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In Search of Clinical Markers: Indicators of Exposure in Dampness and Mold Hypersensitivity Syndrome (DMHS)

Kirsi Vaali1, Kingsley Mokube Ekumi1, Maria A Andersson2,3

  • 1Department of Pathology, Medicum, University of Helsinki, 00290 Helsinki, Finland.

Journal of Fungi (Basel, Switzerland)
|March 29, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Researchers identified novel fecal immunoglobulin markers (IgG, IgD) for diagnosing mold hypersensitivity. These markers, alongside basophil activation tests, confirm indoor mold toxicity and associated health symptoms.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Health
  • Immunology
  • Occupational Medicine

Background:

  • Mold exposure in indoor environments is linked to hypersensitivity and adverse health effects.
  • Accurate diagnostic markers for mold hypersensitivity are needed to assess building-related illnesses.
  • Previous studies indicated toxicity in specific indoor air environments, necessitating further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify potential biomarkers for diagnosing mold hypersensitivity.
  • To evaluate the diagnostic utility of mold-specific immunoglobulins and basophil activation tests (BAT).
  • To correlate biological markers with reported symptoms and environmental toxicity.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of indoor air condensed water and human macrophage THP-1 cell tests.
  • Conducting basophil activation tests (BAT) and measuring mold-specific immunoglobulins (IgE, IgG, IgA, IgD) in serum and feces.
  • Utilizing receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves to assess marker performance against inflammation markers (MRP8/14).

Main Results:

  • Exposed subjects reported significantly more symptoms compared to controls.
  • Basophils from exposed subjects showed heightened sensitivity to toxic mold extracts.
  • Fecal IgG and IgD levels against specific molds demonstrated high diagnostic accuracy (ROC > 0.9) for inflammation.

Conclusions:

  • Fecal immunoglobulin profiles can serve as reliable indicators of mold exposure and hypersensitivity.
  • BAT and serological assays, combined with environmental assessments, confirm the severity of mold-induced health issues.
  • Findings support the link between indoor mold toxicity and occupational health symptoms, validating diagnostic approaches.
Keywords:
IgDbasophilscalprotectindampness and mold hypersensitivityfecalimmunoglobulinsmycotoxinssick-building syndrome

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