Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 18, 2025
Noninvasive Sampling of Mucosal Lining Fluid for the Quantification of In Vivo Upper Airway Immune-mediator Levels
Published on: August 7, 2017
Association of mold levels in urban children's homes with difficult-to-control asthma
Stephen Vesper1, Larry Wymer1, John Kroner2
1United States Environmental Protection Agency, Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, Cincinnati, Ohio.
Background:
Mold sensitization and exposure are associated with asthma severity, but the specific species that contribute to difficult-to-control (DTC) asthma are unknown.
Objective:
We sought to determine the association between overall and specific mold levels in the homes of urban children and DTC asthma.
Methods:
The Asthma Phenotypes in the Inner-City study recruited participants, aged 6 to 17 years, from 8 US cities and classified each participant as having either DTC asthma or easy-to-control (ETC) asthma on the basis of treatment step level. Dust samples had been collected in each participant's home (n = 485), and any dust remaining (n = 265 samples), after other analyses, was frozen at -20oC. The dust samples (n = 265) were analyzed using quantitative PCR to determine the concentrations of the 36 molds in the Environmental Relative Moldiness Index. Logistic regression was performed to discriminate specific mold content of dust from homes of children with DTC versus ETC asthma.
Results:
Frozen-dust samples were available from 54% of homes of children with DTC (139 of 253) and ETC asthma (126 of 232). Only the average concentration of the mold Mucor was significantly (P < .001) greater in homes of children with DTC asthma. In homes with window air-conditioning units, the Mucor concentration contributed about a 22% increase (1.6 odds ratio; 95% CI, 1.2-2.2) in the ability to discriminate between cases of DTC and ETC asthma.
Conclusions:
Mucor levels in the homes of urban youth were a predictor of DTC asthma, and these higher Mucor levels were more likely in homes with a window air-conditioner.
Insights
High Mucor mold levels in urban homes are linked to difficult-to-control asthma in children. These higher mold concentrations were more prevalent in homes with window air conditioning units, suggesting a potential environmental trigger for severe asthma.
Area of Science:
- Environmental health
- Pediatric allergy
- Mycology
Background:
- Mold exposure is linked to asthma severity.
- Specific mold species contributing to difficult-to-control (DTC) asthma remain unidentified.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between indoor mold levels and DTC asthma in urban children.
- To identify specific mold species that may predict DTC asthma.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative PCR analysis of dust samples from 265 homes of children with DTC or easy-to-control (ETC) asthma.
- Logistic regression to compare mold concentrations between DTC and ETC asthma groups.
- Analysis of 36 molds from the Environmental Relative Moldiness Index.
Main Results:
- Significantly higher average concentrations of the mold Mucor were found in homes of children with DTC asthma (P < .001).
- Mucor concentration increased the ability to discriminate between DTC and ETC asthma by 22% in homes with window air-conditioning units (OR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.2-2.2).
Conclusions:
- Indoor Mucor levels are a predictor of DTC asthma in urban youth.
- Higher Mucor levels were more common in homes equipped with window air-conditioning units.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Asthma-I: Introduction
01:24Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications
Classification of Asthma
01:26Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
01:30Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes:
01:20Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
01:30Asthma-IV: Nursing Management
First, in...