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Protozoa as sources of antigen in ‘humidifier fever’

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Abstract

IN the field of hypersensitivity reactions to inhaled materials, sources of antigenic production are as varied as avian protein, pituitary stuff, wheat weevil, Aspergilli, and thermophilic actinomycetes1. We have found a completely new group of organisms which give rise to antigens associated with ‘humidifier fever’2—one of the diseases in the extrinsic allergic alveolitis group1. The organisms are amoebae that develop in the recirculating water used in the humidification systems.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. MRC Pneumoconiosis Unit, Penarth, Glamorgan

    J. H. EDWARDS

  2. Department of Microbiology, University College Cardiff, Glamorgan

    A. J. GRIFFITHS

  3. Asthma Research Unit, Sully Hospital, Penarth, Glamorgan, UK

    J. MULLINS

Authors
  1. J. H. EDWARDS
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  2. A. J. GRIFFITHS
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  3. J. MULLINS
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EDWARDS, J., GRIFFITHS, A. & MULLINS, J. Protozoa as sources of antigen in ‘humidifier fever’. Nature 264, 438–439 (1976). https://doi.org/10.1038/264438a0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/264438a0

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