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Published on: June 4, 2017
Airborne viable fungi in Riyadh and allergenic response of their extracts
A S A-Suwaini1, A H Bahkali, S M Hasnain
1Department of Biological & Medical Research, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Abstract:
The allergenicity and antigenicity of various airborne fungi isolated from the atmosphere of Riyadh were studied. Protein nitrogen contents were estimated and found to range from 0.9 mg ml(-1) for Cladosporium to 2.1 mg ml for Aspergillus extracts. Sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis for those extracts exhibited a number of protein bands of higher molecular weight between 13 and 80 kDa for Alternaria, Ulocladium, Penicillium, Aspergillus and Cladosporium. Extracts in both aqueous and lyophilized forms were sterilized and tested for diagnostic skin prick test in 100 consecutive patients having bronchial asthma and allergic rhinitis. Overall, 13% of patients reacted positively to fungal extracts, revealing allergic sensitization to these fungi. These findings necessitate further investigation as regards the purification and characterization of these local extracts for better diagnostic use in patients in Saudi Arabia.
Insights
This study investigated airborne fungi in Riyadh, finding 13% of asthma and allergy patients showed allergic sensitization. Further research is needed for local fungal extract characterization for improved diagnostics in Saudi Arabia.
Area of Science:
- Environmental microbiology
- Clinical immunology
- Allergenicity studies
Background:
- Airborne fungi are significant allergens contributing to respiratory conditions.
- Understanding local fungal allergen profiles is crucial for effective diagnosis and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the allergenicity and antigenicity of airborne fungi prevalent in Riyadh.
- To evaluate the diagnostic potential of these fungal extracts in patients with allergic respiratory diseases.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and extraction of airborne fungi from Riyadh's atmosphere.
- Quantification of protein nitrogen content and SDS-PAGE analysis of fungal extracts.
- Skin prick testing with fungal extracts on 100 patients with bronchial asthma and allergic rhinitis.
Main Results:
- Protein nitrogen content varied from 0.9 mg/ml (Cladosporium) to 2.1 mg/ml (Aspergillus).
- SDS-PAGE revealed protein bands (13-80 kDa) in extracts of Alternaria, Ulocladium, Penicillium, Aspergillus, and Cladosporium.
- 13% of patients exhibited positive skin reactions, indicating allergic sensitization to the tested fungi.
Conclusions:
- Airborne fungi in Riyadh contribute to allergic sensitization in a subset of patients with respiratory allergies.
- Local fungal extracts show diagnostic potential but require further purification and characterization for enhanced clinical utility in Saudi Arabia.
