[Dry sausage mould hypersensitivity pneumonitis: three cases].
BACKGROUND
Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) can occur as a consequence of inhaling a wide range of different antigens. The clinical diagnosis is based on five main criteria as proposed by the GERM'O'P.


METHODS
We present in this report three cases of occupational hypersenstitivity pneumonitis caused by inhalation of dry sausage mould. Lung infiltrates were observed in each case on CT scanning, with a lymphocytic or mixed inflammatory picture in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and specific antibodies (precipitins) against extract from dry sausage mould (which notably contains Penicillium). In all three cases, the condition improved after reducing exposure to the allergen and, in two cases, after the administration of corticosteroid therapy.


CONCLUSIONS
Exposure to dry sausage mould occurs in work places where salami is made and should be considered as a possible cause of hypersenstitivity pneumonitis.
Service de Pneumologie et d'oncologie thoracique, Hôpital Nord, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Saint-Etienne, France.
M
M
Guillot
L
L
Bertoletti
N
N
Deygas
H
H
Raberin
O
O
Faure
J-M
JM
Vergnon
D000328:Adult; D000542:Alveolitis, Extrinsic Allergic / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D005658:Fungi; D006801:Humans; D019570:Inhalation Exposure; D008297:Male; D008460:Meat / Q000382:microbiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009784:Occupational Diseases