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Grewling Ł, Ribeiro H, Antunes C, Apangu GP, Çelenk S, Costa A, Eguiluz-Gracia I, Galveias A, Gonzalez Roldan N, Lika M, Magyar D, Martinez-Bracero M, Ørby P, O'Connor D, Penha AM, Pereira S, Pérez-Badia R, Rodinkova V, Xhetani M, Šauliene I, Skjøth CA. Outdoor airborne allergens: Characterization, behavior and monitoring in Europe. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 905:167042. [PMID: 37709071 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Aeroallergens or inhalant allergens, are proteins dispersed through the air and have the potential to induce allergic conditions such as rhinitis, conjunctivitis, and asthma. Outdoor aeroallergens are found predominantly in pollen grains and fungal spores, which are allergen carriers. Aeroallergens from pollen and fungi have seasonal emission patterns that correlate with plant pollination and fungal sporulation and are strongly associated with atmospheric weather conditions. They are released when allergen carriers come in contact with the respiratory system, e.g. the nasal mucosa. In addition, due to the rupture of allergen carriers, airborne allergen molecules may be released directly into the air in the form of micronic and submicronic particles (cytoplasmic debris, cell wall fragments, droplets etc.) or adhered onto other airborne particulate matter. Therefore, aeroallergen detection strategies must consider, in addition to the allergen carriers, the allergen molecules themselves. This review article aims to present the current knowledge on inhalant allergens in the outdoor environment, their structure, localization, and factors affecting their production, transformation, release or degradation. In addition, methods for collecting and quantifying aeroallergens are listed and thoroughly discussed. Finally, the knowledge gaps, challenges and implications associated with aeroallergen analysis are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Łukasz Grewling
- Laboratory of Aerobiology, Department of Systematic and Environmental Botany, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Poland.
| | - Helena Ribeiro
- Department of Geosciences, Environment and Spatial Plannings of the Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto and Earth Sciences Institute (ICT), Portugal
| | - Celia Antunes
- Department of Medical and Health Sciences, School of Health and Human Development & ICT-Institute of Earth Sciences, IIFA, University of Évora, 7000-671 Évora, Portugal
| | | | - Sevcan Çelenk
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Bursa Uludag University, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Ana Costa
- Department of Medical and Health Sciences, School of Health and Human Development & ICT-Institute of Earth Sciences, IIFA, University of Évora, 7000-671 Évora, Portugal
| | - Ibon Eguiluz-Gracia
- Allergy Unit, Hospital Regional Universitario de Malaga, Malaga 29010, Spain
| | - Ana Galveias
- Department of Medical and Health Sciences, School of Health and Human Development & ICT-Institute of Earth Sciences, IIFA, University of Évora, 7000-671 Évora, Portugal
| | - Nestor Gonzalez Roldan
- Group of Biofunctional Metabolites and Structures, Priority Research Area Chronic Lung Diseases, Research Center Borstel, Leibniz Lung Center, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Airway Research Center North (ARCN), Borstel, Germany; Pollen Laboratory, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Mirela Lika
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tirana, Tirana, Albania
| | - Donát Magyar
- National Center for Public Health and Pharmacy, Budapest, Hungary
| | | | - Pia Ørby
- Department of Environmental Science, Danish Big Data Centre for Environment and Health (BERTHA) Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - David O'Connor
- School of Chemical Sciences, Dublin City University, Dublin D09 E432, Ireland
| | - Alexandra Marchã Penha
- Water Laboratory, School of Sciences and Technology, ICT-Institute of Earth Sciences, IIFA, University of Évora. 7000-671 Évora, Portugal
| | - Sónia Pereira
- Department of Geosciences, Environment and Spatial Plannings of the Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto and Earth Sciences Institute (ICT), Portugal
| | - Rosa Pérez-Badia
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, University of Castilla-La Mancha, 45071 Toledo, Spain
| | | | - Merita Xhetani
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tirana, Tirana, Albania
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Holme JA, Øya E, Afanou AKJ, Øvrevik J, Eduard W. Characterization and pro-inflammatory potential of indoor mold particles. INDOOR AIR 2020; 30:662-681. [PMID: 32078193 DOI: 10.1111/ina.12656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Revised: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
A number of epidemiological studies find an association between indoor air dampness and respiratory health effects. This is often suggested to be linked to enhanced mold growth. However, the role of mold is obviously difficult to disentangle from other dampness-related exposure including microbes as well as non-biological particles and chemical pollutants. The association may partly be due to visible mycelial growth and a characteristic musty smell of mold. Thus, the potential role of mold exposure should be further explored by evaluating information from experimental studies elucidating possible mechanistic links. Such studies show that exposure to spores and hyphal fragments may act as allergens and pro-inflammatory mediators and that they may damage airways by the production of toxins, enzymes, and volatile organic compounds. In the present review, we hypothesize that continuous exposure to mold particles may result in chronic low-grade pro-inflammatory responses contributing to respiratory diseases. We summarize some of the main methods for detection and characterization of fungal aerosols and highlight in vitro research elucidating how molds may induce toxicity and pro-inflammatory reactions in human cell models relevant for airway exposure. Data suggest that the fraction of fungal hyphal fragments in indoor air is much higher than that of airborne spores, and the hyphal fragments often have a higher pro-inflammatory potential. Thus, hyphal fragments of prevalent mold species with strong pro-inflammatory potential may be particularly relevant candidates for respiratory diseases associated with damp/mold-contaminated indoor air. Future studies linking of indoor air dampness with health effects should assess the toxicity and pro-inflammatory potential of indoor air particulate matter and combined this information with a better characterization of biological components including hyphal fragments from both pathogenic and non-pathogenic mold species. Such studies may increase our understanding of the potential role of mold exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jørn A Holme
