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Didymella exitialis and late summer asthma.
Lancet (London, England)
|May 11, 1985
Summary
Didymella exitialis is identified as a significant cause of asthma in some individuals, particularly during late summer. Allergy to this fungus may be linked to asthma triggered by thunderstorms.
Area of Science:
- Allergen immunotherapy
- Environmental allergens
- Respiratory diseases
Background:
- Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition affecting millions worldwide.
- Environmental fungi are known triggers for allergic asthma.
- The role of specific fungal species, like Didymella exitialis, in asthma pathogenesis requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of Didymella exitialis as a potential cause of asthma.
- To evaluate allergic sensitization and clinical responses to D. exitialis.
- To explore cross-reactivity between D. exitialis and Alternaria alternata.
Main Methods:
- Skin prick tests and specific IgE antibody measurements for D. exitialis and A. alternata.
- Bronchial provocation tests with D. exitialis extract.
- Monitoring of peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) alongside fungal spore counts.
- Radioallergosorbent inhibition studies to assess antigen sharing.
Main Results:
- Four asthma patients exhibited immediate skin prick test reactions and specific IgE to D. exitialis and A. alternata.
- Inhalation of D. exitialis extract induced immediate asthmatic reactions in sensitized patients.
- PEFR declines correlated with increased D. exitialis spore counts, particularly after rainfall.
- Evidence of shared and specific antigens between D. exitialis and A. alternata was observed.
Conclusions:
- Didymella exitialis appears to be an important cause of late summer asthma.
- Allergy to D. exitialis may contribute to asthma exacerbations, potentially following thunderstorms.
- Further research is needed to determine the overall significance of D. exitialis allergy in asthma management.