[Allergic lung diseases of animal origin]

The pathological mechanisms, morphology, and clinical aspects of bronchiolo-alveolitis associated with veterinary allergens are described in a general account, with reference being made to relevant literature. The morphological features characteristic of all stages of a pulmonary disease are reported on the basis of the author's own cases. Veterinary allergens were assumed to have played an aetiological role in about four per cent of allergic symptoms of the respiratory tract treated at the Allergological Outpatient Department of the author's hospital. Both physicians and high-risk groups in the general population should be briefed on symptoms of that kind which may be severe and insidious. Early detection is essential, since the disease may be irreversible in its advanced fibrotic stage and may cause early death on account of respiratory insufficiency.