- Department of Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Elisabeth Øya
- Department of Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Medicines Access, Norwegian Medicines Agency, Oslo, Norway
| | - Anani K J Afanou
- Group of Occupational Toxicology, STAMI National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Johan Øvrevik
- Department of Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Wijnand Eduard
- Group of Occupational Toxicology, STAMI National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
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Particle size distribution of the major Alternaria alternata allergen, Alt a 1, derived from airborne spores and subspore fragments. Fungal Biol 2020; 124:219-227. [PMID: 32220382 DOI: 10.1016/j.funbio.2020.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2019] [Revised: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Fungal fragments are abundant immunoreactive bioaerosols that may outnumber the concentrations of intact spores in the air. To investigate the importance of Alternaria fragments as sources of allergens compared to Alternaria spores, we determined the levels of Alternaria spores and Alt a 1 (the major allergen in Alternaria alternata spores) collected on filters within three fractions of particulate matter (PM) of different aerodynamic diameter: (1) PM>10, (diameter>10 μm); (2) PM2.5-10 (2.5-10μm); (3) PM2.5 (0.12-2.5 μm). The airborne particles were collected using a three stage high-volume ChemVol cascade impactor during the Alternaria sporulation season in Poznań, Poland (30 d between 6 July and 22 September 2016). The quantification of Alt a 1 was performed using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. High concentrations of Alt a 1 were recorded during warm and dry d characterized by high sunshine duration, lack of clouds and high dew point values. Atmospheric concentrations of Alternaria spores correlated significantly (r = 0.930, p < 0.001) with Alt a 1 levels. The highest Alt a 1 was recorded in PM2.5-10 (66.8 % of total Alt a 1), while the lowest in PM2.5 (<1.0 %). Significantly more Alt a 1 per spore (>30 %) was observed in PM2.5-10 than in PM>10. This Alt a 1 excess may be derived from sources other than spores, e.g. hyphal fragments. Overall, in outdoor air the major source of Alt a 1 are intact Alternaria spores, but the impact of other fungal fragments (hyphal parts, broken spores, conidiophores) cannot be neglected, as they may increase the total atmospheric Alt a 1 concentration.
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Mensah-Attipoe J, Saari S, Veijalainen AM, Pasanen P, Keskinen J, Leskinen JTT, Reponen T. Release and characteristics of fungal fragments in various conditions. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2016; 547:234-243. [PMID: 26789361 PMCID: PMC6705605 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2015.12.095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2015] [Revised: 12/19/2015] [Accepted: 12/21/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Intact spores and submicrometer size fragments are released from moldy building materials during growth and sporulation. It is unclear whether all fragments originate from fungal growth or if small pieces of building materials are also aerosolized as a result of microbial decomposition. In addition, particles may be formed through nucleation from secondary metabolites of fungi, such as microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs). In this study, we used the elemental composition of particles to characterize the origin of submicrometer fragments released from materials contaminated by fungi. Particles from three fungal species (Aspergillus versicolor, Cladosporium cladosporioides and Penicillium brevicompactum), grown on agar, wood and gypsum board were aerosolized using the Fungal Spore Source Strength Tester (FSSST) at three air velocities (5, 16 and 27 m/s). Released spores (optical size, dp ≥ 0.8 μm) and fragments (dp ≤ 0.8 μm) were counted using direct-reading optical aerosol instruments. Particles were also collected on filters, and their morphology and elemental composition analyzed using scanning electron microscopes (SEMs) coupled with an Energy-Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Among the studied factors, air velocity resulted in the most consistent trends in the release of fungal particles. Total concentrations of both fragments and spores increased with an increase in air velocity for all species whereas fragment-spore (F/S) ratios decreased. EDX analysis showed common elements, such as C, O, Mg and Ca, for blank material samples and fungal growth. However, N and P were exclusive to the fungal growth, and therefore were used to differentiate biological fragments from non-biological ones. Our results indicated that majority of fragments contained N and P. Because we observed increased release of fragments with increased air velocities, nucleation of MVOCs was likely not a relevant process in the formation of fungal fragments. Based on elemental composition, most fragments originated from fungi, but also fragments from growth material were detected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Mensah-Attipoe
- Department of Environmental Science, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1D, P. O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Sampo Saari
- Department of Physics, Tampere University of Technology, Korkeakoulunkatu 3, 33720 Tampere, Finland
| | - Anna-Maria Veijalainen
- Department of Environmental Science, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1D, P. O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Pertti Pasanen
- Department of Environmental Science, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1D, P. O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Jorma Keskinen
- Department of Physics, Tampere University of Technology, Korkeakoulunkatu 3, 33720 Tampere, Finland
| | - Jari T T Leskinen
- SIB Labs, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1E, P. O. Box 1627, FI-70211, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Tiina Reponen
- Department of Environmental Science, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1D, P. O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland; Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati, P.O. Box 670056, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0056, USA.
