A textile worker presents with chest tightness, cough, and wheeze that consistently worsen on the first day of the working week (Monday) and improve on weekends. The responsible aetiological agent is:
- A Silica dust
- B Cotton dust — endotoxins from Gram-negative bacteria in raw cotton ✓
- C Asbestos fibres
- D Polyurethane (isocyanates)
Correct answer: B. Cotton dust — endotoxins from Gram-negative bacteria in raw cotton
Explanation
Byssinosis is caused by inhalation of organic dust from cotton, hemp, or flax. The 'Monday fever' — chest tightness and dyspnoea on the first day of the working week after a weekend break — is pathognomonic. The causative agents are endotoxins from Gram-negative bacteria contaminating raw cotton, which trigger airway inflammation. In contrast, isocyanates cause occupational asthma (isocyanate asthma) without the characteristic Monday pattern. Silicosis causes progressive fibrosis and silicotic nodules; asbestosis causes basal fibrosis.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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