Relationships between molds and asthma suggesting non-allergic mechanisms. A rural-urban comparison (original) (raw)
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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...
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...
Environmental Research, 2013
Higher values of the Environmental Relative Moldiness Index (ERMI), a DNA-based method for quantifying indoor molds, have been associated with asthma in children. In this study, settled dust samples were collected from the homes of adults with asthma, rhinitis, or both conditions (n=139 homes) in Northern California. The ERMI values for these samples were compared to those from dust collected in homes from the same geographic region randomly selected as part of the 2006 American Healthy Home Survey (n=44). The median ERMI value in homes of adult with airway disease (6) was significantly greater than median ERMI value (2) in the randomly selected homes (p<0.0001). In this study in northern California, the homes of adults with asthma had ERMI values consistent with a heavier burden of indoor mold than that measured in other homes from the same region.
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.)
Indoor Air, 2017
Evidence is accumulating that indoor dampness and mold are associated with the development of asthma. The underlying mechanisms remain unknown. New Zealand has high rates of both asthma and indoor mold and is ideally placed to investigate this. We conducted an incident case-control study involving 150 children with new-onset wheeze, aged between 1 and 7 years, each matched to two control children with no history of wheezing. Each participant's home was assessed for moisture damage, condensation, and mold growth by researchers, an independent building assessor and parents. Repeated measures of temperature and humidity were made, and electrostatic dust cloths were used to collect airborne microbes. Cloths were analyzed using qPCR. Children were skin prick tested for aeroallergens to establish atopy. Strong positive associations were found between observations of visible mold and new-onset wheezing in children (adjusted odds ratios ranged between 1.30 and 3.56; P ≤ .05). Visible mold and mold odor were consistently associated with new-onset wheezing in a dosedependent manner. Measurements of qPCR microbial levels, temperature, and humidity were not associated with new-onset wheezing. The association between mold and new-onset wheeze was not modified by atopic status, suggesting a non-allergic association.
Association of asthma symptoms and severity with indoor bioaerosols
Allergy, 2000
Background: In this study, repeated measurements were made of levels of mold spores, bacteria, and dust-mite allergens over a 7-month period in the homes of asthmatics, and relationships with measures of asthma severity were evaluated. Methods: A sample of 57 asthmatic individuals, living in 44 homes in East Moline, Illinois, and nearby communities, participated in a panel study. The homes were visited up to nine times during the study to collect air and dust samples. Asthma severity indicators were derived from questionnaire data and from the daily health records from the panel study. Associations between indoor levels of mold spores, bacteria, and dust-mite allergens were tested with several asthma severity indicators. Results: There was evidence of associations between all asthma severity measures and levels of total and Gram-negative bacteria, but mold-spore abundance was associated only with emergency room (ER) visits for asthma. No signi®cant associations were found with house-dust-mite allergen and any of the asthma severity indicators, but the levels of dust-mite allergen were low, with median concentrations of 0.18 mg/g dust Der f 1 and 0.19 mg/g dust Der p 1. Conclusions: Some evidence was found for associations of increased concentrations of Gram-negative bacteria and mold spores with asthma severity, particularly with ER visits. No association was found between house-dust-mite allergen and asthma severity indicators; however, the mite-allergen levels in the study homes were generally well below the proposed threshold level of 2 mg/g dust.
Mouldy houses influence symptoms of asthma among atopic individuals
Clinical <html_ent glyph="@amp;" ascii="&"/> Experimental Allergy, 2002
Background The in¯uence of current levels of indoor fungi on asthma is a controversial issue that needs to be resolved in order to advise patients appropriately. Objective To assess the seasonal variation in indoor fungal levels and the impact of these levels on asthma among mould-sensitized individuals. Methods Thirty-®ve young adults with current asthma and sensitization to fungi were visited four times over 1 year. At each home visit a questionnaire was administered and samples of dust and air were collected. Participants also recorded information on symptoms, peak expiratory¯ows (PEF) and medication use. Dust samples were analysed for house dust mite allergen (Der p 1) and total fungal biomass (ergosterol). Total and genus-speci®c fungal propagules were identi®ed in air samples. Seasonal variation in allergen levels and signi®cant independent effects of fungal levels on peak¯ow variability (PFV) were identi®ed by repeated measures analysis of variance. Results Signi®cant seasonal variations were observed in viable airborne fungi, ergosterol levels in the¯oor dust and PFV. PFV correlated signi®cantly with symptom scores and the dose of reliever medication. PFV was also signi®cantly associated with smoking and visible mould. The association between visible mould and PFV was independent of season, smoking and the dose of reliever medication. However, there was no association between total fungi, speci®c fungi or ergosterol and PFV. Der p 1 levels had no signi®cant in¯uence on asthma, even in HDM-sensitized individuals. Conclusions Mouldy homes adversely in¯uence asthma in asthmatics sensitized to fungi.
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.