Hypersensitivity lung disease presumptively due to Cephalosporium in homes contaminated by sewage flooding or by humidifier water.

Two cases of hypersensitivity lung disease apparently caused by home environment contamination with Cephalosporium have been identified. In one case repeated flooding of the home with sewer water appeared to be important in maintaining an environment contaminated with Cephalosporium, and in the other case a contaminated humidifier appeared to be the source. Both patients had chronic respiratory symptoms remitting during absence from the home, and both presented problems in diagnosis. In both cases cultures of the home environment or humidifier and serum antibody studies indicated Cephalosporium as the antigenic source responsible for the airway disease. An inhalation challenge in one case was positive, adding further evidence for Cephalosporium as the antigenic source and etiologic agent. In both cases complete remission followed moving from the home. Cephalosporium is reported as an apparent antigenic source for home contamination resulting in significant chronic pulmonary morbidity.