Mouldy houses influence symptoms of asthma among atopic individuals (original) (raw)
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The role of molds in the relation between indoor environment and atopy in asthma patients
Journal of research in medical sciences : the official journal of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, 2013
The effect of mold fungi to allergic sensitization is not well-known. We aimed to evaluate the role of molds in the relation between indoor environment and atopy in asthmatics. The air samples obtained from 66 stable asthmatics and 35 control subject's houses were sprayed into Sabouraud dextrose agar. Allergy skin testing were performed in both groups. The temperature and humidity of each house were measured. The incidence of atopy was similar in cases (59.1%) and controls (51.4%). The average amount of mold was 35.9 CFU/m(3) and 34.3 CFU/m(3), respectively. The number of household residents was positively correlated with the amount of molds. There was no difference in the amount of mold with respect to dosage of inhaler corticosteroids as well as symptom levels in asthmatics. The most frequently encountered allergens were Dermatophagoides farinae/Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, grass/weeds and molds. Spending childhood in a village was more common among atopics. Living environm...
Changes in indoor allergen and fungal levels predict changes in asthma activity among young adults
Clinical <html_ent glyph="@amp;" ascii="&"/> Experimental Allergy, 2005
Background Exposures to allergens are thought to be important risk factors for asthma. We conducted a longitudinal study of indoor allergen and fungal levels in Melbourne homes between 1996 and 1998 to examine the effect of changes in allergen exposure upon asthma and associated outcomes. Methods Participants were visited at home in 1996 (n 5 485) and 1998 (n 5 360), when dust and air samples were collected from their bedrooms and assayed for Der p 1, Fel d 1, ergosterol and fungal propagules. Subjects then attended the lung function laboratory to complete a questionnaire, spirometry, methacholine challenge and skin prick testing. The associations between the change in allergen levels and change in clinical outcomes were examined using multiple logistic and linear regression. Results Participants whose Cladosporium fungal exposure doubled had 52% greater odds of having had an attack of asthma in the last 12 months. A doubling of fungal exposure was also associated with 53% greater odds of developing atopy. A doubling of Fel d 1 floor levels was associated with 73% increased odds of doctor-diagnosed asthma. A doubling of Der p 1 levels in bed dust was associated with a 64% greater odds of persistent bronchial hyper-reactivity. Conclusions These findings provide evidence that changes in indoor levels of fungi and house dust mites can affect the risk of development and persistence of asthma and atopy in adults. Further studies are required to establish any benefit of sustained reductions in indoor allergen exposures, and to determine whether these effects are truly 'allergic' or because of immune stimulation in the airway through other less specific mechanisms.
Asian Pacific journal of allergy and immunology / launched by the Allergy and Immunology Society of Thailand, 2008
Although the relationship between asthma severity and exposure to airborne fungi has been well studied, little is known about the contribution of outdoor molds to the symptoms of children monosensitized to molds. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of outdoor mold spore concentrations on daily asthma and/or rhinitis scores in children monosensitized to molds. Nineteen children with asthma and/or rhinitis sensitized only to molds recorded their daily symptoms and PEF values to the diaries, from February 2005 to January 2006. Additionally, mold spores were measured daily using a Burkard 7-day recording volumetric spore trap in city atmosphere and compared with meteorological data. Total number of mold spores in atmosphere was found to be 352,867 spore/m3 during the study period. Cladosporium (53%) was the most common encountered outdoor fungi, followed by Altemaria (29%) and 1-septate Ascospore (3%). Outdoor fungi concentrations were significantly correlated with mean mo...
Is the risk of allergic hypersensitivity to fungi increased by indoor exposure to moulds?
International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health, 2009
Objectives: Moulds are frequently found in the indoor environment of residential houses. An association between domestic mould contamination and respiratory symptoms has been reported, but mould exposure as a risk factor for allergy to moulds is not well documented. The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence and associated factors of allergic hypersensitivity to moulds. Materials and Methods: A group of 243 participants was examined. Of these 118 lived in dwellings with evident signs of fungal contamination (study group) and 125 in non-contaminated sites (controls). An interview, skin prick tests to common and fungal allergens, evaluation of total serum IgE and specific IgE to moulds, resting spirometry as well as mycological analysis in building were performed for each participant. Results: 19.8% subjects were sensitized to at least one mould allergen. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the history of respiratory and skin symptoms, smoking cigarettes in the past and positive skin prick tests (SPT) to common allergens (dust mite and grass pollens) or the presence of a cat as a pet animal were the significant associated factors of hypersensitivity to moulds. Conclusions: The association between indoor fungal exposure and the development of fungal allergy was not confirmed in our study.
