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Mei R, Shi Y, Li X, Li Y, Yang Y, Cai L, Ding Z. Detoxification Mechanism of Hinokitiol by Alternaria alternata and Its Application in Agricultural Antifungal Control. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2024; 72:21495-21502. [PMID: 39298264 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.4c06242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/21/2024]
Abstract
Alternaria alternata is a common plant pathogen that can infect crops and reduce their production. In this work, an antagonism experiment between A. alternata and the essential oil of arborvitae (Platycladus orientalis) was performed, and it was proven that A. alternata had developed resistance to this plant-derived fungicide. A. alternata facilitated the biotransformation of hinokitiol (1), the main antifungal compound in the essential oil of arborvitae, into (R)-2-hydroxy-β-methylbenzeneethanol (2), which does not have antifungal activity against A. alternata. This biotransformation is an unusual ring-contraction reaction that was verified to be catalyzed by P450 enzyme hydroxylation and Baeyer-Villiger oxidation. In addition, the P450 enzyme inhibitors 1-aminobenzotriazole and piperonyl butoxide effectively prevented the destruction of the hinokitiol structure by A. alternata, and the combined use of these P450 enzyme inhibitors significantly increased the antifungal activity of hinokitiol. This work provides a theoretical reference for the further development of botanical fungicides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruifeng Mei
- Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry for Natural Resource, Ministry of Education, Yunnan Characteristic Plant Extraction Laboratory, Functional Molecules Analysis and Biotransformation Key Laboratory of Universities in Yunnan Province, School of Chemical Science and Technology, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, P. R. China
| | - Yaxian Shi
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming 650500, P. R. China
| | - Xiya Li
- Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry for Natural Resource, Ministry of Education, Yunnan Characteristic Plant Extraction Laboratory, Functional Molecules Analysis and Biotransformation Key Laboratory of Universities in Yunnan Province, School of Chemical Science and Technology, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, P. R. China
| | - Yani Li
- Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry for Natural Resource, Ministry of Education, Yunnan Characteristic Plant Extraction Laboratory, Functional Molecules Analysis and Biotransformation Key Laboratory of Universities in Yunnan Province, School of Chemical Science and Technology, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, P. R. China
| | - Yabin Yang
- Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry for Natural Resource, Ministry of Education, Yunnan Characteristic Plant Extraction Laboratory, Functional Molecules Analysis and Biotransformation Key Laboratory of Universities in Yunnan Province, School of Chemical Science and Technology, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, P. R. China
| | - Le Cai
- Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry for Natural Resource, Ministry of Education, Yunnan Characteristic Plant Extraction Laboratory, Functional Molecules Analysis and Biotransformation Key Laboratory of Universities in Yunnan Province, School of Chemical Science and Technology, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, P. R. China
| | - Zhongtao Ding
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming 650500, P. R. China
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Letovsky S, Robinson M, Kwong K, Liu AH, Sullivan A, Valcour A. Assessing the contributions of phylogenetic and environmental determinants of allergic cosensitization to fungi in humans. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2024; 132:208-215.e1. [PMID: 37898326 DOI: 10.1016/j.anai.2023.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding how allergies to 1 environmental fungus can lead to cosensitization to related fungi is important for the clinical management of allergies. Cosensitization can be caused by monosensitization combined with antibody cross-reactivity, or by coexposures driving independent sensitizations. A pioneering study showed that patterns of IgE cosensitization among 17 fungal species mirror fungal phylogeny. This could reflect either epitope or habitat similarity. Thanks to an improved understanding of fungal phylogeny, larger serologic testing datasets, and environmental data on household fungi, we can now characterize the relationship between cosensitization, species similarity, and likely coexposure with greater precision. OBJECTIVE To assess the degree to which IgE cosensitization in a group of 17 fungi can be attributed to species similarity or environmental coexposure. METHODS Cosensitization patterns among 17 fungal species were estimated from a dataset of approximately 8 million serologic tests on 1.6 million patients. Linear regression of cosensitization on phylogenetic distance and imputed coexposure was performed. In addition, branch lengths for the phylogenetic tree were re-estimated on the basis of cosensitization and compared with corresponding phylogenetic branch lengths. RESULTS Phylogenetic distance explains much of the observed cosensitization (adjusted r2 = .68, p < .001). Imputed environmental coexposures and test co-ordering patterns do not significantly predict cosensitization. Branch length comparisons between the cosensitization and phylogenetic trees identified several species as less cosensitizing than phylogenetic distance predicts. CONCLUSION Combined evidence from clinical IgE testing data on fungi, along with phylogenetic and environmental exposure data, supports the hypothesis that cosensitization is caused primarily by monosensitization plus cross-reactivity, rather than multisensitization. A serologic test result should be interpreted as pointing to a group of related species that include the sensitizing agent rather than as uniquely identifying the agent. The identified patterns of cross-reactivity may help optimize test panel design.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kenny Kwong
