ATOPIC ASTHMA CAUSED BY CANDIDA-ALBICANS ACID PROTEASE - CASE-REPORTS

Two cases of atopic asthma caused by acid protease produced by Candida albicans are reported. Both patients had high levels of serum IgE ant ibodies against the acid protease and showed positive conjunctival and immediate bronchial responses when challenged with the protease. Sign ificant histamine release was detected in both patients when their per ipheral leukocytes were challenged with the protease antigen. These fi ndings clearly showed that C. albicans acid protease is the causative allergen of atopic asthma.