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Study of mold allergy in asthmatic children in Hungary
Abstract:
We studied the change in sensitivity to propagating aerogenic fungi (spores, conidia) in extrinsic asthmatic children living in an urban environment from 1977 to 1988. According to the skin test, 10.6% of those examined in 1977 were sensitive to the fungi, the proportion being 30.4% in 1985 and 38.5% in 1987/88. The increase may be explained by the increasing frequency of sensitivity to Alternaria alternata and Phoma betae. In skin tests with Bencard allergens, reaction to both types was frequently observed. Of those sensitive to P. betae, 83% were also sensitive to A. alternata, and 87.5% of those sensitive to A. alternata were also sensitive to P. betae. The frequency of cross-reactions observed both with skin tests and specific IgE determinations suggests the presence of a common allergen, or epitope. The effect of environmental factors was analyzed with computer techniques. P. betae allergy was not related to detectable mold, humidity or number of pot plants in the home. The living conditions changed during the study period as follows: 1) housing conditions improved; 2) energy-saving building technologies were generally accepted; and 3) air pollution increased, also affecting the vegetation. The sensitizing masses of spores and conidia originated most likely from molds living on plants weakened and diseased by environmental pollution.
Insights
Sensitivity to airborne fungi like Alternaria alternata and Phoma betae significantly increased in urban children with asthma from 1977 to 1988. This rise in fungal allergy may be linked to increased air pollution affecting plants.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Allergology
- Pediatric Asthma
Background:
- Extrinsic asthma in urban children is a growing concern.
- Aerogenic fungi (spores, conidia) are potential triggers for allergic respiratory diseases.
- Longitudinal studies are needed to track changes in allergen sensitivity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the changing sensitivity to aerogenic fungi in urban asthmatic children over an 11-year period (1977-1988).
- To identify specific fungal allergens contributing to increased sensitivity.
- To explore potential environmental factors influencing fungal allergy.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study design tracking children from 1977 to 1988.
- Skin prick testing with common aerogenic fungi, including Alternaria alternata and Phoma betae.
- Analysis of cross-reactivity between fungal allergens using skin tests and specific IgE determinations.
- Computer analysis to correlate allergy prevalence with environmental factors like air pollution and indoor conditions.
Main Results:
- Fungal sensitivity in asthmatic children increased from 10.6% in 1977 to 38.5% in 1987/88.
- Alternaria alternata and Phoma betae were identified as key sensitizing agents.
- High cross-reactivity (83-87.5%) between A. alternata and P. betae suggests a common allergen.
- No correlation found between P. betae allergy and indoor mold, humidity, or plants.
- Increased air pollution potentially impacted outdoor vegetation, leading to increased fungal spore exposure.
Conclusions:
- Urban children with asthma showed a significant rise in sensitivity to aerogenic fungi over the study period.
- Increased air pollution is a likely contributor to the rise in fungal allergy, affecting outdoor plant health and spore production.
- Common allergens or epitopes in Alternaria alternata and Phoma betae warrant further investigation.