- Division of Allergy-Immunology LAC+USC Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Andrew H Liu
- Pediatric Pulmonary & Sleep Medicine Section, and Breathing Institute, Children's Hospital Colorado and University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
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3
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Fernandes C, Casadevall A, Gonçalves T. Mechanisms of Alternaria pathogenesis in animals and plants. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2023; 47:fuad061. [PMID: 37884396 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuad061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Alternaria species are cosmopolitan fungi darkly pigmented by melanin that infect numerous plant species causing economically important agricultural spoilage of various food crops. Alternaria spp. also infect animals, being described as entomopathogenic fungi but also infecting warm-blooded animals, including humans. Their clinical importance in human health, as infection agents, lay in the growing number of immunocompromised patients. Moreover, Alternaria spp. are considered some of the most abundant and potent sources of airborne sensitizer allergens causing allergic respiratory diseases, as severe asthma. Among the numerous strategies deployed by Alternaria spp. to attack their hosts, the production of toxins, carrying critical concerns to public health as food contaminant, and the production of hydrolytic enzymes such as proteases, can be highlighted. Alternaria proteases also trigger allergic symptoms in individuals with fungal sensitization, acting as allergens and facilitating antigen access to the host subepithelium. Here, we review the current knowledge about the mechanisms of Alternaria pathogenesis in plants and animals, the strategies used by Alternaria to cope with the host defenses, and the involvement Alternaria allergens and mechanisms of sensitization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chantal Fernandes
- CNC-UC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology of Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Arturo Casadevall
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Wolfe Street, Room E5132, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA
| | - Teresa Gonçalves
- CNC-UC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology of Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- FMUC - Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
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Pfeiffer S, Swoboda I. Problems Encountered Using Fungal Extracts as Test Solutions for Fungal Allergy Diagnosis. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:957. [PMID: 37888213 PMCID: PMC10607634 DOI: 10.3390/jof9100957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Fungal allergy is a worldwide public health burden, and problems associated with a reliable allergy diagnosis are far from being solved. Especially, the lack of high-quality standardized fungal extracts contributes to the underdiagnosis of fungal allergy. Compared to the manufacturing processes of extracts from other allergen sources, the processes used to manufacture extracts from fungi show the highest variability. The reasons for the high variability are manifold as the starting material, the growth conditions, the protein extraction methods, and the storage conditions all have an influence on the presence and quantity of individual allergens. Despite the vast variety of studies that have analyzed the impact of the different production steps on the allergenicity of fungal allergen extracts, much remains unknown. This review points to the need for further research in the field of fungal allergology, for standardization and for generally accepted guidelines on the preparation of fungal allergen extracts. In particular, the standardization of fungal extracts has been and will continue to be difficult, but it will be crucial for improving allergy diagnosis and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ines Swoboda
- The Molecular Biotechnology Section, Department Applied Life Sciences, FH Campus Wien, University of Applied Sciences, 1100 Vienna, Austria;
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Bringheli I, Brindisi G, Morelli R, Marchetti L, Cela L, Gravina A, Pastore F, Semeraro A, Cinicola B, Capponi M, Gori A, Pignataro E, Piccioni MG, Zicari AM, Anania C. Kiwifruit's Allergy in Children: What Do We Know? Nutrients 2023; 15:3030. [PMID: 37447357 DOI: 10.3390/nu15133030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Kiwifruit allergy is an emerging pathological condition in both general and pediatric populations with a wide range of symptoms linked to variable molecular patterns, justifying systemic and cross-reactions with other allergens (i.e., latex, pollen, and fruit). Skin prick test (SPT), specific serum IgE (Act d 1, Act d 2, Act d 5, Act d 8, and Act d 10) directed against five out of thirteen molecular allergens described in the literature, and oral test challenge with kiwifruit are available for defining diagnosis. The management is similar to that of other food allergies, mostly based on an elimination diet. Although kiwi allergy has been on the rise in recent years, few studies have evaluated the clinical characteristics and methods of investigating this form of allergy. Data collected so far show severe allergic reaction to be more frequent in children compared to adults. Therefore, the aim of this review is to collect the reported clinical features and the available association with specific molecular patterns of recognition to better understand how to manage these patients and improve daily clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Bringheli
