[Microbial sources of antigens in the environment of farmer's lung patients (author's transl)].

The actinomycetes Micropolyspora faeni and Thermoactinomyces vulgaris are important sources of antigens in extrinsic allergic alveolitis, the deuteromycete Aspergillus fumigatus is it to a lesser extent. These microorganisms have been sought in hay samples obtained from farmers who on the one hand show farmer's lung symptoms and on the other antibodies to these microorganisms. A relatively good correlation has been found between the immunological and microbiological findings. The conditions necessary for the occurrence of antigen sources in farmer's lung disease are discussed, and the need for prophylactic measures is pointed out.