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[Significance of inhaled environmental allergens]
Abstract:
Whereas the importance of pollen as inhalative allergens has been largely investigated and is generally known, the experience in the frequency and the role of the sensibilization with air-borne fungi is relatively limited. In 720 patients with Asthma bronchiale the degree of sensitization has been tested with various extracts of air-borne fungi of SSW Dresden (mould mixture, aspergillin, mucor, cladosporium and penicillium and alternaria). The most frequent and also the strongest reactions were found with alternaria and the smallest part of positive skin reactions with penicillium. An isolated sensitization with mould has been demonstrated in 20 per cent of the cases. In 60 per cent of the tested patients a manifest mould allergy was shown by means of the Inhalative Allergen Test, the most favourable correlation between Intracutaneous Test (ICT) and Inhalative Test (IAT) was found with alternaria (76%). A conformance between ICT and basophils degranulation test (BDT) was stated in 69% of the cases. The aim should be comparable tests with allergen extracts without irritative effects and qualitative measurements of air-borne fungi.
Insights
Airborne fungi are significant allergens in asthma patients, with Alternaria causing the most frequent and strongest reactions. Further research aims for better diagnostic tests for mold allergies.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Allergens
- Clinical Immunology
- Respiratory Medicine
Context:
- Pollen allergenicity is well-established, but airborne fungal sensitization is less understood.
- Asthma bronchiale patients often exhibit complex allergic profiles.
- Accurate diagnosis of fungal allergies is crucial for effective asthma management.
Purpose:
- To investigate the frequency and significance of sensitization to airborne fungi in asthma patients.
- To compare the efficacy of different diagnostic tests for airborne fungal allergens.
- To identify the most prevalent and potent fungal allergens in the studied population.
Summary:
- In 720 Asthma bronchiale patients, sensitization to airborne fungi was assessed using various extracts.
- Alternaria triggered the most frequent and strongest reactions, while Penicillium showed the fewest positive skin reactions.
- Isolated mold sensitization occurred in 20% of cases; 60% showed manifest mold allergy via Inhalative Allergen Test.
- High correlation was observed between Intracutaneous Test (ICT) and Inhalative Allergen Test (IAT) for Alternaria (76%) and between ICT and basophil degranulation test (BDT) (69%).
Impact:
- Highlights the clinical importance of airborne fungi as allergens in asthma.
- Suggests Alternaria as a key fungal allergen requiring attention in diagnostics.
- Emphasizes the need for standardized, non-irritative allergen extracts and qualitative fungal measurements for improved allergy testing.