters of dead leaves, playing in a mouldy shed and cleaning a lawn mower. All developed life-threatening invasive fungal infections.
Seven of the patients described had known CGD diagnoses and were receiving prophylactic anti-fungal treatment. However, two patients, a boy aged 14 and a 23-year-old woman athlete had no history of recognised immunodeficiency and were found to have the non X-linked form of CGD.
Aspergillus expert Dr David Denning, Professor of Medicine and Medical Mycology at Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester, said:
“This study highlights the risk posed by mulch and other organic garden materials to people with CGD. My advice for those with CGD is to not work with or be around mulch, hay, wood chips, grass clippings, other garden waste or firewood that has any visible dry rot or old fungi on it, and not to be involved in any process where these materials may be thrown in the air. This will help avoid inhalation of high levels of fungi.”
If you are exposed and develop flu-like symptoms, a cough or laboured breathing please contact your medical advisor.
Fulminant mulch pneumonitis: an emergency presentation of chronic granulomatous disease.
Siddiqui S, Anderson VL, Hilligoss DM, Abinun M, Kuijpers TW, Masur H, Witebsky FG, Shea YR, Gallin JI, Malech HL, Holland SM.
Clin Infect Dis. 2007 Sep 15;45(6):673-81.
IMPORTANT NOTE :
The information contained on this website is intended only as a guideline, not as a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your doctor if you or your child has any CGD symptoms or concerns.
© 2001-2007 The Chronic Granulomatous Disorder (CGD) Research Trust
Registered Charity No. 1003425 email:cgd@cgdrt.co.uk
The CGD Research Trust is a member of the Association of Medical Research Charities (AMRC), the Genetic Interest Group (GiG) and an associate member of the International Patient Organisation of Primary Immunodeficiencies (IPOPI)
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