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Characteristics of mold allergy
Abstract:
The sensitization of three common species of molds (C. herbarum, A. alternaria, A. fumigatus) and other common inhalation allergens was studied by SPT (skin prick testing) and RAST in 677 asthmatic patients. Ten percent of patients had an SPT with a mean diameter of at least 2 mm, and 5% had a positive RAST (>0.35 PRU/l) to at least one mold species. A positive RAST was most strongly associated with a positive RAST to animals (odds ratio 9.5) and less positively with a positive RAST to house dust mites (odds ratio 3.9) and storage mites (odds ratio 1.8). Sensitization to mites was significantly associated with indices of damp dwellings, whereas sensitization to molds was not. This study suggests that sensitization to molds mostly occurs in patients with a high potential for being sensitized to common inhalation allergens and that sensitization to molds is not related to damp dwellings.
Insights
Mold sensitization in asthmatics is linked to a general allergy predisposition, not damp homes. Skin prick testing and RAST showed mold allergies often coexist with sensitivities to animals and dust mites.
Area of Science:
- Allergy and Immunology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Asthma is a common respiratory condition often exacerbated by environmental allergens.
- Understanding specific allergen sensitization patterns is crucial for effective asthma management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and associations of mold sensitization in asthmatic patients.
- To determine the relationship between mold sensitization, other common allergens, and environmental factors like damp dwellings.
Main Methods:
- Skin prick testing (SPT) and Radioallergosorbent testing (RAST) were performed on 677 asthmatic patients.
- Evaluated sensitization to common molds (C. herbarum, A. alternaria, A. fumigatus) and other inhalation allergens.
- Assessed associations between mold sensitization, animal dander, house dust mites, storage mites, and damp dwelling indicators.
Main Results:
- Ten percent of patients showed positive SPT to molds, while 5% had positive RAST.
- Positive RAST to molds strongly correlated with sensitization to animals (OR 9.5), house dust mites (OR 3.9), and storage mites (OR 1.8).
- Mite sensitization was linked to damp dwellings, but mold sensitization was not.
Conclusions:
- Mold sensitization in asthmatics appears to be part of a broader allergic predisposition.
- Sensitization to molds is not significantly associated with living in damp dwellings.
- Further research may elucidate specific pathways for mold allergenicity in susceptible individuals.