| Abstract | We describe a woman with hypersensitivity pneumonitis that was related to using a home ultrasonic humidifier. A micronodular infiltrate was seen in her chest radiograph. The inhalation challenge test was performed with the humidifier, and she exhibited a positive response. The cultures of the humidifier water grew Candida albicans, Rhodotorula spp., and Aspergillus spp. The test for precipitating antibodies against the humidifier water gave a positive response, and specific IgG, IgM, and IgA antibodies against extracts of A. fumigatus, C. albicans, and Rhodotorula spp. were demonstrated in the patient's serum by ELISA. A strong, dose-dependent inhibition of Rhodotorula IgG-ELISA by humidifier water was observed, suggesting that Rhodotorula might be the cause of hypersensitivity pneumonitis in this patient. |
| Authors | J A Alvarez-Fernández, S Quirce, J L Calleja, M Cuevas, E Losada
(Affiliation: Department of Allergy, Hospital Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, Spain.)
|
| Journal | Allergy
(Allergy)
Vol. 53
Issue 2
Pg. 210-2
(Feb 1998)
ISSN: 0105-4538 DENMARK |
| PMID | 9534923
(Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)
|
| Chemical References |
- Antibodies, Fungal
- Antigens, Fungal
|
| Topics |
- Adult
- Air Conditioning
(instrumentation)
- Alveolitis, Extrinsic Allergic
(etiology, immunology)
- Antibodies, Fungal
(analysis)
- Antigens, Fungal
(analysis)
- Equipment Contamination
- Female
- Fungi
(immunology, isolation & purification)
- Humans
- Humidity
- Ultrasonics
- Water Microbiology
|
