Hypersensitivity pneumonitis secondary to Klebsiella oxytoca. A new cause of humidifier lung.

Publication/Presentation Date

8-1-1993

Abstract

A 30-year-old woman developed recurrent episodes of fever, dyspnea, and nonproductive cough after repeated exposure to a home humidifier. The diagnosis of hypersensitivity pneumonitis was confirmed by detection of serum-binding antibodies at significant titer to Klebsiella oxytoca colonizing the humidifier water but not to other potential antigens. This represents a newly recognized cause of hypersensitivity pneumonitis related to exposure to K oxytoca contaminating a commercially available ultrasonic cold air home humidifier. The potential role for these frequently used home humidifier devices in unexplained pulmonary illness is emphasized.

Volume

104

Issue

2

First Page

627

Last Page

629

ISSN

0012-3692

Disciplines

Business Administration, Management, and Operations | Health and Medical Administration | Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods

PubMedID

8339664

Department(s)

Administration and Leadership

Document Type

Article

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