Indoor mold levels and current asthma among school-aged children in Saskatchewan, Canada

Oluwole, Oluwafemi; Kirychuk, Shelley; Lawson, Joshua; Karunanayake, Chandima; Cockcroft, Don; Willson, Philip; Senthilselvan, A.; Rennie, Donna

doi:10.1111/ina.12304

Cited by 41 publications

(32 citation statements)

References 48 publications

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“…In addition, visible mold in bedrooms and basements in participants' homes were associated with persistent asthma and colds (16.8%, p < 0.0001). Other fungal studies conducted in Europe, Canada, and Australia have also found similar results [45,57,58]. Viral exposure also plays a critical role in the development of asthma and asthma morbidity [9, 11•].…”

Section: Endotoxinsupporting

confidence: 55%

“…This suggests a dose-dependent relationship between mold exposure and asthma severity [44]. This finding is supported by Oluwole et al [45], who demonstrated that high mold levels in children's play areas are associated with current asthma (adjusted OR = 3.0, 95% CI (1.11-8.0)). Furthermore, additional studies have demonstrated that sensitization to Alternaria increases with higher mold concentration exposure and may lead to a risk of hospitalization, especially in the urban setting [46][47][48][49].…”

Section: Endotoxinmentioning

confidence: 56%

“…In terms of the fungal species, Aspergillus fumigatus has shown to induce one of the highest sensitizations for moderate/severe asthma [54,78]. In addition, human colonization of the genera Cladosporium, Alternaria, and Penicillium have been associated with severe asthma and their ambient environmental concentration is similarly proportional in various parts of the world [41,45,53,[56][57][58]. For viruses, rhinovirus has been shown to be one of the most common triggers of a viral source for an asthma exacerbation [9, 11•, 15, 63, 79, 80].…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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The Impact of Ambient Environmental Exposures to Microbial Products on Asthma Outcomes from Birth to Childhood

Howard

Orhurhu

Huang

et al. 2019

Curr Allergy Asthma Rep

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Purpose of Review Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition with increasing domestic and worldwide prevalence that burdens individuals and the healthcare system with high costs associated with long-term treatments and acute emergency room (ER) visits. It can be triggered by ambient microbes, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. In this review, we examine the outcomes of asthma patients in relation to environmental exposures to ambient microbe products, focusing on whether exposure leads to asthma development from birth to childhood and if particular microbes are associated with worsened asthma exacerbations. Recent Findings Bacterial endotoxin is more prominent in homes with pets and may cause cytokine cascades that lead to asthma exacerbation. However, some studies have demonstrated a protective effect with early exposure. Patients with positive Aspergillus skin testing are more prone to moderate-severe or severe-uncontrolled asthma. Fungal sensitization is also associated with earlier onset of asthma and demonstrates a dose-dependent relationship of symptom severity and duration. Among viruses, rhinovirus has the greatest association with decreased lung function, severe asthma, and asthma-related hospital admissions. Distribution of microbial products and associated asthma symptoms depends on the geographical climate. Genetic variations among individuals also mitigate the effects of microbial products on asthma development and symptom severity. Summary Microbial products of bacteria, fungi, and viruses are associated with the development of asthma, more severe asthma symptoms, and worse outcomes. However, some early exposure studies have also demonstrated a protective effect. Bacterial and fungal products are related to decreased lung function and earlier onset of asthma. Viral products are related to asthma-associated hospital admissions; and the climate and patient genetics can also temper or intensify the relationships between microbial products, asthma development, and asthma symptom severity. Further research should focus on the effects of early microbe exposure and its interaction with human immune systems and asthma-related outcomes.

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Section: Endotoxinsupporting

confidence: 55%

Section: Endotoxinmentioning

confidence: 56%

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 1 more Smart Citation

The Impact of Ambient Environmental Exposures to Microbial Products on Asthma Outcomes from Birth to Childhood

Howard

Orhurhu

Huang

et al. 2019

Curr Allergy Asthma Rep

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show abstract

“…Supporting this, a birth cohort study demonstrated that exposure to moisture damage and visible mold in early infancy were associated with asthma development [29]. More specific measurement of mold exposure yielded similar findings as Oluwole et al [30] documented that mold levels in dust samples from both play area floors and bedroom mattresses were significantly associated with current asthma. In a meta-analysis, increased levels of Penicillium , Aspergillus , Cladosporium , and Alternaria species were associated with increased exacerbation of current asthma symptoms in children [31].…”

Section: Mold Exposure and Asthmamentioning

confidence: 65%

Indoor allergen exposure and asthma outcomes

Sheehan

Phipatanakul

2016

Current Opinion in Pediatrics

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Purpose of review The aim of the present review is to discuss updates on research regarding the relationship between indoor allergen exposure and childhood asthma with a focus on clinical effects, locations of exposure, and novel treatments. Recent findings Recent data continue to demonstrate that early life sensitization to indoor allergens is a predictor of asthma development later in life. Furthermore, avoidance of exposure to these allergens continues to be important especially given that the vast majority of children with asthma are sensitized to at least one indoor allergen. New research suggests that mouse allergen, more so than cockroach allergen, may be the most relevant urban allergen. Recent evidence reminds us that children are exposed to clinically important levels of indoor allergens in locations away from their home, such as schools and daycare centers. Exposure to increased levels of indoor mold in childhood has been associated with asthma development and exacerbation of current asthma; however, emerging evidence suggests that early exposure to higher fungal diversity may actually be protective for asthma development. Novel treatments have been developed that target TH2 pathways thus decreasing asthmatic responses to allergens. These therapies show promise for the treatment of severe allergic asthma refractory to avoidance strategies and standard therapies. Summary Understanding the relationship between indoor allergens and asthma outcomes is a constantly evolving study of timing, location, and amount of exposure.

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“…Benign indoor environments are the habitats of bacteria, viruses, and fungi . Among the different kinds of microbes, fungi represent a heterogeneous group that play an important role in human pathology . Health symptoms of fungal exposure include but are not limited to allergies, infection, and inflammation .…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Measuring detachment ofAspergillus nigerspores from colonies with an atomic force microscope

Zhang

Wang

2018

Indoor Air

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Detachment of fungal spores from moldy surfaces and the subsequent aerosolization can lead to adverse health effects. Spore aerosolization occurs when the forces for aerosolization exceed the binding forces of spores with their colonies. The threshold force to detach a spore from a growing colony remains unknown. This investigation measured the detachment of spores of Aspergillus niger from a colony using an atomic force microscope (AFM). The spores were first affixed to the cantilever of the AFM with ultraviolet curing glue, and then, the colony was moved downward until the spores detached. The threshold detachment forces were inferred from the deflection of the cantilever. In addition, the spores were aerosolized in a wind tunnel by a gradual increase of the blowing air speed. The forces measured by the AFM were compared with the hydrodynamic forces for aerosolization. The AFM measurements revealed that a force of 3.27 ± 0.25 nN was required to detach a single spore from the 4-day-old colony, while 1.98 ± 0.13 nN was sufficient for the 10-day-old colony. Slightly smaller detachment forces were observed by the AFM than were determined by the aerosolization tests.

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Indoor mold levels and current asthma among school-aged children in Saskatchewan, Canada

Cited by 41 publications

References 48 publications

The Impact of Ambient Environmental Exposures to Microbial Products on Asthma Outcomes from Birth to Childhood

The Impact of Ambient Environmental Exposures to Microbial Products on Asthma Outcomes from Birth to Childhood

Indoor allergen exposure and asthma outcomes

Measuring detachment ofAspergillus nigerspores from colonies with an atomic force microscope

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