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Biomedical subjects

J Sennekamp

Publications and source records attributed to J Sennekamp.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

[Swimming pool lung -- extrinsic allergic alveolitis or mycobacterial disease?].

There have been several recent reports of pulmonary disease resulting from exposure to Mycobacterium avium complex in indoor hot tubs. The disease is thought to be due either to infection or extrinsic allergic alveolitis (EAA). In this report we describe the case of a patient who developed episodes of fever, dyspnea and cough 4-6 hours after cleaning his indoor swimming pool. A diagnosis of EAA was made on finding a restrictive lung function pattern with gas exchange abnormalities, a predominant lymphocytosis in the bronchoalveolar lavage, diffuse ground-glass opacities in the lower lobes on high-resolution computer tomography, and specific IgG antibody activity to the swimming pool water. There was no precipitin reaction or specific IgG antibody activity to microbes extracted from the water. Interestingly, the water contained Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) in huge amounts and in this case the histopathological features of the lung biopsy specimens differed from those seen in typical EAA, but were similar to those described in "hot tub lung" caused by mycobacteria. Solely by avoidance of cleaning the swimming pool, without any pharmacological treatment, the patient recovered completely within three months. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of EAA possibly associated with MAC exposure in a swimming pool environment.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Extrinsic allergic alveolitis with IgA deficiency.

Up to now only 3 cases of extrinsic allergic alveolitis (hypersensitivity pneumonitis) with IgA deficiency have been published worldwide. We had the opportunity to detect two additional cases which will be presented here. Summarizing all cases IgA deficiency is a risk factor for a severe course of the disease and an increased susceptibility to acquire allergic alveolitis by low dose antigen exposure.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

[Misting-fountain-alveolitis].

A 22-year-old woman developed recurrent episodes of fever, cough and dyspnea after repeated exposure to a misting fountain at home. A diagnosis of extrinsic allergic alveolitis (EAA) was made by detection of serum antibodies against the fountain water, by culture of Bacillus subtilis, Mucor racemosus, Mucor mucedo, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae from the water, and by detection of specific IgG antibodies against Bacillus subtilis and the Mucores. The diagnosis was confirmed by a restrictive lung function pattern, and a highly increased total cell count with a lymphocytosis of 39 % in the bronchoalveolar lavage. An inhalation challenge with the misting fountain resulted in a positive reaction. Because this humidifier system has recently become widespread at home, clinicians should be aware of this specific type of EAA which may be called "misting fountain alveolitis".

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Allergy, total IgE and eosinophils in East and West -- serious effects of different degrees of helminthiasis and smoking.

Allergies are rarer in East Germany than in West Germany, although elevated IgE-levels and blood eosinophil counts can be found in the East. The aim of this study is to control the known results in Slowakia. The total-IgE and the blood eosinophil counts as well as stool samples of 311 plant-workers in Slovakia and 522 in West Germany were checked. In 1999/2000 21% of the plant workers examined in Slovakia suffered from an allergy compared with 32 % of the workers in West Germany. In contrast the total IgE in the East (Slovakia) was 166 IU/ml compared with 99 IU/ml in West Germany. Worms were detected in the stools in 7 % of those examined in the East and in only 1 % of those in the West. The percentage distribution of eosinophils in the blood was on average 7.5% in the East and 2.7% in the West. 39% of the workers in the East were smokers compared with 20% in the West. Nevertheless among non-smoking workers volunteers without parasites, the total IgE and eosinophil count were higher in those from the East than in those from the West. For Slowakia we can show for the first time that allergies are less frequent compared with West-Germany. The total IgE and the blood eosinophils are associated with higher smoking habits and more frequent helminthic diseases.

Comorbidity↗
PubMed2000

Workplace-related complaints due to exposure to contaminated humidifier water and the VDI guideline 6022

We describe a case report of one patient with hypersensitivity pneumonitis (humidifier lung) due to exposure to contaminated humidifier water and another four patients with related complaints. The setting was a building with photographic laboratories and corresponding office rooms that were supported with air by a humidification, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. In the humidifier water, we found different fungi, particularly species of the genus Verticillium, as well as gramnegative bacteria, but no Legionella species. Colony counts were done according to the German Drinking Water Regulations and the VDI Guideline 6022 at 20 degrees C and 36 degrees C; the results exceeded the recommended level of 103 cfu/ml. The hygienic role of the isolated microorganisms and their products (e.g., antigens, endotoxins) is discussed. The case report emphasizes the importance of careful maintenance and control of HVAC systems. The new VDI guideline 6022 (issue July 1998) gives detailed information on this subject and pays special attention to qualifications and training of the HVAC operations staff.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1998

Acute allergic reaction and demonstration of specific IgE antibodies against alpha-1-protease inhibitor.

