Allergic bronchopulmonary fungal disease caused by Bipolaris and Curvularia

Allergic bronchopulmonary fungal disease (ABPFD) usually manifests in asthmatics as allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis. In a few instances other fungi have been implicated. Serological testing in Western Australia between 1979 and 1986 revealed precipitins to Bipolaris and Curvularia species in 40 of 503 patients tested. Eight of these were patients with ABPFD due to Bipolaris and/or Curvularia and are reported here. Geographical location appeared to be significant as seven of eight of those with ABPFD (and at least 18 of 40 with positive serology) were living in the more remote and sub-tropical northern part of the state. ABPFD due to fungi other than Aspergillus species may be more common than previously recognised and further epidemiological assessment is warranted.