PT - JOURNAL ARTICLE AU - Y. Yamamoto AU - S. Osanai AU - S. Fujiuchi AU - K. Yamazaki AU - H. Nakano AU - Y. Ohsaki AU - K. Kikuchi TI - Extrinsic allergic alveolitis induced by the yeast <em>Debaryomyces Hansenii</em> AID - 10.1183/09031936.02.00030402 DP - 2002 Nov 01 TA - European Respiratory Journal PG - 1351--1353 VI - 20 IP - 5 4099 - http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/20/5/1351.short 4100 - http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/20/5/1351.full SO - Eur Respir J2002 Nov 01; 20 AB - A 65-yr-old female developed cough, fever and dyspnoea following repeated exposure to a home ultrasonic humidifier. High-resolution computed tomography showed ground-glass opacity in both lung fields. Arterial blood gas analysis gave an oxygen tension of 8.38 kPa (63 Torr). Pulmonary function testing revealed restrictive ventilatory impairment with a reduction in the diffusing capacity. The diagnosis of extrinsic allergic alveolitis (EAA) was confirmed by radiographic findings, pathological evidence of alveolitis and reproductive development by a provocation test to the humidifier water. The yeast Debaryomyces Hansenii was the only microorganism cultured from the water of the humidifier. The double diffusion precipitating test and lymphocyte proliferative response was positive for an extract of D. Hansenii, providing evidence to incriminate this fungus. This is the first described case of EAA caused by D. Hansenii.