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Indirect immunofluorescent test on spore sampling preparations: a technique for diagnosis of individual mold
1Pulmonary Department, Vienna City Hospital, Austria.
Abstract:
To calculate their respective exposure to mold spores, volumetric spore sampling was performed with Burkard personal air samplers in the homes of six asthmatic patients with different mold allergies, of three patients with baker's asthma and of four healthy controls. The spore samples were investigated with an indirect immunofluorescent test. Spore-specific IgE was detected in the serum of all the asthmatic patients with mold allergies, even in patients with only slightly increased or no detectable specific IgE in Phadezym-RAST. In serum of patients with baker's asthma and healthy controls, no spore-specific IgE was found.
Insights
Asthmatic patients with mold allergies showed detectable spore-specific IgE, even when other tests were negative. This highlights mold exposure
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Immunology
- Allergy Research
Background:
- Mold spores are common indoor allergens.
- Asthma is often linked to allergic sensitization.
- Accurate detection of mold-specific IgE is crucial for diagnosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess mold spore exposure in asthmatic patients.
- To correlate mold exposure with specific IgE levels.
- To evaluate diagnostic sensitivity for mold allergies.
Main Methods:
- Volumetric spore sampling using personal air samplers.
- Indirect immunofluorescent testing for spore-specific IgE.
- Comparison with Phadezym-RAST results.
Main Results:
- All mold-allergic asthmatics had detectable spore-specific IgE.
- IgE was found even with low or undetectable levels by Phadezym-RAST.
- No spore-specific IgE was detected in baker's asthma or healthy controls.
Conclusions:
- Indirect immunofluorescence is a sensitive method for detecting mold-specific IgE.
- This method can identify sensitization in mold-allergic asthmatics.
- It aids in diagnosing mold-related asthma triggers.