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What should be tested in patients with suspected mold exposure? Usefulness of serological markers for the diagnosis
Sabine Kespohl1, Verena Liebers1, Silke Maryska1
1Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr University Bochum (IPA), Bochum, Germany.
Abstract:
The associations of mold exposure, IgE-mediated sensitization, inflammatory markers, and respiratory symptoms were analyzed in 46 exposed and 23 non-exposed individuals. Both exposure and clinical symptoms were assessed by questionnaire. Specific (s)IgE to mold mixture (mx1) was significantly higher and found more frequently in exposed (41%) than non-exposed individuals (17%), which was not observed for sIgG to mold mix (Gmx6). Notably, exposed asthmatics were more frequently sensitized to molds (55%) compared to exposed non-asthmatics (18%). In addition, the serum concentrations of club cell protein (CC16) were significantly lower in exposed subjects, especially in asthmatics. Positive associations were observed among mold sensitization, asthma, and mold exposure, but not in subjects with predominantly environmental sensitizations without mold sensitization. Thus, sIgE to mx1 but not sIgG to Gmx6 is a useful diagnostic marker to verify mold-associated respiratory symptoms.
Insights
Mold exposure is linked to respiratory issues and higher IgE sensitization. Specific IgE to mold (mx1) can help diagnose mold-related respiratory symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Immunology
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Mold exposure is a common environmental factor.
- IgE-mediated sensitization plays a role in allergic respiratory diseases.
- Diagnostic markers for mold-associated symptoms require validation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between mold exposure, IgE sensitization, and respiratory symptoms.
- To evaluate specific IgE (sIgE) and specific IgG (sIgG) to mold as diagnostic markers.
- To assess serum club cell protein (CC16) levels in relation to mold exposure and asthma.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 46 mold-exposed and 23 non-exposed individuals.
- Assessment of exposure and symptoms via questionnaires.
- Measurement of specific IgE (sIgE) to mold mixture (mx1) and specific IgG (sIgG) to mold mix (Gmx6).
- Quantification of serum club cell protein (CC16) concentrations.
Main Results:
- Higher sIgE to mx1 in exposed individuals (41%) versus non-exposed (17%).
- No significant difference in sIgG to Gmx6 between groups.
- Increased mold sensitization in exposed asthmatics (55%) compared to non-asthmatics (18%).
- Lower serum CC16 levels in exposed subjects, particularly asthmatics.
Conclusions:
- Specific IgE (sIgE) to mold mixture (mx1) is a useful marker for diagnosing mold-associated respiratory symptoms.
- Specific IgG (sIgG) to mold mix (Gmx6) is not a reliable diagnostic marker.
- Mold sensitization is positively associated with asthma and mold exposure.
