Byssinosis, an occupational lung disease among cotton textile workers, is characterised by Monday morning fever and chest tightness. The causative agent is:

• A Crystalline silica in cotton gin dust causing progressive massive fibrosis
• B Aflatoxin contamination of cotton bales causing alveolitis
• C Cotton dust containing endotoxins from gram-negative bacterial contamination triggering bronchoconstriction ✓
• D Free silica from cotton washing processes leading to silicosis

Explanation

Byssinosis is caused by inhalation of cotton (or hemp, flax) dust containing endotoxins from gram-negative bacteria (Enterobacteriaceae) contaminating the fibres; these endotoxins activate innate immune pathways causing bronchoconstriction and systemic symptoms. The 'Monday morning' pattern reflects temporal relationship: lung function deteriorates most on return after the weekend break when tolerance has partially cleared. Grading: Grade 0 (no symptoms), ½ (occasional chest tightness on Monday), 1 (tightness every Monday), 2 (tightness Monday + other days), 3 (chronic respiratory disease).

Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.