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Alternaria Allergy and Asthma in Children
Angela Klain1, Mattia Giovannini2,3, Stefania Arasi4
1Department of Woman, Child and General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80138 Naples, Italy.
Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania)
|September 27, 2025
Summary
Alternaria alternata is a common fungal allergen linked to childhood asthma and allergic rhinitis. Early diagnosis and allergen immunotherapy (AIT) show promise for managing this allergy.
Area of Science:
- * Mycology and Immunology
- * Pediatric Allergy and Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- * Alternaria alternata is a significant fungal allergen in children, with increasing sensitization rates linked to environmental and genetic factors.
- * It is strongly associated with the development and exacerbation of pediatric asthma and allergic rhinitis, often leading to severe disease.
- * The major allergen, Alt a 1, is key in Alternaria-induced allergies and can cause cross-reactivity with other fungi.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To provide a comprehensive overview of Alternaria allergy in children.
- * To discuss epidemiology, immunopathogenesis, clinical impact, diagnostic challenges, and treatment options.
- * To support early recognition and personalized therapeutic strategies for Alternaria allergy.
Main Methods:
- * Review of current scientific literature on Alternaria allergy in pediatric populations.
- * Analysis of diagnostic methods, including traditional tests and component-resolved diagnostics.
- * Evaluation of allergen immunotherapy (AIT) efficacy and limitations.
Main Results:
- * Diagnosis of Alternaria allergy is challenging due to variable fungal extracts; component-resolved diagnostics and nasal provocation tests may be beneficial.
- * Allergen immunotherapy (AIT) using standardized Alt a 1 extracts or allergoids shows potential for clinical and immunological benefits.
- * AIT is underutilized in pediatric Alternaria allergy due to limited commercial products and long-term data.
Conclusions:
- * Alternaria alternata allergy is a critical concern in pediatric respiratory health.
- * Improved diagnostic approaches and standardized AIT are needed for effective management.
- * Further research on AIT efficacy and availability in children is essential.
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