[Respiratory tract diseases in oyster mushroom cultivators].

Oyster mushrooms are cultivated for human consumption in various subspecies. Their spores are a highly potent allergen, causing an exogenous allergic alveolitis. Relevant early pointers are the typical anamnesis, reduced vital capacity without any signs of obstruction, slight changes on x-ray film, positive immunofluorescence test. Frequent and typical wrong diagnoses during the initial episodes of the disease are: respiratory infection, influenza, pleuritis, type I allergy. So far, antibodies were identified in 76 immunofluorescence tests performed in 98 exposed subjects; 29 of these demonstrated signs of disease. Antibody formation is definitely subspecies-specific. Doubtful cases of "habituation" or negative antibody levels can be explained by a change in subspecies cultivation and hence a different antigen spectrum. The only therapeutically effective method is active prevention at the place of work as well as avoidance or elimination of the causative allergen. Drug treatment is useless. The only effective measure is to certify temporary disability to keep the patient away from the allergen.