Occupational asthma to the slime mold Dictyostelium discoideum.
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.
Gottlieb
S J
SJ
Division of Allergy and Immunology, St Louis University School of Medicine, MO 63104-1028.
Garibaldi
E
E
Hutcheson
P S
PS
Slavin
R G
RG
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*
D007073:Immunoglobulin E