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Indirect Immunodetection of Fungal Fragments by Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy. Appl Environ Microbiol 2015; 81:5794-803. [PMID: 26092450 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00929-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2015] [Accepted: 06/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Submicronic fungal fragments have been observed in in vitro aerosolization experiments. The occurrence of these particles has therefore been suggested to contribute to respiratory health problems observed in mold-contaminated indoor environments. However, the role of submicronic fragments in exacerbating adverse health effects has remained unclear due to limitations associated with detection methods. In the present study, we report the development of an indirect immunodetection assay that utilizes chicken polyclonal antibodies developed against spores from Aspergillus versicolor and high-resolution field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). Immunolabeling was performed with A. versicolor fragments immobilized and fixed onto poly-l-lysine-coated polycarbonate filters. Ninety percent of submicronic fragments and 1- to 2-μm fragments, compared to 100% of >2-μm fragments generated from pure freeze-dried mycelial fragments of A. versicolor, were positively labeled. In proof-of-concept experiments, air samples collected from moldy indoor environments were evaluated using the immunolabeling technique. Our results indicated that 13% of the total collected particles were derived from fungi. This fraction comprises 79% of the fragments that were detected by immunolabeling and 21% of the spore particles that were morphologically identified. The methods reported in this study enable the enumeration of fungal particles, including submicronic fragments, in a complex heterogeneous environmental sample.
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Afanou KA, Straumfors A, Skogstad A, Skaar I, Hjeljord L, Skare Ø, Green BJ, Tronsmo A, Eduard W. Profile and Morphology of Fungal Aerosols Characterized by Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM). AEROSOL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR AEROSOL RESEARCH 2015; 49:423-435. [PMID: 26855468 PMCID: PMC4741100 DOI: 10.1080/02786826.2015.1040486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Fungal aerosols consist of spores and fragments with diverse array of morphologies; however, the size, shape, and origin of the constituents require further characterization. In this study, we characterize the profile of aerosols generated from Aspergillus fumigatus, A. versicolor, and Penicillium chrysogenum grown for 8 weeks on gypsum boards. Fungal particles were aerosolized at 12 and 20 L min-1 using the Fungal Spore Source Strength Tester (FSSST) and the Stami particle generator (SPG). Collected particles were analyzed with field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). We observed spore particle fraction consisting of single spores and spore aggregates in four size categories, and a fragment fraction that contained submicronic fragments and three size categories of larger fragments. Single spores dominated the aerosols from A. fumigatus (median: 53%), while the submicronic fragment fraction was the highest in the aerosols collected from A. versicolor (median: 34%) and P. chrysogenum (median: 31%). Morphological characteristics showed near spherical particles that were only single spores, oblong particles that comprise some spore aggregates and fragments (<3.5 μm), and fiber-like particles that regroup chained spore aggregates and fragments (>3.5 μm). Further, the near spherical particles dominated the aerosols from A. fumigatus (median: 53%), while oblong particles were dominant in the aerosols from A. versicolor (68%) and P. chrysogenum (55%). Fiber-like particles represented 21% and 24% of the aerosols from A. versicolor and P. chrysogenum, respectively. This study shows that fungal particles of various size, shape, and origin are aerosolized, and supports the need to include a broader range of particle types in fungal exposure assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Komlavi Anani Afanou
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Department of Chemical and Biological Work Environment, Oslo, Norway
| | - Anne Straumfors
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Department of Chemical and Biological Work Environment, Oslo, Norway
| | - Asbjørn Skogstad
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Department of Chemical and Biological Work Environment, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ida Skaar
- Norwegian Veterinary Institute, Section of Mycology, Oslo, Norway
| | - Linda Hjeljord
- Norwegian University of Life Science, Institute of Chemistry, Biotechnology and Food Science, Ås, Norway
| | - Øivind Skare
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Department of Chemical and Biological Work Environment, Oslo, Norway
| | - Brett James Green
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Allergy and Clinical Immunology Branch, Health Effect Laboratory Division, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
| | - Arne Tronsmo
