Hypersensitivity pneumonitis secondary to Klebsiella oxytoca. A new cause of humidifier lung.
A 30-year-old woman developed recurrent episodes of fever, dyspnea, and nonproductive cough after repeated exposure to a home humidifier. The diagnosis of hypersensitivity pneumonitis was confirmed by detection of serum-binding antibodies at significant titer to Klebsiella oxytoca colonizing the humidifier water but not to other potential antigens. This represents a newly recognized cause of hypersensitivity pneumonitis related to exposure to K oxytoca contaminating a commercially available ultrasonic cold air home humidifier. The potential role for these frequently used home humidifier devices in unexplained pulmonary illness is emphasized.
Kane
G C
GC
Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia.
Marx
J J
JJ
Prince
D S
DS
D000328:Adult; D000542:Alveolitis, Extrinsic Allergic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D000942:Antigens, Bacterial / Q000276:immunology; D004866:Equipment Contamination; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006813:Humidity; D007709:Klebsiella / Q000276:immunology*; D008168:Lung / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011859:Radiography; D014871:Water Microbiology
D000942:Antigens, Bacterial