[Humidifier disease. Role of endotoxins and precipitating antibodies]

A case of an acute form of humidifier disease secondary to the inhalation of endotoxins (humidifier fever) is reported. The respective roles of endotoxins and precipitating antibodies in the diagnosis of the two forms of humidifier disease are discussed. This appears to be an important epidemiological problem in Switzerland, since the authors see approximately one case a month. With respect to treatment, preventive measures are necessary and usually sufficient.