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[Prevalence of sensitization to fungi in patients with respiratory allergy]
Sandra Nora González-Díaz1, Alfredo Arias-Cruz, Jesús Arturo Ibarra-Chávez
1Centro Regional de Alergia e Inmunología Clínica, Hospital Universitario José Eleuterio González, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Monterrey, Nuevo León, México. aarias45@hotmail.com.
Background:
As part of the etiology of respiratory allergy we have genetics, prenatal factors and sensitivity to various airborne allergens, between these fungi are found. Relationship has been found between sensitization to fungal in skin tests and allergy pathogenesis and aggravation. There is a few literature in Mexico and in the north of the country it is lacking regarding this problem.
Objective:
Assess the prevalence of sensitization to fungi in patients with respiratory allergy in skin tests to airborne allergens; determine the most prevalent fungus and prevalence of sensitization to each species of fungus per year, to assess the prevalence of sensitization to fungi by years.
Material And Method:
Cross-sectional, observational and descriptive study conducted from 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2014 in patients treated at the Regional Center of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (Monterrey, Mexico) where we reviewed a database with patients whom performed skin tests, sensitization to 6 species of fungi were evaluated. We performed tables of data capture and statistical analysis.
Results:
4880 patients had respiratory allergy, a 17.1% prevalence of sensitization to fungal skin tests was determined. The fungus specie most prevalent was Alternaria alternata with 5.5%. The year range with the highest prevalence of sensitization was 0-10 years with a 6.7.
Conclusions:
The prevalence of fungi sensitization was higher than the global prevalence found, but lower than the prevalence found in other researches in Mexico.
Insights
Fungal sensitization affects 17.1% of respiratory allergy patients in Mexico, with Alternaria alternata being the most common allergen. This study highlights the prevalence of fungal allergies in the region.
Area of Science:
- Allergy and Immunology
- Environmental Health
- Mycology
Background:
- Fungal sensitization is a significant factor in respiratory allergy etiology, alongside genetics and prenatal influences.
- Skin test reactivity to fungi correlates with allergy pathogenesis and exacerbation.
- Limited research exists on fungal allergy prevalence in Mexico, particularly in the northern regions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of fungal sensitization in respiratory allergy patients via skin testing.
- To identify the most prevalent fungal species causing sensitization.
- To analyze the yearly trends in fungal sensitization prevalence.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional, observational study was conducted from 2010 to 2014.
- Data from 4880 patients with respiratory allergy undergoing skin tests at a Mexican allergy center were analyzed.
- Sensitization to six fungal species was evaluated using statistical analysis.
Main Results:
- A 17.1% prevalence of sensitization to fungi was observed in the study population.
- Alternaria alternata was the most frequently identified sensitizing fungus, with a prevalence of 5.5%.
- The highest prevalence of sensitization (6.7%) was noted in the 0-10 year age group.
Conclusions:
- The prevalence of fungal sensitization in this Mexican cohort exceeds global averages but is lower than reported in other Mexican studies.
- Findings underscore the importance of evaluating fungal allergens in respiratory allergy management in Mexico.
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