Cystic fibrosis--immunological reactions to A. fumigatus and common allergens.

Immunological studies of forty-three patients with cystic fibrosis showed that positive prick 
tests to at least one common allergen were obtained in 70%, 
to multiple allergens in 28% and to A. fumigatus in 50%. 
Specific IgE antibodies against these allergens were found in the appropriate 
subjects. In spite of this evidence of type 1, IgE, sensitization 
none of the patients had a history of infantile eczema. Intracutaneous 
tests with A. fumigatus extract gave types 1 and 3 reactions 
in sixteen patients (37%), only seven of whom were among the 
sixteen (37%) who gave positive precipitin tests. Raised levels of total 
serum IgG and IgA were found as compared with healthy controls 
and asthmatic subjects. No differences were found in total serum IgM 
and IgD levels. The high incidence of allergy to A. fumigatus 
in cystic fibrosis is confirmed. 