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The role of molds in the relation between indoor environment and atopy in asthma patients
Emel Ceylan1, Sibel Doruk2, Sebahat Genc3
1Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Adnan Menderes University, Aydın, Turkey.
Background:
The effect of mold fungi to allergic sensitization is not well-known. We aimed to evaluate the role of molds in the relation between indoor environment and atopy in asthmatics.
Materials And Methods:
The air samples obtained from 66 stable asthmatics and 35 control subject's houses were sprayed into Sabouraud dextrose agar. Allergy skin testing were performed in both groups. The temperature and humidity of each house were measured.
Results:
The incidence of atopy was similar in cases (59.1%) and controls (51.4%). The average amount of mold was 35.9 CFU/m(3) and 34.3 CFU/m(3), respectively. The number of household residents was positively correlated with the amount of molds. There was no difference in the amount of mold with respect to dosage of inhaler corticosteroids as well as symptom levels in asthmatics. The most frequently encountered allergens were Dermatophagoides farinae/Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, grass/weeds and molds. Spending childhood in a village was more common among atopics.
Conclusion:
Living environment during the childhood might affect atopy and asthma. Based on the identification of molds as the second most frequent allergen after mites in our study population, assessment of mold sensitization as well as in forming patients about ways to avoid them seem likely to contribute to the effective management of uncontrolled asthma.
Insights
Mold exposure in homes may influence allergic sensitization, particularly in individuals with asthma. Identifying mold as a common allergen suggests strategies to reduce exposure could improve asthma management.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Allergy and Immunology
- Pulmonology
Background:
- The impact of mold fungi on allergic sensitization remains unclear.
- This study investigated the link between indoor mold exposure and atopy in asthmatic patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the role of indoor mold exposure in the development of atopy among asthmatics.
- To assess the relationship between environmental factors and allergic sensitization in asthma.
Main Methods:
- Air samples from homes of asthmatics and controls were cultured for mold.
- Allergy skin testing was conducted on participants.
- Environmental parameters like temperature and humidity were measured.
Main Results:
- Atopy incidence was comparable between asthmatics (59.1%) and controls (51.4%).
- Mold levels averaged 35.9 CFU/m³ in asthmatics' homes and 34.3 CFU/m³ in controls'.
- Higher household occupancy correlated with increased mold presence; childhood village living was more common in atopics.
Conclusions:
- Childhood living environment may influence atopy and asthma development.
- Molds were the second most frequent allergen identified, after mites.
- Assessing mold sensitization and educating patients on avoidance may aid uncontrolled asthma management.
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