IgE antibodies in bronchopulmonary aspergillosis.

Total serum IgE and serum IgE antibodies to A. fumigatus were quantitated in 143 patients with different forms of bronchopulmonary aspergillosis. Total serum IgE levels were elevated in all patients with allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis but also in some other forms of bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, thus limiting the diagnostic value of total serum IgE determination in this type of pulmonary mycotic infection. Specific IgE antibodies to A. fumigatus could be demonstrated in all patients with allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, at least during an acute episode of their disease. Only two patients with a different form of bronchopulmonary aspergillos had slightly elevated levels of specific antibodies. Measurement of IgE antibodies specific to A. fumigatus by means of the RAST method, using high quantities of antigen coupled to cellulose discs so that inhibitory factors may not interfere, is a useful aid in the diagnosis of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis.