RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Extrinsic allergic alveolitis induced by the yeast <em>Debaryomyces Hansenii</em>
JF European Respiratory Journal
JO Eur Respir J
FD European Respiratory Society
SP 1351
OP 1353
DO 10.1183/09031936.02.00030402
VO 20
IS 5
A1 Y. Yamamoto
A1 S. Osanai
A1 S. Fujiuchi
A1 K. Yamazaki
A1 H. Nakano
A1 Y. Ohsaki
A1 K. Kikuchi
YR 2002
UL http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/20/5/1351.abstract
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.