[Immunofluorescence test in the diagnosis of mushroom worker's lung (author's transl)]

Growing and harvesting a new edible mushroom (Pleurotus florida mushroom--oyster mushroom) liberates a high amount of spores the inhalation of which causes symptoms similar to those of "farmer's lung". The Ouchterlony test detects precipitins against antigens of the spore membrane only in cases with high serum antibody levels, i.e. only one in eight sufferers from the disease had a positive antibody test. Because of this, indirect immunofluorescence was used as a more sensitive method for serum antibody detection: all mushroom workers with clinical symptoms were found to have precipitating antibodies. The test is, therefore, superior to the Ouchterlony one, is simpler and saves time. Furthermore, the immunoglobulin class can easily be obtained at the same time.