FUNGAL INFECTION RISK FOR PEOPLE ON IMMUNOSUPPRESSANT DRUGS

[MAC12]

There have been a number of reports lately regarding the risks of serious and untreatable fungal infections for those on immunosuppressive medication, which is likely to include many people being treated for vasculitis. Garden compost heaps have been mentioned as a particular risk. See link to piece in the Independent at bottom of this post (COMPOST HEAPS ARE LETHAL). Does anyone have further information or advice? Should vasculitis sufferers be wary of gardening? independent.co.uk/news/heal...

[sarahdollygirl]

Spent 3 weeks in hospital over xmas and new year being treated with lethal doses of antibiotics for a fungal lung infection. Am still on a preventative dose of antibiotics now...wondered how I may have got it...

[xz3sgn in reply to sarahdollygirl]

I'm undergoing treatment for MPO having Prednislone & Azathioprine. I had fungal infection on my finger tips and was put on strong antibiotics. It was serious, at one point, when I was sent to plastic surgery to check if the infection had reached my bones. Fortunaetly it wasn't. I think it is due to Azathioprine

[MAC12 in reply to sarahdollygirl]

Perhaps the answer, for those on immunosuppressant medication but enjoy gardening, is to wear gloves, avoid direct contact with soil and follow advice below, given by one website:

Protect yourself from the environment. While using these medications, there may be some ways to lower your chances of getting a serious fungal infection by trying to avoid disease-causing fungi in the environment. It’s important to note that although these actions are recommended, they have not been proven to prevent fungal infections.

Try to avoid areas with a lot of dust like construction or excavation sites.

Stay inside during dust storms.

Stay away from areas with bird and bat droppings. This includes places like chicken coops and caves.

Wear gloves when handling materials such as soil, moss, or manure.

Wear shoes, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt when doing outdoor activities such as gardening, yard work, or visiting wooded areas.

[ZiggyDiego]

I noticed when I was having cyclophosphamide that my respiratory system responded to me potting up plants etc in my garage, so I brought a mask and moved all my stuff outside. This year I've been on antibiotics continuously since January to shift a respiratory tract infection but forgot about the compost issue till now. But I have been getting much more help in the garden anyway. I think commercial compost which you buy in bags is sterilised - it's the homemade stuff that's dodgy.

[MAC12 in reply to ZiggyDiego]

Yes that makes sense. I've worn a surgical mask when I've had contact with my garden compost heap.