- Norwegian University of Life Science, Institute of Chemistry, Biotechnology and Food Science, Ås, Norway
| | - Wijnand Eduard
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Department of Chemical and Biological Work Environment, Oslo, Norway
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7
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Abstract
Indoor Exposure to Mould AllergensHumid indoor environments may be colonised by allergenic filamentous microfungi (moulds),Aspergillusspp.,Penicilliumspp.,Cladosporiumspp., andAlternariaspp. in particular. Mould-induced respiratory diseases are a worldwide problem. In the last two decades, mould allergens and glucans have been used as markers of indoor exposure to moulds. Recently, mould allergens Alt a 1 (Alternaria alternata) and Asp f 1 (Aspergillus fumigatus) have been analysed in various environments (residential and occupational) with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, which use monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies. Household Alt a 1 and Asp f 1 levels were usually under the limit of the method detection. By contrast, higher levels of mould allergens were found in environments with high levels of bioaerosols such as poultry farms and sawmills. Data on allergen Alt a 1 and Asp f 1 levels in agricultural settings may provide information on possible colonisation of respective moulds and point out to mould-related diseases in occupants.
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Rivera-Mariani FE, Nazario-Jiménez S, López-Malpica F, Bolaños-Rosero B. Sensitization to airborne ascospores, basidiospores, and fungal fragments in allergic rhinitis and asthmatic subjects in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Int Arch Allergy Immunol 2011; 155:322-34. [PMID: 21346362 DOI: 10.1159/000321610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2010] [Accepted: 09/30/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fungal spores are the predominant biological particulate in the atmosphere of Puerto Rico, yet their potential as allergens has not been studied in subjects with respiratory allergies. The purpose of this study was to determine the level of sensitization of subjects with respiratory allergies to these particles. METHODS Serum samples were drawn from 33 subjects with asthma, allergic rhinitis, or nonallergic rhinitis and 2 controls with different skin prick test reactivity. An MK-3 sampler was used to collect air samples and the reactivity of the sera to fungal particles was detected with a halogen immunoassay. RESULTS All subjects reacted to at least 1 fungal particle. Thirty-one subjects reacted to ascospores, 29 to basidiospores, 19 to hyphae/fungal fragments, and 12 to mitospores. The median percentage of haloes in allergic rhinitis subjects was 4.82% while asthma or nonallergic rhinitis subjects had values of 1.09 and 0.39%, respectively. Subjects with skin prick tests positive to 3, 2, 1, or no extract had 5.24, 1.09, 1.61, and, 0.57% of haloed particles, respectively. If skin prick tests were positive to basidiomycetes, pollen, animals, or deuteromycetes, the percentages of haloes were 4.72, 4.15, 3.63, and 3.31%, respectively. Of all haloed particles, 46% were unidentified, 25% ascospores, 20% basidiospores, 7% hyphae/fungal fragments, and 2% mitospores. IgE levels and the number of positive skin prick test extracts correlated with the percentage of haloes. CONCLUSION In tropical environments, sensitization to airborne basidiomycetes, ascomycetes, and fungal fragments seems to be more prevalent than sensitization to mitospores in subjects with active allergies, suggesting a possible role in exacerbations of respiratory allergies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Félix E Rivera-Mariani
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico - Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico
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Determination of Aspergillus fumigatus allergen 1 in poultry farms using the enzyme immunoassay. Arh Hig Rada Toksikol 2010; 61:167-73. [PMID: 20587390 DOI: 10.2478/10004-1254-61-2010-2004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Poultry farms contain high levels of allergenic fungi, and Aspergillus spp. is the most common genus of moulds. Aspergillus fumigatus antigens are responsible for the development of several respiratory diseases including asthma. The aim of this study was to measure the mass fraction of Asp f 1, a major allergen of Asperillus fumigatus in 37 indoor dust samples collected from four poultry farms in a rural area of the Zagreb County (Croatia) using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. More than 62 % of dust samples had detectable Asp f 1 levels (limit of detection 3.6 ng g(-1)). The overall mean Asp f 1 level was 17.9 ng g(-1) [range (3.8 to 72.4) ng g(-1)]. Satisfactory results were obtained for analytical within-run imprecision (6.7 %), between-run imprecision (10.5 %), and accuracy (91 % to 115 %). Microclimate parameters (air temperature, relative humidity, and velocity) were within the recommended ranges in all poultry farms. This study has shown that Asp f 1 settles on dust at poultry farms and that occupational exposure to this allergen deserves monitoring in livestock buildings.
