In recent years there have been several reports of hypersensitivity pneumon
itis (HP) or an HP-like illness occurring among machinists working with wat
er-based metal working fluids (MWF). Microbial contamination of the MWF is
common and microbial agents have been suspected to be causal agents for the
HP-like illness, but no specific etiologic agent has been identified to da
te. In particular, gram negative bacteria and biocide resistant mycobacteri
al species may colonize the MWF, and may stimulate an inflammatory response
if inhaled. Because direct culture techniques provide data only about viab
le organisms present at the time the sample was collected, we have been eva
luating techniques to detect microbial substances (antigens) that may be pr
esent and persist in the MWF. We have found that the endotoxin of gram nega
tive bacteria can be detected in MWF using the limulus amoebocyte lysate (L
AL) assay, and may be present in high concentrations. In addition, MWF samp
les have been analyzed by Western Blot techniques using polyclonal antibodi
es to mycobacteria to demonstrate the presence of mycobacterial antigens in
these samples. The use of non-culture-based techniques for the assessment
of microbial contamination of MWF may help to determine the role of microor
ganisms in the etiology of HP associated with MWF exposure. Published by El
sevier Science Ltd.