Related Experiment Videos
[Allergic enteropathy. Intestinally-mediated fungus allergy]
M Raithel1, J Hochberger, H W Baenkler
1Institut für Klinische Immunologie, Rheumatologie und Allergologie, Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg.
Fortschritte Der Medizin
|October 10, 1991
Summary
A woman
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Allergy Immunology
Background:
- Chronic unexplained diarrhea and fever can significantly impact quality of life.
- Occupational exposures can trigger complex gastrointestinal and systemic symptoms.
Observation:
- A patient with long-standing diarrhea and fever experienced symptom relief during weekends and holidays.
- Occupational exposure to cheese and molds was identified.
- Skin prick tests showed weak positive reactions to molds, but IgE levels were normal.
Findings:
- In vitro testing revealed colonic mucosal sensitization to molds.
- Treatment with disodium cromoglycate (DNCG), a mast cell stabilizer, resolved the patient's symptoms.
- Repeated in vitro tests confirmed reduced histamine release after DNCG treatment.
Implications:
- This case highlights mold-induced gastrointestinal hypersensitivity as a cause of chronic diarrhea and fever.
- Mast cell stabilization can be an effective treatment for specific mucosal allergic reactions.
- Further research into occupational allergens and gastrointestinal manifestations is warranted.