Molecular analysis of sarcoidosis lymph nodes for microorganisms: a case–control study with clinical correlates

Robinson, Lary A; Smith, Prudence; SenGupta, Dhruba J; Prentice, Jennifer L; Sandin, Ramon L

Since sarcoidosis primarily involves the lungs, eyes and skin, attention has focused on airborne environmental antigens that might trigger this presumed hypersensitivity response with its T cell-mediated cellular immune response. 3 Similar granulomatous responses can be seen from a variety of infectious agents including mycobacteria, parasites (schistosoma), and fungi (coccidiomycosis). Early studies reported associations with non-infective agents including beryllium, zirconium, aluminum, wood-burning stoves, tree pollen, clay soil, talc, insecticides, inorganic particles, and moldy environments, but none of these theoretical causes has endured. 3, 5, 6 There is also a several-fold increased incidence of sarcoidosis occurring in siblings and parents, as well as a consistent strong association with specific gene products such as class I and class II HLA antigens, which may add to the familial connection.