[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.

Revista Alergia Mexico (Tecamachalco, Puebla, Mexico : 1993)
|September 1, 1995
PubMed

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.

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