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Science, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Brindisi
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Science, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Rebecca Morelli
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Science, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Lavinia Marchetti
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Science, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Ludovica Cela
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Science, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Gravina
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Science, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Pastore
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Science, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Semeraro
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Science, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Bianca Cinicola
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Science, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Martina Capponi
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Science, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Gori
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Science, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Elia Pignataro
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Science, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Piccioni
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Science, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Zicari
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Science, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Caterina Anania
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Science, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
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Abstract
Knowledge of patterns of pollen cross-reactivity is crucial for formulation of immunotherapy vaccines. As phylogenetic relationships have become better clarified through the use of tools such as gene sequencing, it is apparent that cross-reactivity reflects taxonomy in the vast majority of cases. Contradictory observations of unexpected cross-reactivity between distantly related plants require explanation. There are many proteins, presumably performing vital functions, tightly preserved throughout the evolutionary tree from plants to animals. Examples are profilins, lipid transfer proteins, and pathogenesis-related proteins. These may function as panallergens. The small differences that exist between these ubiquitous proteins may explain why these are frequently minor allergens, not reacting in the majority of allergic sera. This article summarizes cross-reactivity from older studies using crude pollen extracts as well as newer research of purified or recombinant allergenic proteins. The patterns of cross-allergenicity that emerge should be helpful in guiding therapeutic decisions.
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7
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De Linares C, Navarro D, Puigdemunt R, Belmonte J. Airborne Alt a 1 Dynamic and Its Relationship with the Airborne Dynamics of Alternaria Conidia and Pleosporales Spores. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8020125. [PMID: 35205882 PMCID: PMC8880004 DOI: 10.3390/jof8020125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Fungal spores are universal atmospheric components associated to allergic reactions. Alternaria (Ascomycota) is considered the most allergenic spore taxa. Alt a 1 is the major allergen of Alternaria and is present also in other Pleosporales. In this study, standard Hirst-based sampling and analyzing methods for measuring spore daily concentrations of Alternaria, Curvularia, Drechslera-Helminthosporium, Epicoccum, Leptosphaeria, Pithomyces, Pleospora and Stemphylium (all included in the taxon Pleosporales) have been used as well as two high-volume samplers, Burkard Cyclone (2017) and MCV CAV-A/mb (2019–2020), and ELISA kits for measuring the allergen. The detection and quantification of Alt a 1 was only possible in the samples from the MCV sampler. Although Alt a 1 was better correlated with Alternaria spores than with Pleosporales spores, the three of them showed high correlations. It is shown that there is a high and significant correlation of Alt a 1 with temperature, a negative correlation with relative humidity and no correlation with precipitation. The aerobiological monitoring of these three elements ensures the best information for understanding the affectation to allergy sufferers, but, if this is not possible, as a minimum public health service aimed at the detection, treatment and prevention of allergies, the study of the airborne Alternaria spores should be ensured.
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Affiliation(s)
- Concepción De Linares
- Department of Botany, University of Granada, 180171 Granada, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-958-243-394
| | - David Navarro
- Institut de Ciència i Tecnologia Ambientals (ICTA-UAB), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), 08193 Bellaterra, Spain; (D.N.); (R.P.); (J.B.)