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, 2001
We assessed the influence of current indoor levels of fungi, house dust mite allergen ( Der p 1), and cat allergen ( Fel d 1) on sensitization and asthma in adults. A total of 485 adults answered a questionnaire and had skin prick tests and lung function tests. Dust and air samples were collected from their bedrooms. The dust was analyzed for Der p 1, Fel d 1, and fungal biomass (ergosterol). Fungal propagules were measured in air samples. Current asthma was defined as having wheezed during the past 12 mo plus bronchial hyperreactivity (BHR) to methacholine. High exposure to total airborne fungi was associated with increased BHR, but perhaps paradoxically with a lower risk of being sensitized to fungi. Ergosterol levels in floor dust were a risk factor both for being sensitized to fungi and having wheezed within the last year. High Fel d 1 levels in floor dust were found to increase the risk of being sensitized to cats and in beds to increase the risk of current asthma. Although Der p 1 levels in homes were high, people exposed to high Der p 1 levels in floor dust were less likely to be sensitized to house dust mites or to have wheezed within the past year. Current indoor levels of fungi and Fel d 1, but not Der p 1, influenced sensitization and asthma in adults with high dust mite exposure.
Relationships between molds and asthma suggesting non-allergic mechanisms. A rural-urban comparison
Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, 2013
Background: A fungal index, based on specific microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs) emission, was employed and related to asthma in children from rural and urban dwellings after stratification on the children atopic status. Methods: A nested case-control design was used to draw, from 2 cross-sectional surveys, 20 asthmatics and 26 controls living in urban areas, and 24 asthmatics and 25 controls in rural areas. MVOCs levels were assessed in the living-room during one week; during that week, children performed clinical tests and their parents were invited to fill in a questionnaire on respiratory health. Results: According to the objective fungal index, 70.5% of cases and 49.0% of controls were exposed to molds. More children with current asthma had experienced mold exposure in their homes (OR=3.38, 95% CI (1.16; 9.90)), especially amongst children living in rural areas. Atopic status modified this association: exposure to molds was found to be related to current asthma only in non-atopic children (OR=10.42, 95% CI (2.42; 44.81)). Among urban -dwelling children that could be screened at hospital, asthmatic children living in contaminated dwellings had a higher proportion of blood neutrophils and a lower FEV 1 (forced expiratory volume in 1 second) than nonexposed ones. Conclusion: Our findings based on an objective assessment of MVOCs suggest adverse respiratory effects of molds. Our results suggest that when looking at the aetiology of non-atopic asthma, mold exposure should be systematically assessed.
Household mold and dust allergens: Exposure, sensitization and childhood asthma morbidity
Environmental Research, 2012
Background: Few studies address concurrent exposures to common household allergens, specific allergen sensitization and childhood asthma morbidity. Objective: To identify levels of allergen exposures that trigger asthma exacerbations in sensitized individuals. Methods: We sampled homes for common indoor allergens (fungi, dust mites (Der p 1, Der f 1), cat (Fel d 1), dog (Can f 1) and cockroach (Bla g 1)) for levels associated with respiratory responses among schoolaged children with asthma (N ¼ 1233) in a month-long study. Blood samples for allergy testing and samples of airborne fungi and settled dust were collected at enrollment. Symptoms and medication use were recorded on calendars. Combined effects of specific allergen sensitization and level of exposure on wheeze, persistent cough, rescue medication use and a 5-level asthma severity score were examined using ordered logistic regression. Results: Children sensitized and exposed to any Penicillium experienced increased risk of wheeze (odds ratio [OR] 2.12 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.12, 4.04), persistent cough (OR 2.01 95% CI 1.05, 3.85) and higher asthma severity score (OR 1.99 95% CI 1.06, 3.72) compared to those not sensitized or sensitized but unexposed. Children sensitized and exposed to pet allergen were at significantly increased risk of wheeze (by 39% and 53% for Fel d 1 40.12 mg/g and Can f 1 41.2 mg/g, respectively). Increased rescue medication use was significantly associated with sensitization and exposure to Der p 1 40.10 mg/g (by 47%) and Fel d 14 0.12 mg/g (by 32%). Conclusion: Asthmatic children sensitized and exposed to low levels of common household allergens Penicillium, Der p 1, Fel d 1 and Can f 1 are at significant risk for increased morbidity.
Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 2002
Background: The effects of home dampness and mold exposure on adult asthma are not clear. Objective: We aimed to investigate the associations between housing characteristics related to dampness, mold exposure, and house dust mite levels and adult asthma in 38 study centers from the European Community Respiratory Health Survey. Methods: Data about the present home, heating and ventilation systems, double glazing, floor covers, recent water damage, and mold exposure were obtained by means of an interviewer-led questionnaire. The associations between these factors and asthma, as defined on the basis of symptoms in the last year, and of bronchial responsiveness, as determined with methacholine challenge, were evaluated. Odds ratios (ORs) were obtained by using random-effects meta-analyses adjusted within study centers for sex, age group, and smoking status. Results: Fitted carpets and rugs in the bedroom were related to fewer asthma symptoms and bronchial responsiveness (OR range, 0.69-0.91). This effect was consistent across centers and more pronounced among house dust mite-sensitized individuals. Reported mold exposure in the last year was associated with asthma symptoms and bronchial responsiveness (OR range, 1.14-1.44). This effect was homogeneous among centers and stronger in subjects sensitized to Cladosporium species. In centers with a higher prevalence of asthma, the prevalence of reported indoor mold exposure was also high. This association was observed for reported mold exposure by asthmatic subjects (Spearman r s = 0.46), as well as reported mold exposure by nonasthmatic subjects (r s = 0.54). Reported mold exposure was highest in older houses with recent water damage. Conclusion: We conclude that indoor mold growth has an adverse effect on adult asthma. (J Allergy Clin Immunol 2002;110:285-92.)
Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma in Association with Fungal Pollution of Indoor Environments
Journal of Pediatric and Child Care, 2023
Allergy or asthma is triggered by inhaling allergens such as dust, mites, pet dander, pollens, and fungal molds. Samples were collected from various indoor environments including air conditioner filters, carpets, indoor plant soil, living room air, and pillow covers of fifty residents living in air-conditioned flats for screening the fungal pollution of indoor environments and their role in allergies and asthma. This study included 30 residents with school children suffering from allergies or asthma and a healthy control group of another 20 residential indoor environments. The fungi isolated from indoor environments include Aspergillus niger, A. nidulans, A. flavus, A. fumigatus, Alternaria sp., Paeciliomyces sp, Bipolaris sp, Trichophyton verrucosum, and T. rubrum. Aspergillus species were isolated from all environments while Trichophyton species were isolated from indoor plant soil only. The fungal presence was higher in the indoor environments of group 1 with allergic rhinitis and asthma with a significant p-value <0.00001 showing its role in allergic rhinitis when compared the group 2 without allergy or asthma. The children suffering from allergies and asthma were further grouped into intermittent (70%), persistent (13%), and asthma or allergic asthma (17%) cases based on symptoms and duration. The treatment received with intermittent allergic rhinitis includes a combination of oral antihistamines, and nasal decongestants, while persistent allergy symptoms were treated with corticosteroids (oral/intranasal), oral antihistamines, and oral leukotriene receptor antagonists. Asthma cases were treated with salbutamol sulfate, a bronchodilator, and oral leukotriene receptor antagonists with a combination of antiallergic treatments. A combination of treatments with improved indoor hygiene showed better relief to allergic rhinitis and asthma and was significantly reduced from persistent to intermittent or recovered from allergic symptoms.
European Respiratory Review, 2018
Starting from the Institute of Medicine (IOM) and World Health Organization (WHO) reports, this review provides an overview of the literature published from 2006 to 2017 on the associations between indoor mould exposure and asthma and rhinitis separately in children and adults with a focus on longitudinal epidemiological studies.A systematic search of peer-reviewed literature was performed, including systematic reviews and meta-analyses, longitudinal, incident case–control and panel studies. 61 publications were identified reporting visible mould or mould odour or quantitative assessment of culturable fungi or mould species.In children, visible mould and mould odour were associated with the development and exacerbations of asthma, providing sufficient evidence of a causal relationship. Results from population-based studies in adults were too few and divergent to conclude at more than a limited level of evidence. Exposure to mould in a work building was associated with the incidence ...