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Specific IgE antibodies to 16 widespread mold genera in patients with suspected mold allergy
A Karlsson-Borgå1, P Jonsson, W Rolfsen
1Pharmacia Diagnostics AB, Uppsala, Sweden.
Abstract:
A panel of 55 sera from patients with suspected mold allergy from two different geographic areas, A and B, was investigated for specific IgE antibodies to 16 individual molds using Phadebas RAST technique. The molds investigated were Alternaria, Cladosporium, Aspergillus, Penicillium, Mucor, and Candida from the former RAST panel and ten additional new mold genera. The RAST screening revealed that 73% of patients had specific IgE antibodies to at least one of the 16 molds. Eighteen percent were negative to the six molds of the previous RAST panel but had specific IgE antibodies to at least one of the ten new molds. The highest frequency of IgE antibodies in the A group could be assigned to Cladosporium, followed by Botrytis and Helminthosporium. In group B, sensitivity to Botrytis and Phoma showed the highest frequencies. This study revealed that the relative importance of mold genera may vary greatly between patient groups from different geographic areas. Some of the species of the expanded RAST panel seem to be at least as important as Alternaria and Cladosporium. Multiple sensitivities seem to be caused by sensitization by many mold species rather than by cross-reactivity.
Insights
This study found that 73% of patients with suspected mold allergy had specific IgE antibodies to molds. Mold allergy prevalence and types varied significantly by geographic area, highlighting the need for broader mold testing.
Area of Science:
- Allergen immunotherapy
- Clinical immunology
- Environmental microbiology
Background:
- Mold allergy is a significant health concern.
- Diagnosis often relies on identifying specific IgE antibodies to common molds.
- Geographic variations in mold exposure may influence allergen sensitization patterns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate specific IgE antibodies to a panel of 16 molds in patients with suspected mold allergy.
- To compare mold-specific IgE profiles between two distinct geographic areas.
- To assess the diagnostic utility of an expanded mold allergen panel.
Main Methods:
- Sera from 55 patients with suspected mold allergy were analyzed.
- Phadebas RAST technique was used to detect specific IgE antibodies.
- Patients were from two geographic areas (A and B).
Main Results:
- 73% of patients tested positive for IgE antibodies to at least one of the 16 molds.
- 18% of patients were sensitized to molds not included in the previous standard panel.
- Geographic variations were observed, with Cladosporium, Botrytis, and Helminthosporium prevalent in area A, and Botrytis and Phoma in area B.
- Multiple mold sensitivities were common, suggesting sensitization to diverse species rather than cross-reactivity.
Conclusions:
- The prevalence and type of mold sensitization vary geographically.
- An expanded mold allergen panel detects sensitization missed by standard panels.
- Multiple mold sensitivities are likely due to exposure to various mold species.