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Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy-Based Quantitative Analysis of Aspergillus fumigatus Conidia Distribution in Whole-Mount Optically Cleared Mouse Lung
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A Bibliographic Review of Airborne Fungal Allergens from Dominant and Undercharacterized Genera

Noemi-Teofana Musta1, Nicoleta Ianovici1

  • 1Biology Department, Environmental Biology and Biomonitoring Research Center, Faculty of Chemistry, Biology, Geography, West University of Timisoara, 300223 Timișoara, Romania.

Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania)
|June 26, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Atmospheric fungi like Alternaria and Aspergillus are key allergens affecting public health. Less common fungi also contribute to allergic reactions and cross-reactivity, requiring further study.

Area of Science:

  • Aerobiology
  • Allergology
  • Mycology

Background:

  • Atmospheric fungi are significant allergens impacting public health, particularly for sensitized or immunocompromised individuals.
  • Ubiquitous taxa (Alternaria, Cladosporium, Aspergillus, Penicillium) and undercharacterized taxa (Epicoccum, Pithomyces, Torula, Rhodotorula) are prevalent in the atmosphere.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review antigenic composition and protein structures of atmospheric fungi involved in type I hypersensitivity.
  • To analyze recent literature (2000-2025), spore frequency, and global research distribution on atmospheric fungi.
  • To highlight the role of both well-known and understudied fungal allergens.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of scientific articles from 2000-2025.
  • Analysis of Google Scholar and PubMed for research frequency and global distribution.
  • Focus on antigenic composition and protein structures related to allergic reactions.

Main Results:

  • Alternaria, Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Cladosporium are identified as major global allergens.
  • Epicoccum, Torula, Rhodotorula, and Pithomyces are less characterized but linked to allergic reactions and cross-reactivity.
  • Data on spore frequency and global research distribution were analyzed.

Conclusions:

  • Well-known atmospheric fungi are primary drivers of allergic sensitization worldwide.
  • Undercharacterized fungal taxa also play a role in allergic responses and exhibit cross-reactivity.
  • Further research is needed to fully understand the allergenic potential of understudied atmospheric fungi.
Keywords:
IgE-mediated hypersensitivityaerobiologyfungal airborne allergensfungal allergy

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