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Hi,

I just signed up to this list. I have been in private practice since graduation from OCPM in 1982. For the last 17.5 years I have been practicing(conservative care/nursing homes/general podiatric medicine) in Lancaster, Pa.

Now for my question: Is there any evidence in the podiatric community(and medical literature) that chronic exposure to mycotic nail/skin dust can lead to an increased white cell count(particularly lymphocytosis) leading to a diagnosis of CLL(Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia)? The hemotologist and MD's that I have spoken to say that they have never seen any relationship of high white count to this situation. The closest information that I can find is that viral infections can lead to a lymphocytosis, but never any mention of mycosis.

Thanks in advance for your replies. I look forward to hearing from you.
Alan Sclafani, DPM
Lancaster, Pa

 

Welcome to Podiatry Arena

I am not aware of anything on CLL, but there is plenty on what fungal elements to to Podiatrists. Maybe serious fungal infections can affect the white cell count ??? :confused:

Check this: Fungal Infections in the Nasal Cavities of Podiatrists in which Paul Tinley et al found a higher prevlaance of fungi in the nasal cavities of podiatrists.

In JAPMA:
Nail dust aerosols from onychomycotic toenails. Part II. Clinical and serologic aspects.
Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association, Vol 82, Issue 2 116-123

The same authors also had this publication:
Inhalation of nail dust from onychomycotic toenails. Part I. Characterization of particles.
J Am Podiatr Med Assoc. 1992 Feb;82(2):111-5.

The full text of this article is available in Spainish:
Hypersensitiviy to Trichophyton rubrum antigens in atopic and non-atopic podiatrists.
Allergol Immunopathol (Madr). 2003 Mar-Apr;31(2):70-6

There have also been these:
Human nail dust: hazard to chiropodists or merely nuisance?
J Soc Occup Med. 1991 Autumn;41(3):121-5.
Human nail dust and precipitating antibodies to Trichophyton rubrum in chiropodists.
]Clin Allergy. 1983 Jul;13(4):309-15.

On a personal note, I do know of one Podiatrist who had a fatal fungal lung infection - but do not know enough to know if it was occupational exposure that caused it or if CLL was involved.

 

Thanks for the info. That was very helpful.

Alan Sclafani, DPM