Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 9, 2025
A Component-resolved Diagnostic Approach for a Study on Grass Pollen Allergens in Chinese Southerners with Allergic Rhinitis and/or Asthma
Published on: June 4, 2017
Fungal Aeroallergen Sensitization Patterns among Airway-Allergic Patients in Zagazig, Egypt
Ghada A Mokhtar1, Manar G Gebriel1, Noha M Hammad1
1Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt.
Background:
Airway allergies such as asthma and allergic rhinitis, as well as their comorbidities, are increasing worldwide, causing significant socioeconomic health burdens to societies. It is estimated that between 3% and 10% of the population is allergic to fungi. The type of fungal sensitization varies from one geographical region to another. The present study aimed to identify the common fungal aeroallergen sensitization patterns among airway-allergic patients residing in the Zagazig locality, Egypt, in order to obtain a better understanding of fungal allergy, in addition to improving the awareness and management strategies for those patients.
Methods:
The present cross-sectional study included 200 allergic rhinitis and asthma patients. Sensitization to fungal aeroallergens was evaluated by skin prick testing and in vitro measurement of total and specific immunoglobulin E.
Results:
As determined by a skin prick test, 58% of the patients studied were allergic to mixed molds. Alternaria alternata was the predominant fungal aeroallergen among the studied patients (72.2%), which was followed by Aspergillus fumigatus (53.45%), Penicillium notatum (52.6%), Candida albicans (34.5%), and Aspergillus niger (25%).
Conclusion:
Mixed mold sensitization ranked fourth among the most frequent aeroallergens in airway-allergic patients, and Alternaria alternata was the most frequently encountered fungal aeroallergen in the Zagazig locality.
Insights
Fungal allergy is common in airway-allergic patients. In Egypt, Alternaria alternata was the most frequent fungal trigger, affecting over 70% of patients studied.
Area of Science:
- Allergy and Immunology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Global rise in airway allergies like asthma and allergic rhinitis.
- Fungal sensitization affects 3-10% of the population, varying geographically.
- Significant health and economic burden associated with allergies.
Purpose of the Study:
- Identify common fungal aeroallergen sensitization patterns in Egyptian patients.
- Enhance understanding of fungal allergy in the Zagazig region.
- Improve awareness and management strategies for allergic patients.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of 200 patients with allergic rhinitis or asthma.
- Skin prick testing to assess fungal aeroallergen sensitization.
- In vitro measurement of total and specific immunoglobulin E.
Main Results:
- 58% of patients showed sensitization to mixed molds.
- Alternaria alternata was the predominant allergen (72.2%).
- Other common fungal allergens included Aspergillus fumigatus (53.45%), Penicillium notatum (52.6%), Candida albicans (34.5%), and Aspergillus niger (25%).
Conclusions:
- Mixed mold sensitization was the fourth most frequent aeroallergen.
- Alternaria alternata is the most prevalent fungal aeroallergen in Zagazig, Egypt.
- Findings aid in targeted allergy management and public health awareness.
More Related Videos
08:47Symptom Assessment of Patients with Allergic Rhinitis Using an Allergen Exposure Chamber
Published on: March 3, 2023
15:01Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy-Based Quantitative Analysis of Aspergillus fumigatus Conidia Distribution in Whole-Mount Optically Cleared Mouse Lung
Published on: September 18, 2021
Related Concept Videos
02:06Allergic Reactions
01:20Sputum Studies II: Culture and Sensitivity
Sputum culture and sensitivity is a medical procedure used to diagnose bacterial infections in the respiratory tract and select the most appropriate antibiotics for treatment. This process involves analyzing sputum samples of thick and opaque secretions produced in the lungs and airways. These samples are collected from patients and then sent to the laboratory for analysis.
The test can identify various pathogens responsible for respiratory infections, including Streptococcus,...
01:28Fungal Phylum Ascomycota