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Cladosporium as an airborne allergen in Saudi Arabia

S M Hasnain1, A S Al-Frayh, H A Harfi

  • 1Departments of Biological and Medical Research, Pediatrics/Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, and Pediatrics and Immunology Division, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Annals of Saudi Medicine
|March 1, 1994
PubMed

Insights

High airborne mold levels of Cladosporium were found in Saudi Arabia, potentially causing allergies. Monitoring identified prevalent species and significant allergic reactions in asthmatic children, indicating a need for further research.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental microbiology
  • Allergen studies
  • Public health

Background:

  • Airborne mold, specifically Cladosporium, is a common environmental allergen.
  • Saudi Arabia's climate may influence airborne mold concentrations and distribution.
  • Understanding local allergen prevalence is crucial for managing allergic diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To quantify airborne Cladosporium concentrations in major Saudi Arabian cities.
  • To identify prevalent Cladosporium species and assess their potential allergenicity.
  • To investigate the correlation between Cladosporium exposure and allergic sensitization in asthmatic children.

Main Methods:

  • Airborne mold sampling was conducted in Jeddah, Al-Khobar, and Riyadh.
  • Indoor air quality monitoring for Cladosporium was performed.
  • Species identification of Cladosporium was carried out.
  • Skin prick testing was performed on asthmatic children in Riyadh and Makkah.

Main Results:

  • High concentrations of airborne Cladosporium were detected, exceeding sensitization thresholds in Jeddah and Al-Khobar.
  • Seasonal variations in spore counts were observed, with a minor peak in Riyadh during November.
  • Ten Cladosporium species were identified, with C. sphaerospermum, C. herbarum, C. cladosporoides, and C. macrocarpum being most common.
  • Skin testing revealed significant allergic reactivity to Cladosporium extracts in asthmatic children (5.8% in Riyadh, 31.3% in Makkah).

Conclusions:

  • Cladosporium is a prevalent airborne mold in Saudi Arabia with significant seasonal variations.
  • The identified species are relevant for diagnostic purposes.
  • Cladosporium represents a potential major allergen in the region, warranting further investigation into its allergic impact.

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