Association of molds and metrological parameters to frequency of severe asthma exacerbation

Abstract

Background Sensitization to airborne molds may be a risk factor for severe asthma and direct cause of asthma exacerbation (AE). Methods A prospective, 1-year (April 2016–March 2017) study, done in Kuwait Allergy Centre, investigated the link between AEs with exposure to outdoor molds and the role of meteorological parameters in mold sensitized patients and compared with non-allergic asthma patients who had asthma deterioration. The total of 676 adult asthmatics with moderate-severe AEs were included and divided into atopic (85.65%) and non-atopic group. Atopy was defined by positive skin prick test (SPT) to at least one inhalant allergen. Data regarding atopy and asthma severity were collected from patient’s records. Patients with symptoms and signs of acute respiratory infection and patient sensitized to indoor allergens only were excluded. Daily count of local pollens (Salsola kali, Bermuda grass) and molds (Aspergillus, Alternaria and Cladosporium) were obtained from the Aerobiology department. Daily metrological parameters (atmospheric pressure-AP, temperature-T and relative humidity-RH) were provided by Kuwait Environment Public Authority. Count of spores/m 3 and weather variable are shown on weekly basis. The year circle was divided into 4 Seasons (1, 2, 3, 4) accordingly to typical desert climate. Results Sensitization to molds was relatively high but significantly less (25.0%) if compared to the pollens sensitization. The highest number of AEs was in season 4 for both molds and pollens sensitized patients. Seasonal patterns for both allergens were significant and positively correlated with RH and AP. In season 1 only, mold sensitized patients showed higher rate of AEs. Non-atopic patients have been less sensitive to increased RH than atopic. Negative correlation with T was similar in both atopic and non-atopic patients. Conclusion Despite of high rate of sensitization to molds, their significant role in triggering AE was not found in desert environment. Typical desert climate and high allergencity of local weeds outweigh the influence of the molds.

Evaluation of the quality composition of micromycetes in the air of the premises of stationary medical institutions

“…В современной научной литературе описаны случаи сенсибилизации человека к антигенам микрофлоры воздуха и объектов окружающей среды. Максимальную сенсибилизацию при этом вызывают представители родов Aspergillus, Penicillium, Mucor, Alternaria, Cladosporium, реже другие плесневые и дрожжеподобные микромицеты [13][14][15][16].…”

“…The number of micromycetes in all premises, CFU/m ГИГИЕНА ОКРУЖАЮЩЕЙ СРЕДЫ когенной сенсибилизации у медицинских работников, так как данный факт подтверждён различными исследованиями и доказано, что высокое содержание микромицет в воздухе является фактором риска по развитию аллергических патологий различных локализаций. Однако полученные в работе данные подтверждают высокую степень контаминации воздуха плесневыми грибами, особенно в помещениях, где медицинский работник не использует средства индивидуальной защиты и находится длительный период времени, причём в некоторых из этих помещений микробная нагрузка за счёт микромицет связана с наличием грибов с высокой сенсибилизирующей активностью [13,14,17,18].…”

Diagnostic cut‐off value for Aspergillus fumigatus‐ and flavus‐specific IgG with clinical relevance in chronic pulmonary Aspergillus infection: A pilot study in Taiwan

“…This study excluded patients with a history of asthma because asthma or ABPA were mediated by type IV immune reactions, and IgE was increased in response to colonisation by Aspergillus and other fungi, 25 rather than chronic or subacute infection by Aspergillus spp . In an investigation of ABPA, 26 fungi other than Aspergillus spp . also had a significant influence on acute exacerbation of asthma.…”

ARIA 2019 Care Pathways for Allergic Rhinitis in the Kuwait Health Care System

“…Rates of cat and dog ownership are low in Kuwait because of cultural habits; however, stray cats may pose a relevant risk for developing perennial AR, and therefore evaluation of sensitization by skin prick test and possibly nasal provocation test should be considered [21]. Indoor and outdoor molds, predominantly Alternaria , Aspergillus , Cladosporium , and Penicillium , primarily occurring during November to January and July, have a greater impact on individuals with asthma, rather than those with AR alone [22].…”