Indoor exposure to mould allergens

Area of Science:

• Environmental science
• Occupational health
• Allergology

Background:

• Humid indoor environments are prone to colonization by allergenic filamentous microfungi (moulds), including Aspergillus, Penicillium, Cladosporium, and Alternaria species.
• Mould-induced respiratory diseases represent a significant global health concern.
• Mould allergens and glucans have been established as biomarkers for indoor mould exposure over the past two decades.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the levels of specific mould allergens, Alt a 1 (from Alternaria alternata) and Asp f 1 (from Aspergillus fumigatus), in various residential and occupational environments.
• To assess the utility of these allergen measurements as indicators of mould colonization and potential health risks in different settings.

Main Methods:

• Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) utilizing monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies were employed for the quantification of mould allergens.
• Measurements were conducted in diverse environments, including residential settings, poultry farms, and sawmills.

Main Results:

• Household levels of Alt a 1 and Asp f 1 were generally below the detection limits of the assays.
• Significantly higher concentrations of these mould allergens were detected in environments characterized by high bioaerosol levels, such as poultry farms and sawmills.

Conclusions:

• Airborne concentrations of Alt a 1 and Asp f 1 vary considerably depending on the environment.
• Elevated levels of these mould allergens in agricultural settings indicate potential for significant mould colonization and associated occupational health risks.
• Monitoring Alt a 1 and Asp f 1 levels can provide valuable insights into mould exposure and inform strategies for managing mould-related diseases in occupants of agricultural environments.