- Departament de Biologia Animal, Biologia Vegetal i Ecologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Rut Puigdemunt
- Institut de Ciència i Tecnologia Ambientals (ICTA-UAB), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), 08193 Bellaterra, Spain; (D.N.); (R.P.); (J.B.)
- Departament de Biologia Animal, Biologia Vegetal i Ecologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Jordina Belmonte
- Institut de Ciència i Tecnologia Ambientals (ICTA-UAB), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), 08193 Bellaterra, Spain; (D.N.); (R.P.); (J.B.)
- Departament de Biologia Animal, Biologia Vegetal i Ecologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
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Mei RF, Shi YX, Gan JL, Deng SP, Ding H, Cai L, Ding ZT. Interaction between Alternaria alternata and monoterpenoids caused by fungal self-protection. Process Biochem 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.procbio.2021.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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9
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Vélez-del-Burgo A, Sánchez P, Suñen E, Martínez J, Postigo I. Purified Native and Recombinant Major Alternaria alternata Allergen (Alt a 1) Induces Allergic Asthma in the Murine Model. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7110896. [PMID: 34829186 PMCID: PMC8624818 DOI: 10.3390/jof7110896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Aeroallergens such us the spores of Alternaria alternata are described as the most important agents associated with respiratory allergies and severe asthma. Various experimental models of asthma have been developed using A. alternata extracts to study the pathogenesis of asthma, establishing the main parameters that trigger the asthmatic response. In this study, we describe a mouse model of asthma induced only by Alt a 1. To induce the allergic response, mice were challenged intranasally with the major allergen of A. alternata, Alt a 1. The presence of eosinophils in the lungs, elevated concentrations of Th2 family cytokines, lymphocyte proliferation and elevated IgE total serum levels indicated that the sensitisation and challenge with Alt a 1 induced the development of airway inflammation. Histological studies showed an eosinophilic cellular infiltrate in the lung tissue of mice instilled with Alt a 1. We demonstrate that Alt a 1 alone is capable of inducing a lung inflammatory response with an increase in IgE serum levels mimicking the allergic asthma immunoresponse when it is administered into BALB/c mice. This model will allow the evaluation of the immunoregulatory or immunotolerant capacity of several molecules that can be used in targeted immunotherapy for fungal allergic asthma.
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Martínez J, Nevado A, Suñén E, Gabriel M, Vélez-Del-Burgo A, Sánchez P, Postigo I. The Aspergillus niger Major Allergen (Asp n 3) DNA-Specific Sequence Is a Reliable Marker to Identify Early Fungal Contamination and Postharvest Damage in Mangifera indica Fruit. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:663323. [PMID: 34262539 PMCID: PMC8273346 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.663323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this work was to study the value of the main allergen Asp n 3 of Aspergillus niger as a molecular marker of allergenicity and pathogenicity with the potential to be used in the identification of A. niger as a contaminant and cause of spoilage of Mangifera indica. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used for the amplification of Asp n 3 gene. Two pairs of primers were designed: one for the amplification of the entire sequence and another one for the amplification of the most conserved region of this peroxisomal protein. The presence of A. niger was demonstrated by the early detection of the allergenic protein Asp n 3 coding gene, which could be considered a species-specific marker. The use of primers designed based on the conserved region of the Asp n 3 encoding gene allowed us to identify the presence of the closely related fungal species Aspergillus fumigatus by detecting Asp n 3 homologous protein, which can be cross-reactive. The use of conserved segments of the Asp n 3 gene or its entire sequence allows us to detect phylogenetically closely related species within the Aspergilaceae family or to identify species-specific contaminating fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Martínez
- Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Laboratory of Parasitology and Allergy, Lascaray Research Centre, University of the Basque Country, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Ander Nevado
- Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Laboratory of Parasitology and Allergy, Lascaray Research Centre, University of the Basque Country, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Ester Suñén
- Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Laboratory of Parasitology and Allergy, Lascaray Research Centre, University of the Basque Country, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Marta Gabriel
- INEGI, Institute of Science and Innovation in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ainara Vélez-Del-Burgo
- Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Laboratory of Parasitology and Allergy, Lascaray Research Centre, University of the Basque Country, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Patricia Sánchez
- Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Laboratory of Parasitology and Allergy, Lascaray Research Centre, University of the Basque Country, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Idoia Postigo
- Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Laboratory of Parasitology and Allergy, Lascaray Research Centre, University of the Basque Country, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