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Randriamanantany ZA, Annesi-Maesano I, Moreau D, Raherison C, Charpin D, Kopferschmitt C, Lavaud F, Taytard A, De Blay F, Caillaud D. Alternaria sensitization and allergic rhinitis with or without asthma in the French Six Cities study. Allergy 2010; 65:368-75. [PMID: 19849673 DOI: 10.1111/j.1398-9995.2009.02210.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Allergic sensitization to Alternaria has been related to asthma in various studies, but its association with allergic rhinitis is still controversial. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to assess at the population level the relationships in childhood between Alternaria sensitization and 'past-year rhinoconjunctivitis' (PYRC), 'ever hay fever' (EHF) and 'ever allergic rhinitis caused by allergens other than pollens' (EAR) according to the presence or the absence of asthma. METHODS This study is part of the Six Cities Study, the French contribution to the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) Phase II. Children underwent skin prick test (SPT) to Alternaria and parents filled a standardized medical questionnaire. RESULTS Some 6726 children with a mean age of 10 years were examined. The overall prevalence of Alternaria sensitization was 2.8%, 0.8% for monosensitization. Prevalences of symptoms in sensitized children were 27.7% for PYRC, 27.0% for EHF and 30.4% for EAR. Adjusted Odds Ratios (OR) between Alternaria sensitization and allergic rhinitis phenotypes were 2.34 (95% confidence interval: 1.51-3.63) for PYRC, 2.40 (1.65-3.50) for EHF and 2.95 (2.05-4.23) for EAR. The relationship still remained in the case of monosensitization to Alternaria for both PYRC and EAR when excluding the asthmatic children [OR = 3.87 (1.54-9.78) and 2.88 (1.10-7.55) respectively]. CONCLUSION In our population-based sample of children, we found a link between Alternaria sensitization and allergic rhinitis, independently of asthma, which is compatible with the mechanisms of deposition of Alternaria in the upper airways.
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MESH Headings
- Alternaria/immunology
- Asthma/immunology
- Asthma/microbiology
- Child
- Female
- France
- Humans
- Male
- Prevalence
- Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial/epidemiology
- Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial/immunology
- Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial/microbiology
- Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal/epidemiology
- Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal/immunology
- Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal/microbiology
- Skin Tests
- Surveys and Questionnaires
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Affiliation(s)
- Z A Randriamanantany
- CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Hôpital Gabriel Montpied, Service de Pneumologie, rue Montalembert, Clermont-Ferrand, France
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11
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Rakkestad KE, Skaar I, Ansteinsson VE, Solhaug A, Holme JA, Pestka JJ, Samuelsen JT, Dahlman HJ, Hongslo JK, Becher R. DNA damage and DNA damage responses in THP-1 monocytes after exposure to spores of either Stachybotrys chartarum or Aspergillus versicolor or to T-2 toxin. Toxicol Sci 2010; 115:140-55. [PMID: 20150440 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfq045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
We have characterized cell death in THP-1 cells after exposure to heat-treated spores from satratoxin G-producing Stachybotrys chartarum isolate IBT 9631, atranone-producing S. chartarum isolate IBT 9634, and sterigmatocystin-producing Aspergillus versicolor isolate IBT 3781, as well as the trichothecenes T-2 and satratoxin G. Spores induced cell death within 3-6 h, with Stachybotrys appearing most potent. IBT 9631 induced both apoptosis and necrosis, while IBT 9634 and IBT 3781 induced mostly necrosis. T-2 toxin and satratoxin G caused mainly apoptosis. Comet assay +/- formamidopyrimidine DNA glycosylase showed that only the spore exposures induced early (3h) oxidative DNA damage. Likewise, only the spores increased the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), suggesting that spores as particles may induce ROS formation and oxidative DNA damage. Increased Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated (ATM) phosphorylation, indicating DNA damage, was observed after all exposures. The DNA damage response induced by IBT 9631 as well as satratoxin G was characterized by rapid (15 min) activation of p38 and H2AX. The p38 inhibitor SB 202190 reduced IBT 9631-induced H2AX activation. Both IBT 9631 and T-2 induced activation of Chk2 and H2AX after 3 h. The ATM inhibitor KU 55933, as well as transfection of cells with ATM siRNA, reduced this activation, suggesting a partial role for ATM as upstream activator for Chk2 and H2AX. In conclusion, activation of Chk2 and H2AX correlated with spore- and toxin-induced apoptosis. For IBT 9631 and satratoxin G, additional factors may be involved in triggering apoptosis, most notably p38 activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten E Rakkestad
- Department of Air Pollution and Noise, Division of Environmental Medicine, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
