Pulmonary hypersensitivity to Alternaria and Aspergillus in baker's asthma

Abstract
In 2 cases of baker''s asthma pulmonary hypersensitivity was found to the fungi Alternaria and Aspergillus. Provocative bronchial challenge revealed a dual response; an immediate and an Arthus type hypersensitivity to Aspergillus in the 1st case. A primary binding assay revealed high titers of anti-Aspergillus antibody in the serum. In the 2nd case intradermal and bronchial challenge suggested an immediate type I hypersensitivity response to Alternaria. The suspected organisms were present in the room air of the bakeries. An immunological response to these airborne fungi may have contributed to the pathogenesis of baker''s asthma.

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