Mushroom worker's lung

Mushroom worker’s disease is a hypersensitivity pneumonitis caused by the occupational exposure of allergenic fungal spores and compost associated with the inhalation of organic dust from mushroom composting and spawning.

Clinical presentation

It presents as an acute pulmonary illness with cough, fever, and dyspnea. Weight loss has been described. Clinical features are consistent with other forms of hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and as is typical, removal of the patient from the allergenic environment causes resolution of symptoms.

Countries vary in the species of fungi commercially grown which has led to various subtypes of disease based on the species and agricultural methods being described.

Radiological features

Chest radiograph and chest CT show typical features of hypersensitivity pneumonitis, which may progress to fibrosis. Radiographic resolution is expected following the removal of the patient from the allergenic environment.