CHARACTERIZATION OF PRECIPITIN RESPONSE TO MICROPOLYSPORA-FAENI IN FARMERS LUNG-DISEASE BY QUANTITATIVE IMMUNOELECTROPHORESIS

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Abstract
Sera from 12 patients with farmer''s lung disease (FLD) drawn during an acute episode and displaying precipitins to M. faeni were analyzed by crossed immunoelectrophoresis with an intermediate gel combined with a rabbit reference precipitate system. Precipitin arcs (46) were identified in the reference precipitate system, and FLD sera reacted with 36 of these antigens [Ag]. The FLD sera displayed significantly more precipitates and higher precipitin scores when compared with sera from 16 precipitin-positive subjects who did not have FLD. There was overlap between the 2 groups, and neither measurement distinguished the 2 persons who became ill after challenge from 1 person who did not. Three disease-specific Ag were identified that may have special relevance for pathogenesis of disease. Ten exposure-relevant Ag were identified. These Ag should be important components of a standardized M. faeni Ag preparation.