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Fungal sensitization in nasal polyposis

F Muñoz-Del-Castillo1, A Jurado-Ramos, R Soler

  • 1Department of Medicine, Dermatology and Otolaryngology, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain. verywhite2000@hotmail.com

Journal of Investigational Allergology & Clinical Immunology
|March 12, 2009
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Patients with polyposis show fungal sensitization, but nasal fungal colonization is common in everyone. Nasal fungal presence does not appear to trigger this sensitization in polyposis patients.

Area of Science:

  • Allergy and Immunology
  • Otolaryngology
  • Mycology

Background:

  • Polyposis may be linked to allergic reactions.
  • Fungal sensitization is a potential trigger for inflammatory mechanisms in polyposis, possibly via immunoglobulin (Ig) E-mediated responses or tissue invasion.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of fungi in polyposis development.
  • To assess fungal allergen sensitivity and local fungal contamination in patients with polyposis.

Main Methods:

  • A comparative study involving 190 patients with polyposis and 190 controls.
  • Skin prick tests for 12 fungi, total IgE, specific IgE to 15 fungal extracts, and nasal fungal cultures were performed.

Main Results:

  • Significant sensitization to specific fungi (Fusarium solani, Penicillium frequentans, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Candida albicans) was observed in polyposis patients.
  • Higher prevalence of fungal-specific IgE in polyposis patients (22.4%) compared to controls (10.1%).
  • Nasal fungal culture positivity rates were similar between patients (58.7%) and controls (60%), with no significant difference in in vitro test results.

Conclusions:

  • Patients with polyposis demonstrate sensitization to fungal allergens.
  • Nasal fungal colonization rates are comparable between polyposis patients and the general population.
  • No correlation was found between positive fungal cultures and fungal allergen-specific IgE, suggesting nasal colonization does not induce sensitization.

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