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Eduard W. Fungal spores: a critical review of the toxicological and epidemiological evidence as a basis for occupational exposure limit setting. Crit Rev Toxicol 2009; 39:799-864. [PMID: 19863384 DOI: 10.3109/10408440903307333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 153] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Fungal spores are ubiquitous in the environment. However, exposure levels in workplaces where mouldy materials are handled are much higher than in common indoor and outdoor environments. Spores of all tested species induced inflammation in experimental studies. The response to mycotoxin-producing and pathogenic species was much stronger. In animal studies, nonallergic responses dominated after a single dose. Allergic responses also occurred, especially to mycotoxin-producing and pathogenic species, and after repeated exposures. Inhalation of a single spore dose by subjects with sick building syndrome indicated no observed effect levels of 4 x 10(3) Trichoderma harzianum spores/m(3) and 8 x 10(3) Penicillium chrysogenum spores/m(3) for lung function, respiratory symptoms, and inflammatory cells in the blood. In asthmatic patients allergic to Penicillium sp. or Alternaria alternata, lowest observed effect levels (LOELs) for reduced airway conductance were 1 x 10(4) and 2 x 10(4) spores/m(3), respectively. In epidemiological studies of highly exposed working populations lung function decline, respiratory symptoms and airway inflammation began to appear at exposure levels of 10(5) spores/m(3). Thus, human challenge and epidemiological studies support fairly consistent LOELs of approximately 10(5) spores/m(3) for diverse fungal species in nonsensitised populations. Mycotoxin-producing and pathogenic species have to be detected specifically, however, because of their higher toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wijnand Eduard
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway.
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13
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Green BJ, Tovey ER, Beezhold DH, Perzanowski MS, Acosta LM, Divjan AI, Chew GL. Surveillance of Fungal Allergic Sensitization Using the Fluorescent Halogen Immunoassay. J Mycol Med 2009; 19:253-261. [PMID: 20495612 PMCID: PMC2872482 DOI: 10.1016/j.mycmed.2009.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Conidia derived from a small number of common fungal genera are widely accepted as the etiological agents responsible for fungal allergic sensitization. The contribution of fungal conidia, spores, airborne hyphae, and subcellular fragments from other uncharacterized fungal genera remains unclear. In this proof-of-concept study, we examined the composition of mycoaerosols that atopic women were exposed and sensitized to in their own indoor environment using the fluorescent halogen immunoassay (fHIA). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Mycoaerosols were collected onto mixed cellulose ester protein binding membranes (PBMs) for 30 minutes with volumetric air sampling pumps. The PBMs were laminated with an adhesive cover slip and indirectly immunostained with individual patient serum IgE using the fHIA. Samples were examined using confocal laser scanning microscopy and immunostained particles were expressed as a percentage of total particles. RESULTS: All air samples contained a broad spectrum of fungal spores, conidia, hyphae, and other fungal particulates. Airborne concentrations varied between individual study participant environments. Positively immunostained conidia belonging to moniliaceous amerospores, Cladosporium, Alternaria, and many unknown species were observed in the majority of air samples. Other fungal genera including Bipolaris, Curvularia, Pithomyces, and Stachybotrys, in addition to, ascospore genera and dematiaceous hyphal fragments released detectable allergen. Twelve percent of all fHIA haloes quantified in the analysis were directed towards fungal particles. No immunostaining was detected to conidia belonging to Epicoccum, Fusarium, and Spegazzinia species. CONCLUSION: In addition to characterized fungal aeroallergens, we observed a wider composition of fungi that bound human IgE. Field surveillance studies that utilize immunodiagnostic techniques such as the fHIA will provide further insight into the diversity of fungi that function as aeroallergen sources in individual study participant environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett J. Green
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, WV, U.S.A
| | - Euan R. Tovey
- Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Donald H. Beezhold
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, WV, U.S.A
| | | | - Luis M. Acosta
- Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, U.S.A
| | - Adnan I. Divjan
- Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, U.S.A
| | - Ginger L. Chew
- Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, U.S.A
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14
