novobiocin and Alveolitis--Extrinsic-Allergic

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis is an immunologic lung disease known to be induced by the inhalation of either organic or inorganic antigens, and it may thus be associated with a variety of occupations and microorganisms. To identify an inciting allergen, environmental, bacteriologic, immunologic, and bronchial challenge studies must be employed. These techniques were used to demonstrate that a bacterium uniformly present in processed dirt, Streptomyces albus, was responsible for a biopsy-proven case of hypersensitivity pneumonitis.

Topics: Adult; Alveolitis, Extrinsic Allergic; Bacillus subtilis; Culture Media; Dust; Humans; Immunodiffusion; Male; Novobiocin; Respiratory Function Tests; Skin Tests; Streptomyces