[A case of bronchial asthma caused by occupational exposure to trichophyton]

A case involved a 39-year-old female nurse in a health-care facility for elderly individuals requiring long-term care, who presented with insufficient control of bronchial asthma. Although she did not have tinea, she had opportunities for contact with patients who did. Careful interview of history suggested a relationship between asthma exacerbation and workplace, so we measured the specific IgE antibody to Trichophyton and confirmed a positive result. As occupational exposure to Trichophyton was considered as a cause of asthma exacerbations, avoidance of Trichophyton as well as anti-asthma treatment was conducted and symptoms improved. Identification and avoidance of specific allergens is essential for successful long-term management of asthma. However, measurement of specific IgE antibody to Trichophyton is not routinely performed, although this fungus could induce not only tinea, but also asthma. The possibility that occupational exposure to trichophyton could exacerbate asthma symptoms needs to be kept in mind, particularly in the case of nurses who may be in contact with elderly individuals with tinea.