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Efficient Method for Imaging Murine Lungs that Preserves Spatial Dynamics of Fungal Spores in the Airways
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Current asthma in schoolchildren is related to fungal spores in classrooms

Chi-Hsien Chen1, H Jasmine Chao2, Chang-Chuan Chan3

  • 1Department of Environmental and Occupational Medicineqs, National Taiwan University College of Medicine and National Taiwan University Hospital, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.

Chest
|March 29, 2014
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Classroom exposure to Aspergillus/Penicillium and basidiospores is linked to childhood asthma. Reducing these fungal spores in schools may decrease asthma prevalence in children.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Health
  • Pediatric Allergy
  • Mycology

Background:

  • Household mold is a known asthma trigger.
  • The specific fungal species and role of classroom mold in childhood asthma remain debated.
  • This study investigated the link between classroom fungal spores and asthma in schoolchildren.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the correlation between airborne fungal spore concentrations in classrooms and the prevalence of asthma in schoolchildren.
  • To identify specific fungal species associated with childhood asthma.
  • To inform public health policy regarding environmental interventions in schools.

Main Methods:

  • A nationwide cross-sectional survey of 6,346 schoolchildren (aged 6–15) in Taiwan was conducted.
  • Asthmatic conditions were assessed using a modified International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood questionnaire.
  • Classroom air samples were analyzed for fungal spores using a Burkard Personal Air Sampler and light microscopy; data were analyzed using three-level hierarchical modeling.

Main Results:

  • The prevalence of physician-diagnosed asthma was 11.7%, current asthma was 7.5%, and asthma with reduced symptoms on holidays/weekends (ASROH) was 3.1%.
  • Significant correlations were found between Aspergillus/Penicillium and basidiospore concentrations and current asthma and ASROH.
  • Forty-one percent of children with current asthma reported symptom relief during weekends, suggesting environmental triggers.

Conclusions:

  • Elevated levels of classroom Aspergillus/Penicillium and basidiospores are significantly associated with childhood asthma and ASROH.
  • Environmental interventions targeting fungal spore reduction in classrooms are recommended for public health policy.
  • Reducing classroom fungal spore exposure could be a strategy to lower childhood asthma rates.

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