Background
Burden of fungal allergic diseases to humans is broad and still needs much
clarification on the prevalence of its related disease. Asthma-related deaths,
hospital admissions, respiratory symptoms, and pulmonary functions can be
adversely affected by high fungal spore concentrations in outdoor air.
Aim
The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of sensitization to various
species of mould and yeast allergens among other common aeroallergens in
Egyptian patients with respiratory allergy diseases.
Patients and methods
Totally, 200 patients with allergic bronchial asthma and/or allergic rhinitis were
selected from those followed up at the Allergy and Clinical Immunology Clinic at Ain
Shams University Hospitals. For each patient, detailed allergic history and clinical
examination were carried out. Asthma control level and severity of allergic rhinitis
were classified according to 2015 Global Initiative of Asthma report and Allergic
Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma 2008, respectively. Complete blood count and
Spirometry were done. In addition, skin prick test to 10 mould allergens, besides
other six common aeroallergens and positive and negative controls, were carried
out. Statistical package for the social sciences was used.
Results
The results revealed that 74% had positive results to at least one allergen extract.
Out of skin prick test-positive participants, 41.9% showed positivity toward fungal
allergen. Alternaria alternate and Penicillium spp. mixture each represented 32.2%
of positive fungal sensitivity patients. Moreover, 38.9% of poorly controlled
asthmatic patient’s category was fungal sensitized, whereas the percentage in
well-controlled patients was 30.8% and it was a significant finding as P value
was 0.02.
Conclusion
Fungal sensitivity is clearly correlated with respiratory allergic disease and its
severity. |
