Bagassosis

Bagassosis, an interstitial lung disease, is a type of hypersensitivity pneumonitis attributed to exposure to moldy molasses (bagasse).^[1][2]

Signs and symptoms

Some symptoms and signs of Bagassosis include breathlessness, cough, haemoptysis, slight fever. Acute diffuse bronchiolitis may also occur. An xray may show mottling of lungs or a shadow.

Cause

Bagassosis has been shown to be due to a thermophilic actinomycetes for which the name thermoactinomycetes sacchari was suggested.

Prevention

The following are precautionary measures that can be taken to avoid the spread of bagassosis:

1. Dust control-prevention /suppression of dust such as wet process, enclosed apparatus, exhaust ventilation etc. should be used
2. Personal protection- masks/ respirators
3. Medical control- initial medical examination & periodical checkups of workers
4. Bagasse control- keep moisture content above 20% and spray bagasse with 2% propionic acid^[3]

History

Bagassosis was first reported in India by Ganguly and Pal in 1955, in a cardboard manufacturing plant near Kolkata. India has a large canesugar industry. The sugarcane fibre which, until recently, went to waste, is now utilised in the manufacture of cardboard, paper and rayon.

References