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Vanhee LME, Nelis HJ, Coenye T. Rapid detection and quantification of Aspergillus fumigatus in environmental air samples using solid-phase cytometry. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2009; 43:3233-3239. [PMID: 19534140 DOI: 10.1021/es803435a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is an ubiquitous fungus capable of causing severe infections such as aspergilloma, allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, and invasive aspergillosis, especially in immunocompromised patients. Monitoring the number of Aspergillus fumigatus spores in the air is crucial for infection control. In the present study, a novel approach for the quantification of Aspergillus fumigatus, based on solid-phase cytometry (SPC) and immunofluorescent labeling, was developed. The sensitivity and specificity of the assay were confirmed by testing pure cultures. Paecilomyces variotii and Rhizopus stolonifer were codetected but could be excluded on the basis of morphology of the microcolonies. The SPC method has considerable advantages compared to the culture-based method, including its low detection limit (4 cells/m3), its speed (results are obtained within 24 h), and the straightforward microscopic identification of Aspergillus fumigatus. Additionally, comparison of results obtained with both methods demonstrated that they are equally accurate for the quantification of Aspergillus fumigatus in environmental air samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lies M E Vanhee
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Ghent University, Harelbekestraat 72, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
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15
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Tovey E, Lucca SD, Poulos L, O'Meara T. The Halogen assay--a new technique for measuring airborne allergen. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008; 138:227-46. [PMID: 18612612 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-59745-366-0_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
The Halogen assay is a new technique for measuring airborne allergen. The assay is unique in that it is capable of analyzing allergens and particles together, combining the advantages of morphological approaches and immunoassay. The Halogen assay allows direct observation of the particles that carry the allergen as well as being capable of identifying all the allergen sources an individual is exposed and sensitized to. The assay is sensitive because the extracted allergen is bound to the membrane at a high local concentration within the minute area around each particle and so is easily detected by immunostaining. It is therefore easy to detect few pollen grains. The Halogen method supersedes other methods commonly used to identify allergens as it is capable of identifying airborne particles that are allergen sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Euan Tovey
- Department of Medicine, University of Sydney, Australia
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16
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Vanhee LM, Nelis HJ, Coenye T. Enumeration of airborne bacteria and fungi using solid phase cytometry. J Microbiol Methods 2008; 72:12-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2007.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2007] [Accepted: 10/08/2007] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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17
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Halstensen AS, Nordby KC, Wouters IM, Eduard W. Determinants of microbial exposure in grain farming. ANNALS OF OCCUPATIONAL HYGIENE 2007; 51:581-92. [PMID: 17905736 DOI: 10.1093/annhyg/mem038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Exposure to organic dust containing high concentrations of microorganisms is common in grain farming, although the farmers have practices to counteract microbial growth to obtain optimal grain yields. We investigated the influence of weather and production practices on personal microbial exposure during grain work. METHODS Airborne dust was collected by personal sampling during threshing and storage work on 92 Norwegian farms. The personal exposure for bacteria, endotoxin, fungal spores and hyphae, beta-(1-->3)-glucans and actinomycetes was quantified and compared with climatic data expressed as fungal forecasts from the grain growth season and production practices as reported by farmers. RESULTS Farmers were exposed to a geometrical mean of 4.4 mg m(-3) inhalable dust [geometrical standard deviation (GSD) = 4.0], 4 x 10(6) m(-3) bacteria and fungal spores (GSD = 5.2 and 5.9, respectively), 5.9 x 10(3) EU m(-3) of endotoxins (GSD = 8.6), 2 x 10(5) m(-3) actinomycetes (GSD = 15.3), 120 mug m(-3) beta-(1-->3)-glucans (GSD = 4.7) and 5 x 10(5) AU m(-3) of hyphae (GSD = 4.4). Univariate associations were found between one or several of these microbial factors and work operation, visible fungal damage, grain species, lodging of grain, storage technology or harvester type. As assessed by general linear models, storage work was the main predictive determinant for microbial exposure, although grain species and visible fungal damage also were also important. Wet and warm weather throughout the grain growth season were associated with elevated exposure for inhalable dust, beta-(1-->3)-glucans, endotoxins and hyphae during threshing. The beta-(1-->3)-glucan exposure could biologically be explained by the fungal spore and hyphal exposure, both variables contributing equally. However, spores were most important during storage work, whereas only hyphae were predictive during threshing. CONCLUSIONS Farmers were exposed to high levels of microorganisms and their components during dusty grain work. Dust prevention and protection may reduce microbial exposure, and may be particularly important in areas with frequent fungal forecasts, when fungal damage has been observed, during storage work or when handling barley.
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Affiliation(s)
- A S Halstensen
- Department of Chemical and Biological Working Environment, National Institute of Occupational Health, PO Box 8149 Dep., N-0033 Oslo, Norway.
