Occupational asthma to the slime mold Dictyostelium discoideum
Gottlieb, S.J.; Garibaldi, E.; Hutcheson, P.S.; Slavin, R.G.
Journal of Occupational Medicine. Official Publication of the Industrial Medical Association 35(12): 1231-1235
1993
ISSN/ISBN: 0096-1736 PMID: 8113927 Document Number: 415842
Dictyostelium discoideum is a slime mold that exists in a unicellular amoeboid form under certain nutritional conditions. In this form, it produces unique lysosomal enzymes that are valuable in studying cell-to-cell signaling systems. We report on a research microbiologist who developed rhinoconjunctivitis and asthma after release of D. discoideum from a pressurized canister. Immediate skin test reactivity was demonstrated to whole and lysed organisms. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay results revealed IgE antibody against D. discoideum whole organism, lysed organism, and lysosomal enzymes with the strongest response being directed toward lysosomal enzymes. Pulmonary function testing showed a decline in forced expiratory volume in 1 second and forced expiratory flow after modified laboratory exposure to D. discoideum. This case represents the first report of occupational rhinoconjunctivitis and asthma from slime mild.