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[Hypersensitiviy to Trichophyton rubrum antigens in atopic and non-atopic podiatrists]
A Alonso1, C H Pionetti, K Mouchián
1Centro de Alergia, Hospital de Clínicas. Facultad de Medicina. Buenos Aires. Argentina. alehclin@fmed.uba.ar
Background:
Podiatrists as well as manicurists are exposed to inhale nail dust contaminated with mycotic particles when filing and burring the onychomycotic nails of their patients. As some of them with atopic background suffered worsening of their symptoms we decided to study the immune response to the fungus Trichophyton rubrum (Tr) that was isolated from the nail dust obtained from the podiatrists office.
Methodology And Results:
A detailed clinical record, intracutaneous skin tests with a extract of Tr and the serum levels of total and specific IgE were performed in rhinitis-asthma as well as control patients. As the asthmatic group refused to perform the challenge bronchial test with Tr we developed a guinea pig experimental model with daily aerosolization of Tr during 12 weeks studying the levels of specific IgE and IgG as well as the lung's histopathology. Atopic patients showed positive immediate skin tests with Tr and both groups revealed delayed hypersensitivity to the antigen.RAST-IgE-anti-Tr and RAST-inhibition confirmed the specificity of the antibodies. Guinea pigs also synthetized IgG and IgE anti-Tr and suffered different degrees of lung lesions similar to those of hypersensitivity pneumonitis.
Conclusion:
Atopic podiatrists are exposed to fungal allergens that may participate or aggravate their previous respiratory conditions.
Insights
Atopic podiatrists and manicurists inhale fungal nail dust, potentially worsening respiratory conditions. Studies show immune responses to Trichophyton rubrum, suggesting a link to hypersensitivity pneumonitis.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Immunology
- Occupational Health
Context:
- Podiatrists and manicurists are exposed to airborne fungal particles from onychomycotic nails.
- Some atopic individuals in these professions report exacerbated respiratory symptoms.
Purpose:
- To investigate the immune response to Trichophyton rubrum (Tr) found in nail dust.
- To assess the potential role of fungal allergens in respiratory conditions of atopic professionals.
Summary:
- Clinical and immunological assessments were conducted on atopic patients and controls, including skin tests and IgE levels.
- A guinea pig model demonstrated IgG and IgE production against Tr, with associated lung lesions indicative of hypersensitivity pneumonitis.
Impact:
- Findings suggest that atopic podiatrists and manicurists are exposed to fungal allergens.
- This exposure may contribute to or worsen pre-existing respiratory conditions like asthma and rhinitis.
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