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Asthma and fungi in the home
Abstract:
During a nine month survey we collected viable fungal spores in the homes of 35 asthmatic patients living in Wellington. The five most prevalent fungal types were Aspergillus, Basidiomycetes, Cladosporium, Penicillium and Alternaria. We noted some regional and seasonal differences in the recovery of fungi. In about one-third of the patients there was a relationship between symptoms of asthma or peak expiratory flow rate and the presence of particular fungal types especially Aspergillus. These patients were not identified by positive skin prick tests with commercial fungal extracts.
Insights
Indoor fungal spores, including Aspergillus, were prevalent in Wellington homes of asthma patients. A third of patients showed links between asthma symptoms and specific fungi, not detected by standard allergy tests.
Area of Science:
- Environmental microbiology
- Clinical immunology
- Respiratory medicine
Background:
- Indoor fungal spores are common environmental allergens.
- Asthma exacerbations can be triggered by various environmental factors.
- The role of specific indoor fungi in asthma symptoms requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify prevalent fungal spore types in the homes of asthmatic patients in Wellington.
- To investigate the relationship between indoor fungi and asthma symptom severity or lung function.
- To assess if standard allergy testing identifies patients sensitive to these fungi.
Main Methods:
- A nine-month survey was conducted to collect viable fungal spores from 35 asthmatic patients' homes.
- Fungal spore types were identified and quantified.
- Correlation analysis was performed between fungal presence, asthma symptoms, and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR).
Main Results:
- The five most prevalent fungal genera identified were Aspergillus, Basidiomycetes, Cladosporium, Penicillium, and Alternaria.
- Regional and seasonal variations in fungal spore recovery were observed.
- Approximately one-third of patients exhibited a correlation between their asthma symptoms or PEFR and the presence of specific fungi, notably Aspergillus.
Conclusions:
- Indoor environments of asthmatic patients in Wellington harbor diverse fungal spores.
- Specific indoor fungi, particularly Aspergillus, may contribute to asthma symptom exacerbation in a subset of patients.
- Standard skin prick tests using commercial fungal extracts may not identify all patients affected by indoor fungal allergens.