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18
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Green BJ, Tovey ER, Sercombe JK, Blachere FM, Beezhold DH, Schmechel D. Airborne fungal fragments and allergenicity. Med Mycol 2007; 44 Suppl 1:S245-55. [PMID: 17050446 DOI: 10.1080/13693780600776308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Exposure to fungi, particularly in water damaged indoor environments, has been thought to exacerbate a number of adverse health effects, ranging from subjective symptoms such as fatigue, cognitive difficulties or memory loss to more definable diseases such as allergy, asthma and hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Understanding the role of fungal exposure in these environments has been limited by methodological difficulties in enumerating and identifying various fungal components in environmental samples. Consequently, data on personal exposure and sensitization to fungal allergens are mainly based on the assessment of a few select and easily identifiable species. The contribution of other airborne spores, hyphae and fungal fragments to exposure and allergic sensitization are poorly characterized. There is increased interest in the role of aerosolized fungal fragments following reports that the combination of hyphal fragments and spore counts improved the association with asthma severity. These fragments are particles derived from any intracellular or extracellular fungal structure and are categorized as either submicron particles or larger fungal fragments. In vitro studies have shown that submicron particles of several fungal species are aerosolized in much higher concentrations (300-500 times) than spores, and that respiratory deposition models suggest that such fragments of Stachybotrys chartarum may be deposited in 230-250 fold higher numbers than spores. The practical implications of these models are yet to be clarified for human exposure assessments and clinical disease. We have developed innovative immunodetection techniques to determine the extent to which larger fungal fragments, including hyphae and fractured conidia, function as aeroallergen sources. These techniques were based on the Halogen Immunoassay (HIA), an immunostaining technique that detects antigens associated with individual airborne particles >1 microm, with human serum immunoglobulin E (IgE). Our studies demonstrated that the numbers of total airborne hyphae were often significantly higher in concentration than conidia of individual allergenic genera. Approximately 25% of all hyphal fragments expressed detectable allergen and the resultant localization of IgE immunostaining was heterogeneous among the hyphae. Furthermore, conidia of ten genera that were previously uncharacterized could be identified as sources of allergens. These findings highlight the contribution of larger fungal fragments as aeroallergen sources and present a new paradigm of fungal exposure. Direct evidence of the associations between fungal fragments and building-related disease is lacking and in order to gain a better understanding, it will be necessary to develop diagnostic reagents and detection methods, particularly for submicron particles. Assays using monoclonal antibodies enable the measurement of individual antigens but interpretation can be confounded by cross-reactivity between fungal species. The recent development of species-specific monoclonal antibodies, used in combination with a fluorescent-confocal HIA technique should, for the first time, enable the speciation of morphologically indiscernible fungal fragments. The application of this novel method will help to characterize the contribution of fungal fragments to adverse health effects due to fungi and provide patient-specific exposure and sensitization profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett J Green
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, West Virginia 26505-2888, USA.
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19
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Green BJ, Millecchia LL, Blachere FM, Tovey ER, Beezhold DH, Schmechel D. Dual fluorescent halogen immunoassay for bioaerosols using confocal microscopy. Anal Biochem 2006; 354:151-3. [PMID: 16712767 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2006.03.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2005] [Revised: 02/19/2006] [Accepted: 03/20/2006] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Brett J Green
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA.
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Schmechel D, Simpson JP, Beezhold D, Lewis DM. The development of species-specific immunodiagnostics for Stachybotrys chartarum: the role of cross-reactivity. J Immunol Methods 2006; 309:150-9. [PMID: 16436280 DOI: 10.1016/j.jim.2005.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2005] [Revised: 11/21/2005] [Accepted: 12/05/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Mold contamination and exposure to fungi in indoor environments has been associated with various adverse health effects but little is known about the significance of individual fungal species in the initiation or exacerbation of such effects. Using Stachybotrys chartarum as a model fungus we sought to demonstrate that monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) can provide species-specific diagnostic reagents and also be used to investigate immunological cross-reactivity patterns among fungi. Mice were immunized with S. chartarum spore walls and monoclonal antibodies were screened against 60 fungal species and 24 different isolates of S. chartarum using an indirect ELISA. One species-specific mAb (IgG(1)) reacted only with spore preparations but not mycelium of S. chartarum or propagules of any other fungus. Five cross-reactive mAbs (IgM) documented extensive cross-reactivity among nine related Stachybotrys species and several non-related genera including several species of Cladosporium, Memnoniella, Myrothecium and Trichoderma. We also found that the ELISA reactivity for cross-reactive antigens and different isolates of S. chartarum differed considerably for normalized total amounts of mycelial antigen. We demonstrate that mAbs and immunoassays have the potential to detect S. chartarum species-specifically. The observed reactivity patterns with cross-reactive mAbs suggest that several fungi may share common antigens and that the majority of antigens are expressed by spores and mycelia. The observed cross-reactivity patterns need to be considered for accurate interpretations of environmental and serological analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Detlef Schmechel
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA.
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