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Aspergillus hypersensitivity in asthmatics in Cape Town
Clinical Allergy
|May 1, 1980
Summary
Skin prick testing with Aspergillus antigen is crucial for diagnosing allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) in asthma patients. Early asthma onset and atopy are linked to Aspergillus sensitivity, aiding ABPA diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Allergy and Immunology
- Pulmonology
- Medical Mycology
Background:
- Asthma management often involves investigating allergic triggers.
- Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is a hypersensitivity reaction to Aspergillus fumigatus.
- The prevalence and diagnostic markers of ABPA in certain regions may be underrecognized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze skin prick test reactions in asthma patients.
- To identify the association of Aspergillus sensitization with asthma characteristics.
- To determine the prevalence and diagnostic utility of Aspergillus precipitins and ABPA.
Main Methods:
- Skin prick testing was performed on 500 asthma patients.
- Patients with multiple positive reactions were further analyzed.
- Serum precipitins to Aspergillus were tested in 71 patients.
- Chest radiographs were evaluated for ABPA-compatible findings.
Main Results:
- 240 out of 500 patients had multiple positive skin prick reactions.
- 46% of these had positive reactions to Aspergillus, with earlier asthma onset and higher atopy.
- Aspergillus precipitins were found in 26 of 71 patients.
- 8 patients were diagnosed with ABPA, characterized by radiograph shadows and positive precipitins.
Conclusions:
- Routine skin prick testing with Aspergillus antigen is important for asthma patients.
- Aspergillus sensitization is associated with specific patient phenotypes.
- Increased awareness and diagnostic testing are vital for recognizing ABPA, even in previously unrecognized areas.