Suberosis

Suberosis is a type of hypersensitivity pneumonitis usually caused by the fungus Penicillium glabrum (formerly called Penicillum frequentans) from exposure to moldy cork dust. Chrysonilia sitophilia, Aspergillus fumigatus, uncontaminated cork dust, and Mucor macedo may also have significant roles in the pathogenesis of the disease.

Cause

Cork is often harvested from the cork oak (Quercus suber) and stored in slabs in a hot and humid environment until covered in mold. Cork workers may be exposed to organic dusts in this process, leading to this disease.

Diagnosis

Treatment

History

Vinte-e-Um Mendes first reported respiratory disease in Portuguese cork workers in 1947 at the Portuguese Medical Reunion. Cancella d'Abreu first described the disease in 1955.

See also

• Hypersensitivity pneumonitis