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Respiratory allergy to mushroom spores: not well recognized, but relevant
A Helbling1, F Gayer, K A Brander
1Institute of Immunology and Allergology, University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland.
Background:
Although basidiospores are a major component of the air spora in many parts of the world, their clinical significance as triggers of respiratory allergy has rarely been demonstrated. Therefore, the class of basidiomycetes as an aeroallergen is not well known.
Objective:
To demonstrate a cause and effect relationship between respiratory allergy and basidiospores, we illustrate this case report of a 38-year-old housewife.
Methods:
Skin prick test, immunoblot, and active anterior rhinomanometry were used as diagnostic tools to verify specific reactivity of a Pleurotus pulmonalis spore extract. Two atopic subjects served as controls.
Results:
The skin prick test positive study subject reacted with subjective and objective signs including a significant drop of the FEV1 by nasal challenge at a concentration of 0.1 mg/mL of the Pleurotus spore extract while both controls were negative even at a higher test concentration. IgE-immunoblot revealed several distinct bands in the serum of the Pleurotus-sensitized subject.
Conclusion:
Spores of Pleurotus pulmonalis, a common mushroom of the fungal class of basidiomycetes, can cause specific, IgE-mediated acute rhinoconjuncivitis and asthma in sensitized individuals.
Insights
Basidiospores from Pleurotus pulmonalis can trigger allergic reactions like asthma and rhinoconjunctivitis in sensitized individuals. This study confirms the clinical significance of basidiomycetes as aeroallergens.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Allergology
- Immunology
Background:
- Basidiospores, common in airborne fungal spores, are under-recognized as respiratory allergens.
- The clinical role of basidiomycetes as a trigger for allergic respiratory diseases remains poorly understood.
Observation:
- A case report details a 38-year-old housewife with suspected allergy to mushroom spores.
- Diagnostic methods included skin prick tests, immunoblotting, and nasal challenges with Pleurotus pulmonalis spore extract.
Findings:
- The patient exhibited allergic reactions, including a significant decrease in FEV1 (Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second) upon nasal challenge with Pleurotus pulmonalis spores.
- Immunoglobulin E (IgE) immunoblotting showed specific reactivity to mushroom spore components in the patient's serum.
- Control subjects did not show allergic responses to the spore extract.
Implications:
- This study establishes a direct link between Pleurotus pulmonalis spores and IgE-mediated allergic respiratory conditions.
- It highlights the importance of considering basidiomycetes, specifically mushroom spores, in the diagnosis of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and asthma.
- Further research into basidiomycete aeroallergens is warranted to improve diagnosis and management of allergic diseases.