IgE-mediated acute asthma following inhalation of a powdered marine sponge.

IgE-antibodies reactive with extracts of a number of different marine invertebrate-species were demonstrated in the serum of a laboratory worker who experienced an acute attack of asthma following occupational exposure to powdered marine-organisms. Histamine was liberated from the patient's blood following in vitro challenge with sponge extract. The desirability of knowing the atopic status of employees in certain occupations is stressed.