First evidence of chronic pulmonary aspergillosis detected in Assam’s tea garden workers

Guwahati, Jan 13: Medical researchers from Assam Medical College and Hospital (AMCH) have identified the first evidence of chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA) among Assam’s tea garden population, urging the need for routine screening of patients with respiratory disorders.

A study conducted by AMCH screened 128 individuals from four tea gardens located within a 15-kilometer radius of the hospital. The researchers found CPA in 17% of patients who exhibited respiratory symptoms. Additionally, antibodies to Aspergillus—a fungal pathogen linked to lung infections—were detected in 32% of the participants, many of whom reported symptoms such as fatigue, persistent coughing, and hemoptysis (coughing up blood). Among individuals with a history of tuberculosis (TB), nearly 48% tested positive for Aspergillus antibodies.

“CPA primarily affects individuals with pre-existing lung cavities and is often associated with a history of TB infection,” the researchers stated. The tea garden population was specifically selected for the study due to the high prevalence of TB among workers in these communities.

Assam, India’s leading tea-producing state, hosts over 800 tea estates, contributing nearly 50% of the nation’s tea production. More than 170 of these estates are located in Dibrugarh district, where the study was conducted.

While global CPA prevalence is estimated at 42 cases per 100,000 people, earlier studies in India suggested a much lower rate of 20 per 100,000. In contrast, the prevalence in Europe and the United States is under 1 per 100,000.

The findings highlight a significant health concern within Assam’s tea garden workforce and emphasize the need for targeted interventions, including enhanced screening and early diagnosis of CPA in high-risk populations.

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