A Shocking Diagnostic Dilemma: How Bat Poop Led to Deadly Infections in Two Men

Diagnostic Dilemma: The Deadly Risk of Using Bat Guano in Cannabis Cultivation

Two men in Rochester, New York, were recently hospitalized with severe fungal infections after coming into contact with bat guano, a substance commonly used as fertilizer for cannabis plants. Their cases highlight the potential health risks of using bat poop, especially when the fungus it contains is inhaled, and the growing need to raise awareness about the dangers of this practice.

The Patients and Symptoms

The first patient, a 59-year-old man, was admitted to the hospital with respiratory failure after suffering from symptoms such as a sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and significant weight loss over the course of six weeks. Initially, doctors suspected a variety of conditions, but a CT scan of his neck revealed that mucus was obstructing his upper voice box and right-side vocal cord. The situation escalated as he appeared to be deteriorating rapidly, eventually developing signs of bacterial blood poisoning. Further tests and imaging, including a CT scan of his chest, revealed fluid buildup in his lungs. Traces of fungi were detected in his urine and mucus, confirming that his condition was more complex than initially thought.

The second patient, a 64-year-old man, had been struggling with low blood salt levels, which led to tissue swelling. He also suffered from chronic cough and poor oral health, making it difficult for him to eat or drink, leading to weight loss. Upon admission to the hospital, he was found to have a fever of 100°F (38°C). A CT scan showed multiple lesions in his chest and abdomen, and fungal traces were also found in his urine.

The Diagnosis: Histoplasmosis

Both patients, despite having no direct connection to each other, were diagnosed with histoplasmosis, a rare fungal lung infection caused by Histoplasma capsulatum. This fungus is commonly found in soil that has been contaminated by bird or bat droppings. When the spores are inhaled, they can cause a range of respiratory issues, from mild symptoms to life-threatening complications. In the United States, histoplasmosis is diagnosed in approximately 1 to 2 individuals per 100,000 each year. However, most people exposed to the fungus do not develop symptoms, and those who do tend to experience more severe reactions if they have existing lung conditions or weakened immune systems.

In these two cases, the patients’ pre-existing conditions may have made them more susceptible to the infection. The first patient had emphysema, a form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which compromises lung function and makes individuals more vulnerable to respiratory infections. Both men were also regular smokers, which likely worsened their lung health and contributed to the severity of their symptoms.

The Role of Bat Guano in the Infections

What makes this case particularly unique is the fact that both patients had been in contact with bat guano as part of their cannabis cultivation practices. Bat guano, often marketed as a high-nutrient fertilizer for plants, contains significant levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which are essential for plant growth. However, these very nutrients are also found in large quantities in the droppings of bats, which, when disturbed, can release Histoplasma capsulatum spores into the air.

Patient one had purchased bat guano online, while patient two had planned to use guano collected from his attic after a bat infestation. Both men were likely exposed to the dangerous fungal spores while handling the guano, which ultimately led to the development of histoplasmosis.

Although bat guano has been praised as a “natural superfood” for cannabis cultivation, the dangers of using it as fertilizer are not well known to the public, especially in the context of the growing cannabis market. With several U.S. states recently legalizing recreational cannabis use, including Arizona, New York, and Ohio, more people are turning to at-home cultivation, often without fully understanding the potential risks involved.

Treatment and Outcome

Once the patients were diagnosed with histoplasmosis, they were treated with antifungal medications. However, despite the aggressive treatment, both patients unfortunately passed away due to complications from the infection. Histoplasmosis has a mortality rate of about 5% to 7% for those hospitalized with the condition, highlighting the serious nature of this disease when it is not caught early or when a patient has pre-existing health issues that weaken their immune system.

A Growing Concern

This case underscores a critical public health issue: the lack of awareness surrounding the use of bat guano as fertilizer, particularly in the context of homegrown cannabis. While guano may be marketed as a natural and highly effective plant nutrient, it carries significant risks if handled improperly. The growing popularity of cannabis cultivation, especially as it becomes legalized in more states, makes it all the more important to raise awareness of these dangers. For individuals cultivating plants using bat guano, it is essential to take precautions, such as wearing protective equipment, handling the fertilizer in well-ventilated areas, and ensuring proper storage and disposal of guano to minimize exposure to potentially harmful spores.

Conclusion

The deaths of these two men serve as a tragic reminder of the potential dangers associated with handling bat guano in gardening and cannabis cultivation. While the use of bat guano for its high nutrient content is common in certain circles, it is vital that individuals understand the risks of fungal exposure when handling this substance. Increased awareness of histoplasmosis and its connection to bat droppings will help prevent future cases of this deadly infection, especially as more people grow their own cannabis in states where it has been legalized.