Tragedy struck in Rochester, New York, when two men lost their lives to a rare fungal infection. The unlikely culprit? Bat guano, which they had used to fertilize their cannabis plants. The men's fatal mistake was inhaling spores from the bat droppings, contracting histoplasmosis, a devastating fungal lung disease. Their heartbreaking cases were documented in a recent report published in the Open Forum Infectious Diseases journal.

The Tragic Incident:

The two victims, aged 59 and 64, were both using bat guano as a fertilizer for their homegrown cannabis plants. The 59-year-old man had purchased bat guano online, while the 64-year-old had gathered it from his attic, where a bat infestation had left droppings.

After inhaling the spores from the guano, both men began to exhibit severe symptoms of histoplasmosis, including:

• Fever

• Chronic cough

• Weight loss

• Blood poisoning

• Respiratory failure

Despite receiving antifungal treatments, both men succumbed to the infection, underscoring the dangers associated with handling bat guano without proper precautions.

Histoplasmosis: A Growing Threat

Histoplasmosis is a fungal infection caused by the Histoplasma capsulatum fungus, which is often found in the droppings of bats and birds. While the disease was initially recognized as common in the Ohio and Mississippi River valleys, it has now been reported throughout the central and eastern United States. The infection can lead to acute respiratory issues, including:

• Chronic cough

• Fever

• Significant weight loss

• Ultimately, Respiratory failure if untreated.

The infection can be severe, particularly for individuals with compromised immune systems, as was the case with the two men.

Underlying Health Conditions of the Victims:

Both men had underlying health conditions that likely worsened their ability to fight the fungal infection. The 59-year-old man had emphysema, rheumatoid arthritis, and a weakened immune system due to his medication, which may have made him more susceptible to severe illness. The 64-year-old man had peripheral arterial disease and had been experiencing significant weight loss, making him more vulnerable to the effects of histoplasmosis.

The Rise of Bat Guano Use in Cannabis Cultivation:

As more states in the U.S. legalize cannabis cultivation, the use of bat guano as a fertilizer has surged. Bat guano, rich in nitrogen and phosphorus, is often hailed as a "natural" fertilizer that can boost plant growth. However, this case highlights the potential risks associated with handling bat guano. Unaware individuals may unknowingly expose themselves to dangerous fungal spores while handling the material, which can lead to severe infections such as histoplasmosis.

The Need for Greater Awareness:

Experts are calling for more education about the risks of handling bat guano, especially as it becomes more popular among cannabis growers. The rise of online forums and websites promoting bat guano as a "superfood" for plants may lead people to overlook the potential health risks associated with it.

The study published in the journal urges government agencies to increase public awareness of the dangers of fungal infections and the importance of taking safety precautions when handling bat droppings.

The report emphasizes that growers should wear protective gear such as gloves and masks when using bat guano or other fertilizers, particularly if they are sourced from areas where bat infestations are common. In addition, the study calls for testing commercial fertilizers containing bat guano for the presence of Histoplasma capsulatum before they are sold to consumers.

CDC Guidelines and Recommendations:

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) strongly advises against disturbing areas with large accumulations of bat or bird droppings, as this can expose individuals to harmful fungal spores. Professional removal services should be used for cleaning bat-infested areas. The CDC also recommends that individuals avoid activities such as cave exploration, which can increase the risk of inhaling fungal spores.

The researchers behind the report further suggest that commercial fertilizers containing bat guano should be tested for Histoplasma capsulatum before they are marketed. If testing is not possible, risk mitigation measures, including proper labeling and safety instructions, should be implemented to protect consumers.

References:

1. Paulina Sudnik, Patrick Passarelli, Angela Branche, Ellen Giampoli, Ted Louie, Histoplasmosis Associated With Bat Guano Exposure in Cannabis Growers: 2 Cases, Open Forum Infectious Diseases, Volume 11, Issue 12, December 2024, ofae711, https://doi.org/10.1093/ofid/ofae711

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Sai Sindhuja K/MSM)