Beware of bacteria, fungi lurking in soil

Although working with soil is rarely considered a health risk to gardeners and outdoor workers, some diseases are transmitted through soil. Inhaling diseased spores or becoming exposed to bacterial diseases in the soil by dirt entering a cut or scratch are common methods of infection.

Avoid using raw manure, and when working on dusty or previously uncultivated sites, wet down the soil to reduce dust in the air.

Wearing gauntlet-style work gloves, long sleeves, long pants and sturdy shoes can reduce the risk of infection.

Diseases that can spread to humans through soil include:

• Tetanus. Sometimes called "lockjaw," tetanus, a disease that affects the central nervous system, is caused by a species of the Clostridia bacteria that occurs naturally in soil. Tetanus can be easily prevented through regular vaccinations - it is much easier to prevent than to cure. While most children receive tetanus vaccinations as part of their immunizations, many adults become susceptible by failing to get tetanus booster shots.

• Histoplasmosis. A fungal disease that enters through the lungs via airborne soil particles infected with fungal mold, histoplasmosis is also called Ohio River Valley Fever and the "Pigeon Poop" disease. Although prevalent in the Ohio River Valley and the Mississippi River Valley, it is also common across the central U.S., the middle Atlantic region and the southeast. The fungus tends to be more prevalent in soils containing bird or bat droppings. The disease is found most often in places where the droppings are several years old.

Those with AIDS or other immune disorders may be particularly susceptible to this disease, as are people with pneumonia, emphysema or chronic bronchitis. Symptoms are flulike and may be combined with pneumonia or may cause symptoms similar to pneumonia. Histoplasmosis may also be asymptomatic.

source:www.dailyherald.com