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Application of Biochip Microfluidic Technology to Detect Serum Allergen-specific Immunoglobulin E (sIgE)
Published on: April 21, 2019
[Skin test with aeroallergens untested in Mexico]
M P Pérez Tovar1, M Castrejón Tovar, S V Iza
1QFB Laboratorios Freeman SA de CV, DF, México.
Abstract:
This study was carried out to prove that some molds even not studied in Mexico can be able to incit a positive skin test. We tested 43 adults (15-45 years old), 34 of them suffering respiratory allergy verified by roentgenography and laboratory tests including traditional intradermic allergic test. 9 subjects served as control group. We used manual scarification to Ustilago maydis, Rhodotorula rubra, Puccinia graminis, Cunhigamella sp and Zyncephalastrum sp. Our patients showed a positive skin test in 26, 12, 12, 9 and 6% respectively. This Fisher exact test do not detects significative differences. We conclude this molds can be able to incit an immune reaction IgE mediated and the must be tested in allergic patients from farmer communities.
Insights
Certain molds not previously studied in Mexico can trigger allergic skin reactions. These fungi, including Ustilago maydis, should be considered for allergic patients, especially in farming communities.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Immunology
- Allergology
Background:
- Respiratory allergies are prevalent, with environmental molds being potential triggers.
- Limited research exists on the allergenic potential of specific molds in Mexico.
- Identifying novel mold allergens is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the allergenic potential of five specific molds in Mexican adults.
- To determine if these molds can elicit a positive skin test response in individuals with respiratory allergies.
Main Methods:
- Skin prick testing using manual scarification was performed on 43 adult participants (15-45 years old).
- The study included 34 patients with verified respiratory allergies and 9 healthy controls.
- Molds tested included Ustilago maydis, Rhodotorula rubra, Puccinia graminis, Cunhigamella sp, and Zyncephalastrum sp.
Main Results:
- Positive skin test reactions were observed in 26% for Ustilago maydis, 12% for Rhodotorula rubra, 12% for Puccinia graminis, 9% for Cunhigamella sp, and 6% for Zyncephalastrum sp.
- Fisher exact test did not reveal statistically significant differences between mold reactivities.
- A notable percentage of allergic patients showed sensitization to at least one of the tested molds.
Conclusions:
- The studied molds, including Ustilago maydis, can induce an immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated immune response.
- These molds represent potential allergens and warrant further investigation in allergic patients, particularly those from agricultural settings.
- Consideration of these molds in allergy testing is recommended for patients in farmer communities in Mexico.

