title: Occupational asthma to the slime mold Dictyostelium discoideum.
abstract: Dictyostelium discoideum is a slime mold that exists in a unicellular amoeboid form under certain nutritional conditions. In this form, it produces unique lysosomal enzymes that are valuable in studying cell-to-cell signaling systems. We report on a research microbiologist who developed rhinoconjunctivitis and asthma after release of D. discoideum from a pressurized canister. Immediate skin test reactivity was demonstrated to whole and lysed organisms. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay results revealed IgE antibody against D. discoideum whole organism, lysed organism, and lysosomal enzymes with the strongest response being directed toward lysosomal enzymes. Pulmonary function testing showed a decline in forced expiratory volume in 1 second and forced expiratory flow after modified laboratory exposure to D. discoideum. This case represents the first report of occupational rhinoconjunctivitis and asthma from slime mild.
authors.affiliation: Division of Allergy and Immunology, St Louis University School of Medicine, MO 63104-1028.
authors.forename: S J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Gottlieb
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Garibaldi
authors.forename: P S
authors.initials: PS
authors.lastname: Hutcheson
authors.forename: R G
authors.initials: RG
authors.lastname: Slavin
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D001249:Asthma / Q000209:etiology* / Q000276:immunology; D003233:Conjunctivitis, Allergic / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology; D004023:Dictyostelium / Q000276:immunology; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D006801:Humans; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000032:analysis; D007428:Intradermal Tests; D008176:Lung Volume Measurements; D008297:Male; D017056:Medical Laboratory Personnel; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000276:immunology; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*
chemical_list: D007073:Immunoglobulin E