Farmer's lung: thermophilic actinomycetes as a source of "farmer's lung hay" antigen. 1963
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J Pepys1, P A Jenkins, G N Festenstein
1Department of Medicine, Institute of Diseases of the Chest, Brompton, London.
Abstract:
Mouldy hay was produced in the laboratory by sterilising good hay, inoculating with aqueous suspensions of microorganisms, and incubating at 40 degrees or 60 degrees C. Extracts were tested for presence of farmer's lung hay (F.L.H.) antigen by agar-gel double-diffusion and immunoelectrophoresis tests against sixteen to twenty sera from patients with farmer's lung. F.L.H. antigen developed in hay after: (1) inoculating with mixed microbial suspensions from antigenically active hay; (2) inoculation with mixed suspensions of pure cultures of thermophilic actinomycetes, after raising the pH of the hay to 70 either by prior inoculation with fungi or by infiltration with ammonia vapour; and (3) inoculation at pH 70 with pure cultures of Thermopolyspora polyspora or with Micromonospora vulgaris. F.L.H. antigen did not develop in hay after inoculation with fungi only, or with six other actinomycetes tested, or after prior heating (though some sera reacted to fungal antigens in all these extracts). T. polyspora is the richest source yet found of F.L.H. antigen, and inhalation of an extract by affected subjects produces some of the features of farmer's lung. Pure cultures can produce F.L.H. antigen on artificial media without hay. Spores and mycelium are rich in F.L.H. antigen, and inhalation of the spores may play a part in farmer's lung disease. Other antigens relevant to farmer's lung may be found in other actinomycetes, not yet cultured.
Insights
Farmer's lung hay (F.L.H.) antigen can be produced in laboratory conditions using specific microorganisms, particularly Thermopolyspora polyspora. Inhalation of F.L.H. antigen triggers farmer's lung symptoms, highlighting its role in the disease.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Microbiology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Farmer's lung is a hypersensitivity pneumonitis caused by inhaling dust contaminated with thermophilic actinomycetes.
- Identifying the specific antigens responsible for farmer's lung is crucial for diagnosis and prevention.
- Laboratory production of farmer's lung hay (F.L.H.) antigen aids in understanding disease pathogenesis.
Discussion:
- F.L.H. antigen production in hay is optimized by specific microbial inoculations and controlled pH conditions.
- Thermopolyspora polyspora and Micromonospora vulgaris are identified as significant sources of F.L.H. antigen.
- Fungal inoculation alone or with certain actinomycetes did not yield F.L.H. antigen, but some sera reacted to fungal antigens.
Key Insights:
- Thermopolyspora polyspora is the most potent source of F.L.H. antigen identified, capable of producing it in pure culture.
- Spores and mycelium of T. polyspora are rich in F.L.H. antigen, suggesting inhaled spores are a primary etiological factor.
- Experimental inhalation of F.L.H. antigen extract in affected subjects reproduced key farmer's lung symptoms.
Outlook:
- Further research into other actinomycetes may reveal additional sources of farmer's lung antigens.
- Understanding antigen production mechanisms can lead to improved diagnostic tools and preventative strategies.
- Investigating the role of pure microbial cultures in antigenicity could inform therapeutic interventions.
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