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Nastasi N, Haines SR, Xu L, da Silva H, Divjan A, Barnes MA, Rappleye CA, Perzanowski MS, Green BJ, Dannemiller KC. Morphology and quantification of fungal growth in residential dust and carpets. BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT 2020; 174:10.1016/j.buildenv.2020.106774. [PMID: 33897093 PMCID: PMC8064739 DOI: 10.1016/j.buildenv.2020.106774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Mold growth indoors is associated with negative human health effects, and this growth is limited by moisture availability. Dust deposited in carpet is an important source of human exposure due to potential elevated resuspension compared to hard floors. However, we need an improved understanding of fungal growth in dust and carpet to better estimate human exposure. The goal of this study was to compare fungal growth quantity and morphology in residential carpet under different environmental conditions, including equilibrium relative humidity (ERH) (50%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 100%), carpet fiber material (nylon, olefin, wool) and presence/absence of dust. We analyzed incubated carpet and dust samples from three Ohio homes for total fungal DNA, fungal allergen Alt a 1, and fungal morphology. Dust presence and elevated ERH (≥85%) were the most important variables that increased fungal growth. Elevated ERH increased mean fungal DNA concentration (P < 0.0001), for instance by approximately 1000 times at 100% compared to 50% ERH after two weeks. Microscopy also revealed more fungal growth at higher ERH. Fungal concentrations were up to 100 times higher in samples containing house dust compared to no dust. For fiber type, olefin had the least total fungal growth, and nylon had the most total fungi and A. alternata growth in unaltered dust. Increased ERH conditions were associated with increased Alt a 1 allergen concentration. The results of this study demonstrate that ERH, presence/absence of house dust, and carpet fiber type influence fungal growth and allergen production in residential carpet, which has implications for human exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Nastasi
- Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geodetic Engineering, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Environmental Health Sciences, College of Public Health, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Environmental Science Graduate Program, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Sarah R. Haines
- Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geodetic Engineering, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Environmental Health Sciences, College of Public Health, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Environmental Science Graduate Program, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Lingyi Xu
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Hadler da Silva
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Adnan Divjan
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Mark A. Barnes
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Chad A. Rappleye
- Department of Microbiology, College of Arts and Sciences, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Matthew S. Perzanowski
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - 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, USA
| | - Karen C. Dannemiller
- Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geodetic Engineering, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Environmental Health Sciences, College of Public Health, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
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12
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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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Teifoori F, Shams-Ghahfarokhi M, Razzaghi-Abyaneh M, Martinez J. Gene profiling and expression of major allergen Alt a 1 in Alternaria alternata and related members of the Pleosporaceae family. Rev Iberoam Micol 2020; 36:66-71. [PMID: 31400792 DOI: 10.1016/j.riam.2018.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2017] [Revised: 10/31/2017] [Accepted: 01/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Members of the Pleosporaceae family are known as important sources of airborne allergens which are responsible for asthma and allergic diseases. AIMS The purpose of this study was to investigate the gene profiling and expression pattern of Alt a 1 in Alternaria alternata and other members of the Pleosporaceae family including Stemphylium botryosum, Ulocladium chartarum, Curvularia lunata, Cladosporium cladosporioides, and Epicoccum nigrum. METHODS Alternaria alternata and related genera were cultured on Czapek-Dox broth medium at 25°C for 21 days. The presence of Alt a 1 was assessed in fungal culture filtrates by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and then confirmed by immunoblot analysis. Real-time PCR was carried out for quantitation of the Alt a 1 gene encoding corresponding protein at the transcriptional level using cDNA prepared from fungal RNA. RESULTS SDS-PAGE showed protein bands ranging from 14 to 100kDa. A 14kDa band corresponding to Alt a 1 was present in A. alternata, S. botryosum and U. chartarum. The gene expression of Alt a 1 was reported in A. alternata and some other related genera. The Ct mean value recorded for A. alternata strains ranged from 24.70 to 27.84 while it was in the range 23.62-32.09 for other related taxa. No apparent transcription or expression was revealed in C. cladosporioides. CONCLUSIONS The presence and efficient expression of Alt a 1 gene in A. alternata and other related taxa indicate that Alt a 1 protein is a major component of the secretory machinery of Pleosporaceae family members, and it may play a crucial role in its allergenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fardis Teifoori
- Department of Mycology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran 14115-331, Iran
| | - Masoomeh Shams-Ghahfarokhi
- Department of Mycology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran 14115-331, Iran.
