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Interstitial lung disease induced by endogenous Candida albicans
J Schreiber1, H D Göring, W Rosahl
1Municipal Hospital Dessau, Dept. of Pulmonology, Auenweg 38, D-06822 Dessau, Germany. skd.innere2@t-online.de
European Journal of Medical Research
|April 21, 2001
Summary
A 64-year-old woman experienced severe lung disease symptoms due to Candida albicans (C.a.) antigen exposure. Treatment with antifungals resolved her hypersensitivity pneumonitis, suggesting an intestinal origin.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Hypersensitivity pneumonitis is an immune-mediated lung disease.
- Identifying the causative antigen is crucial for effective treatment.
Observation:
- A patient presented with recurrent febrile attacks, respiratory impairment, and characteristic chest X-ray findings.
- Laboratory tests revealed hypoxemia, leukopenia, and circulating Candida albicans (C.a.) antigen.
Findings:
- Bronchoalveolar lavage showed neutrophilia.
- Transbronchial biopsies indicated lymphocytic alveolitis, bronchiolitis obliterans, and granulomas.
- Immunological assays (IgG, IgA, lymphocyte proliferation) and skin tests were positive for C.a. antigen.
- C.a. was detected in feces, and an inhalative provocation test was positive.
Implications:
- This case suggests Candida albicans antigen from the gastrointestinal tract can trigger hypersensitivity pneumonitis.
- Antimycotic treatment led to complete symptom resolution, supporting the etiological link.
- Highlights the importance of considering fungal antigens in unexplained interstitial lung diseases.