Gardener died from inhaling compost

9:53am Friday 13th June 2008

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A GARDENER died after inhaling deadly fungus spores in dead plant material, a doctor at Wycombe Hospital has revealed.

The 47-year-old welder, who has not been named, was engulfed in clouds of dust and started to cough and suffer chest pains and shortness of breath.

He was rushed to hospital in May last year after a week of worsening symptoms and it was first thought he had pneumonia.

After antibiotics failed to take effect he was moved to intensive care he developed kidney failure and died after three days.

Writing in medical journal The Lancet Dr David Waghorn, a microbiologist, said the man smoked 10 cigarettes a day but had "previously been in good health".

He wrote: "The patient's partner revealed that his symptoms had started less than 24 hours after he had dispersed rotting tree and plant mulch in the garden, when clouds of dust had engulfed him."

Smoking and welding could have increased his "vulnerability" he said.

"Since he died so quickly, we cannot exclude the possibility that he had an undetected immunodeficiency."

He wrote: "Acute aspergillosis fungus after contact with decayed plant matter is rare, but may be considered an occupational hazard for gardeners.

"Prompt treatment with an appropriate intravenous antifungal agent is essential."

Dr Keith Prowse, chairman of the British Lung Foundation, said the death was unusual but urged gardeners to take precautions.

He said: "It's very rare for people to develop lung conditions like aspergillosis from exposure to substances like compost and mulch, but it is possible, particularly in people who might be pre-disposed to lung problems such as current or ex-smokers, people who have worked in dusty environments, or people with poor immune responses.

"It would be wise for people dispersing large amounts of compost and mulch to protect their lungs by wearing a mask, particularly if they may already have suffered damage."