| | | | - Jorge Martinez
- Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of the Basque Country, Vitoria, Spain
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Wang L, Jiang N, Wang D, Wang M. Effects of Essential Oil Citral on the Growth, Mycotoxin Biosynthesis and Transcriptomic Profile of Alternaria alternata. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:toxins11100553. [PMID: 31547106 PMCID: PMC6832348 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11100553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2019] [Revised: 09/14/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Alternaria alternata is a critical phytopathogen that causes foodborne spoilage and produces a polyketide mycotoxin, alternariol (AOH), and its derivative, alternariol monomethyl ether (AME). In this study, the inhibitory effects of the essential oil citral on the fungal growth and mycotoxin production of A. alternata were evaluated. Our findings indicated that 0.25 μL/mL (222.5 μg/mL) of citral completely suppressed mycelial growth as the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). Moreover, the 1/2MIC of citral could inhibit more than 97% of the mycotoxin amount. Transcriptomic profiling was performed by comparative RNA-Seq analysis of A. alternata with or without citral treatment. Out of a total of 1334 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), 621 up-regulated and 713 down-regulated genes were identified under citral stress conditions. Numerous DEGs for cell survival, involved in ribosome and nucleolus biogenesis, RNA processing and metabolic processes, and protein processing, were highly expressed in response to citral. However, a number of DEGs responsible for the metabolism of several carbohydrates and amino acids, sulfate and glutathione metabolism, the metabolism of xenobiotics and transporter activity were significantly more likely to be down-regulated. Citral induced the disturbance of cell integrity through the disorder of gene expression, which was further confirmed by the fact that exposure to citral caused irreversibly deleterious disruption of fungal spores and the inhibition of ergosterol biosynthesis. Citral perturbed the balance of oxidative stress, which was likewise verified by a reduction of total antioxidative capacity. In addition, citral was able to modulate the down-regulation of mycotoxin biosynthetic genes, including pksI and omtI. The results provide new insights for exploring inhibitory mechanisms and indicate citral as a potential antifungal and antimytoxigenic alternative for cereal storage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liuqing Wang
- Beijing Research Center for Agricultural Standards and Testing, No. 9 Middle Road of Shuguanghuayuan, Haidian District, Beijing 100097, China.
- Laboratory of Quality & Safety Risk Assessment for Agro-products (Beijing), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, No. 9 Middle Road of Shuguanghuayuan, Haidian District, Beijing 100097, China.
| | - Nan Jiang
- Beijing Research Center for Agricultural Standards and Testing, No. 9 Middle Road of Shuguanghuayuan, Haidian District, Beijing 100097, China.
- Laboratory of Quality & Safety Risk Assessment for Agro-products (Beijing), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, No. 9 Middle Road of Shuguanghuayuan, Haidian District, Beijing 100097, China.
| | - Duo Wang
- Beijing Research Center for Agricultural Standards and Testing, No. 9 Middle Road of Shuguanghuayuan, Haidian District, Beijing 100097, China.
- Laboratory of Quality & Safety Risk Assessment for Agro-products (Beijing), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, No. 9 Middle Road of Shuguanghuayuan, Haidian District, Beijing 100097, China.
| | - Meng Wang
- Beijing Research Center for Agricultural Standards and Testing, No. 9 Middle Road of Shuguanghuayuan, Haidian District, Beijing 100097, China.
