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Fungus allergens inside and outside the residences of atopic and control children
1Division of Environmental Health, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, R.O.C.
Abstract:
Airborne fungi were collected during the peak fungus season, using the N6 Andersen sampler inside and outside the homes of 46 asthmatic children, 20 atopic children, and 26 nonatopic control children in the Taipei area. The geometric mean fungus concentrations of the asthmatic, atopic, and control groups were found to be 565, 411, and 608 colony-forming units (CFU) per m3 in the living rooms; 659, 464, and 602 CFU m3 in the bedrooms; and 547, 449, and 668 CFU m3 outdoors; respectively. Aspergillus, Cladosporium, and Penicillium were observed to be the most common microfungi, both indoors and outdoors. High correlations between indoor fungus levels (living rooms or bedrooms) and the corresponding outdoor levels were observed for these predominant genera. With regard to the Aspergillus species composition, A. flavus and A. niger were observed to be predominant and are, therefore, recommended to be included on a skin test panel. Moreover, among these three groups, there were statistically significant concentration differences for Cladosporium and Penicillium.
Insights
Indoor and outdoor airborne fungi levels were measured in homes of children with asthma, atopy, and controls. Significant differences in Cladosporium and Penicillium concentrations were found between groups.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Mycology
- Allergy and Immunology
Background:
- Airborne fungi are common indoor and outdoor environmental allergens.
- Fungal exposure is a known trigger for allergic respiratory diseases like asthma.
- Understanding fungal prevalence in homes is crucial for managing allergic conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify and compare airborne fungal concentrations inside and outside homes of asthmatic, atopic, and nonatopic children.
- To identify predominant fungal genera and species.
- To investigate correlations between indoor and outdoor fungal levels.
Main Methods:
- Airborne fungi were sampled using an N6 Andersen sampler during peak season.
- Sampling was conducted inside living rooms and bedrooms, and outdoors.
- Participants included 46 asthmatic, 20 atopic, and 26 nonatopic children in Taipei.
Main Results:
- Geometric mean concentrations varied across groups and locations, with asthmatic children's homes showing higher levels for some fungi.
- Aspergillus, Cladosporium, and Penicillium were the most prevalent fungi.
- High correlations were found between indoor and outdoor levels for predominant genera.
- Significant concentration differences for Cladosporium and Penicillium were observed among the groups.
- Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus niger were predominant Aspergillus species.
Conclusions:
- Indoor airborne fungal levels, particularly Cladosporium and Penicillium, may differ significantly between asthmatic, atopic, and control children.
- Predominant fungal genera show strong indoor-outdoor correlations, suggesting outdoor sources influence indoor environments.
- Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus niger are recommended for inclusion in skin test panels for allergy assessment.