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Allergic fungal rhinitis and rhinosinusitis
1Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Bulfinch-422, Boston, MA 02114, USA. dhamilos@partners.org
Proceedings of the American Thoracic Society
|May 14, 2010
Summary
Fungal allergies are linked to asthma and a specific type of chronic rhinosinusitis called allergic fungal rhinosinusitis. While direct links to allergic rhinitis are unclear, fungi play a role in CRS beyond IgE-mediated responses.
Area of Science:
- Allergen immunology
- Otolaryngology
- Environmental microbiology
Background:
- Mold spores are ubiquitous, with 3-10% of the global population allergic to molds.
- Fungal allergy is associated with asthma and allergic rhinitis.
- High ambient mold spore concentrations correlate with increased fungal allergy prevalence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review literature on fungi as causative agents in allergic rhinitis and rhinosinusitis.
- To examine the epidemiological links between fungal allergy and respiratory conditions.
- To clarify the role of fungi in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS).
Main Methods:
- Literature review of published studies.
- Epidemiological data analysis.
- In vitro studies on fungal-induced immune responses.
Main Results:
- No direct epidemiological link established between fungal allergy and allergic rhinitis (outdoor/indoor exposure).
- Fungal allergy is strongly linked to allergic fungal rhinosinusitis (AFRS), characterized by allergic mucin.
- Fungi are found in most CRS cases, with some eliciting non-IgE mediated responses.
Conclusions:
- Fungal allergy is a significant factor in allergic fungal rhinosinusitis.
- Colonizing fungi may have a broader role in CRS pathogenesis beyond IgE.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the precise mechanisms of fungal involvement in CRS.
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