- Laboratory of Quality & Safety Risk Assessment for Agro-products (Beijing), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, No. 9 Middle Road of Shuguanghuayuan, Haidian District, Beijing 100097, China.
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15
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Gazzetti K, Diaconu EL, Nanni IM, Ciriani A, Collina M. Genome Sequence Resource for Stemphylium vesicarium, Causing Brown Spot Disease of Pear. MOLECULAR PLANT-MICROBE INTERACTIONS : MPMI 2019; 32:935-938. [PMID: 30900943 DOI: 10.1094/mpmi-11-18-0299-a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Stemphylium vesicarium is the causal agent of several plant diseases as well brown spot of pear (BSP), which is one of the most economically important fungal diseases in European pear-production areas. In addition to the relevance of the economic impact, conidia spread widely from plant material infected by the pathogen can trigger respiratory allergy. Here, we report the first genome of a S. vesicarium strain, 173-1a13FI1M3, isolated from pear and sensitive to the mostly used fungicide classes currently authorized in Europe against BSP. The availability of this draft genome could represent a first important step in understanding the physiology and the infection mechanism of the pathogen. Furthermore, this contribution could be fundamental in order to design more effective and sustainable strategies to control the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katia Gazzetti
- 1Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Bologna, Viale G. Fanin, 42, 40127 Bologna, Italy
| | - Elena L Diaconu
- 2Bio-Fab Research srl, Via Mario Beltrami, 5, 00135 Roma, Italy
| | - Irene M Nanni
- 1Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Bologna, Viale G. Fanin, 42, 40127 Bologna, Italy
| | - Alessandro Ciriani
- 1Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Bologna, Viale G. Fanin, 42, 40127 Bologna, Italy
| | - Marina Collina
- 1Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Bologna, Viale G. Fanin, 42, 40127 Bologna, Italy
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16
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The evolution of molecular-based methods over the last two decades has provided new approaches to identify and characterize fungal communities or "mycobiomes" at resolutions previously not possible using traditional hazard identification methods. The recent focus on fungal community assemblages within indoor environments has provided renewed insight into overlooked sources of fungal exposure. In occupational studies, internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region sequencing has recently been utilized in a variety of environments ranging from indoor office buildings to agricultural commodity and harvesting operations. RECENT FINDINGS Fungal communities identified in occupational environments have been primarily placed in the phylum Ascomycota and included classes typically identified using traditional fungal exposure methods such as the Eurotiomycetes, Dothideomycetes, Sordariomycetes, and Saccharomycetes. The phylum Basidiomycota has also been reported to be more prevalent than previously estimated and ITS region sequences have been primarily derived from the classes Agaricomycetes and Ustilaginomycetes. These studies have also resolved sequences placed in the Basidiomycota classes Tremellomycetes and Exobasidiomycetes that include environmental and endogenous yeast species. These collective datasets have shown that occupational fungal exposures include a much broader diversity of fungi than once thought. Although the clinical implications for occupational allergy are an emerging field of research, establishing the mycobiome in occupational environments will be critical for future studies to determine the complete spectrum of worker exposures to fungal bioaerosols and their impact on worker health.
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17
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Soffer N, Green BJ, Acosta L, Divjan A, Sobek E, Lemons AR, Rundle AG, Jacobson JS, Goldstein IF, Miller RL, Perzanowski MS. Alternaria is associated with asthma symptoms and exhaled NO among NYC children. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2018; 142:1366-1368.e10. [PMID: 29964057 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2018.04.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2017] [Revised: 03/23/2018] [Accepted: 04/13/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nitzan Soffer
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - 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, WVa
| | - Luis Acosta
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Adnan Divjan
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | | | - Angela R Lemons
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, WVa
| | - Andrew G Rundle
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Judith S Jacobson
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Inge F Goldstein
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Rachel L Miller
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY; Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY
| | - Matthew S Perzanowski
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY.