A 44 yr-old female with severe pulmonary emphysema and reduced alpha-1-protease inhibitor (alpha1-PI) serum levels developed an acute anaphylactic reaction following the third intravenous infusion of human alpha1-PI which was administered to prevent the progression of pulmonary emphysema. Specific immunoglobulin E-antibodies against human alpha1-PI could be demonstrated in the patient's serum using an enzyme allergosorbent test. Because of the risk of further severe anaphylactic reaction, the replacement therapy with alpha1-PI was discontinued. Physicians should be aware of this rare complication.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

[IgA antibodies in exogenous allergic alveolitis are more specific than IgG antibodies].

Nineteen sera from patients suffering from extrinsic allergic alveolitis (bird fancier's lung, farmer's lung) and 19 sera from asymptomatic persons demonstrating IgG-antibodies were examined for IgA-antibodies against pigeon serum, Micropolyspora faeni and Aspergillus fumigatus. The IgA-antibodies against pigeon serum and Micropolyspora faeni were less of ten false-positive than the corresponding IgG-antibodies. Hence the IgA-antibodies were more specific than the IgG-antibodies. However, the sensitivity of the IgA-antibodies was lower than that of the IgG-antibodies. On the other hand IgA-antibodies against Aspergillus fumigatus were scarcely more specific than the corresponding IgG-antibodies against pigeon and M. faeni. It would thus seem that IgA-antibodies can supplement the IgG-serodiagnosis of extrinsic allergic alveolitis.

Alveolitis, Extrinsic Allergic↗
PubMed1983

Pigeon breeder's lung: association with HLA-DR 3.

52 symptomatic (SPB) and 64 asymptomatic (APB) pigeon breeders were investigated for the HLA-A, -B, -C, -DR; C2, C3, C4 and Bf systems, and C3, C4 and factor B serum concentrations. HLA-DR3 and Bf S frequencies were significantly higher in the SPB than the APB group. Mean factor B concentrations were lower in the SPB than in the APB group. A positive two-way association between HLA-DR3 and the disease was found. It is concluded that a gene or genes responsible for type III and IV allergic reactions leading to the disease is associated with HLA-DR3. The increase of Bf S allotype and low mean factor B concentrations, however, can be explained by the strong linkage disequilibrium between BfS and HLA-DR3.

Alveolitis, Extrinsic Allergic↗
PubMed1981

Human antibodies against antigens of the sparrow, blackbird, weaver finch, canary, budgerigar, pigeon and hen using the indirect immunofluorescent technique.

Detection of antibodies against various birds, particularly against exotic birds, can be facilitated using the sensitive immunofluorescent technique on avian fixed-intestine cryostat sections. Different fluorescent patterns corresponding to different human anti-avian antibodies have been observed. Sixty of 100 human sera containing antibodies against one avian species, predominantly pigeon, reacted also with all other avian species intestines; the remaining forty were more specific and reacted with a few species only. Cross reactions with antigens in song bird intestines indicated the presence of a broad spectrum of antibodies in patients with bird fancier's lung.

Animals↗
PubMed1978

[Distribution of the HL-A antigens in patients with pigeon breeder's lung].

HLA B8 was found in 29% of patients suffering from pigeon fancier's lung, as compared with a normal frequency of HLA B8 of 17%. In patients suffering from the acute form of the disease HLA B8 was found in 42%. HLA B13 and HLA BW17 could not be demonstrated in any patient with pigeon fancier's lung.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1978

Pigeon breeders' lung lacking detectable antibodies.

Whereas fifteen pigeon fanciers suffering from extrinsic allergic alevolitis from avian dust had high titres of antibodies against pigeon antigens, antibodies were not demonstrable, even by immunofluorescence, in the serum of a symptomatic individual exposed to minimal amounts of avian dust. Following exposure to larger quantities of pigeon dust inhalation challenges, a low titre of antibodies appeared, but disappeared again after avoidance of the allergen. Cell-mediated immunity was elevated in the lymphocyte transformation test and also decreased after avoidance of allergen contact. Therefore, it seems likely that the antibody is not the only mediator of pigeon breeder's lung. Inhalation challenges and T cell-dependent immune reactivity may reveal more avian dust sensitive individuals suffering from fibrosis without the typical history of extrinsic allergic alevolitis and without detectable antibodies.

Allergens↗