Mould‐specific immunoglobulin antibodies quantified by flow cytometry reflect mould exposure in Norwegian children

Abstract

SummaryBackground Studies from many countries have shown an association between dampness in buildings and airway symptoms. Little is known about the role of mould-specific IgG antibodies in this context. Objective To examine the IgG antibody response to mould applying a new flow cytometric assay, compare the results with the standardized ImmunoCap s method, and evaluate the association of IgG to IgE antibodies, dampness in buildings, and airway symptoms like wheeze and asthma. Methods A population of 3713 children 9-11 years of age living in Northern Norway was investigated for airway symptoms and dampness at homes by a parental questionnaire, using protocols of the International study of Asthma and Allergy in Childhood (ISAAC). Among these, a case-control study of 100 wheezers and 100 non-wheezers was established that included home inspection, a parental structured interview, and serum samples analysed for mouldspecific IgG and IgE antibodies, total IgE, and specific IgE to an allergen panel (Phadiatop s ). Results Self-reported visible signs of mould or moisture at home during the child's first year of life were a significant risk factor for both wheeze and asthma. The levels of mould-specific IgG antibodies were associated with mould and moisture findings, but only when IgG antibodies were measured by flow cytometry. Conclusions The results support that dampness at home can increase the risk of airway symptoms. IgG antibodies determined by flow cytometry reflect mould exposure better than antibodies measured by the conventional method. IgG antibodies measured by flow cytometry may be used as an indicator of mould exposure.

An Evolutionary-Based Framework for Analyzing Mold and Dampness-Associated Symptoms in DMHS

“…It seems plausible to think that mold exposure induces an inflammatory reaction, but it could also be the other way round, in that genetically susceptible individuals with a higher pro-inflammatory profile due to their evolutionary past, will respond to lower threshold of mold and dampness exposure. Like women being generally more prone to most autoimmune diseases as a trade-off to a higher inflammatory potential to combat infectious disease, women do not only suffer more often form sick building syndrome but also display higher mold-specific IgG-antibodies than men (86, 87). If the hypothesis is true that MHSD is a trade-off to avoid or defend potential invasive or dangerous pathogens, these individuals should have a lower probability of invasive fungal disease.…”

Indoor environmental factors associated with wheezing illness and asthma in South Korean children: phase III of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood

“…These differing results may be attributed to several factors, including use of different means of measuring mold and dampness. For example, Jaakkola et al [21] and Rydjord et al [22] based their measurement on self-reported exposure data, whereas Hyvärinen et al [23] used a standardized home inspection kit to determine the presence of mold in homes of newly diagnosed asthma patients. In other studies, mold exposure quantification was performed or levels of visible mold were measured.…”

Quantitative and semiquantitative estimates of mold exposure in infancy and childhood respiratory health

“…Qualitative measures of mold and water damage are the most commonly used, as these are the easiest to obtain and can rely on questionnaires. Rydjord et al 5 found self-reported visible signs of mold or moisture at home during the child’s first year of life were a significant risk factor for ever having wheeze or asthma. A longitudinal study by Jaakkola et al 6 focused on the effects of parent-reported exposure to molds in dwellings on the development of asthma in childhood.…”