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18
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION fungi produce substances that contain pathogen-associated molecular patterns (pamps) and damage-associated molecular patterns (damps) which bind to pattern recognition receptors, stimulating innate immune responses in humans. they also produce allergens that induce production of specific ige. Areas covered: In this review we cover both innate and adaptive immune responses to fungi. Some fungal products can activate both innate and adaptive responses and in doing so, cause an intense and complex health effects. Methods of testing for fungal allergy and evidence for clinical treatment including environmental control are also discussed. In addition, we describe controversial issues including the role of Stachybotrys and mycotoxins in adverse health effects. Expert commentary: Concerns about long-term exposure to fungi have led some patients, attorneys and fungus advocates to promote fears about a condition that has been termed toxic mold syndrome. This syndrome is associated with vague symptoms and is believed to be due to exposure to mycotoxins, though this connection has not been proven. Ultimately, more precise methods are needed to measure both fungal exposure and the resulting health effects. Once that such methods become available, much of the speculation will be replaced by knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Rudert
- a Division of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology , Children's Mercy Hospitals & Clinics , Kansas City , MO , USA
| | - Jay Portnoy
- a Division of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology , Children's Mercy Hospitals & Clinics , Kansas City , MO , USA
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Green BJ, Lemons AR, Park Y, Cox-Ganser JM, Park JH. Assessment of fungal diversity in a water-damaged office building. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE 2017; 14:285-293. [PMID: 27786737 PMCID: PMC6314010 DOI: 10.1080/15459624.2016.1252044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies have described fungal communities in indoor environments using gene sequencing-based approaches. In this study, dust-borne fungal communities were elucidated from a water-damaged office building located in the northeastern region of the United States using internal transcribed spacer (ITS) rRNA gene sequencing. Genomic DNA was extracted from 5 mg of floor dust derived from 22 samples collected from either the lower floors (n = 8) or a top floor (n = 14) of the office building. ITS gene sequencing resolved a total of 933 ITS sequences and was clustered into 216 fungal operational taxonomic units (OTUs). Analysis of fungal OTUs at the 97% similarity threshold showed a difference between the lower and top floors that was marginally significant (p = 0.049). Species richness and diversity indices were reduced in the lower floor samples compared to the top floor samples and there was a high degree of compositional dissimilarity within and between the two different areas within the building. Fungal OTUs were placed in the phyla Ascomycota (55%), Basidiomycota (41%), Zygomycota (3%), Glomeromycota (0.4%), Chytridiomycota (0.3%), and unassigned fungi (0.5%). The Ascomycota classes with the highest relative abundances included the Dothideomycetes (30%) and Eurotiomycetes (16%). The Basidiomycota consisted of the classes Ustilaginomycetes (14%), Tremellomycetes (11%), and Agaricomycetes (8%). Sequence reads derived from the plant pathogen Ustilago syntherismae were the most abundant in the analysis as were obligate Basidiomycota yeast species that accounted for 12% and 11% of fungal ITS sequences, respectively. ITS gene sequencing provides additional insight into the diversity of fungal OTUs. These data further highlight the contribution of fungi placed in the phylum Basidiomycota, obligate yeasts, as well as xerophilic species that are typically not resolved using traditional culture methods.
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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
| | - Angela R. Lemons
- 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
| | - Yeonmi Park
- Field Studies Branch, Respiratory Health Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Jean M. Cox-Ganser
- Field Studies Branch, Respiratory Health Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Ju-Hyeong Park
- Field Studies Branch, Respiratory Health Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, West Virginia
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20
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Lemons AR, Hogan MB, Gault RA, Holland K, Sobek E, Olsen-Wilson KA, Park Y, Park JH, Gu JK, Kashon ML, Green BJ. Microbial rRNA sequencing analysis of evaporative cooler indoor environments located in the Great Basin Desert region of the United States. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2017; 19:101-110. [PMID: 28091681 PMCID: PMC5450635 DOI: 10.1039/c6em00413j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies conducted in the Great Basin Desert region of the United States have shown that skin test reactivity to fungal and dust mite allergens are increased in children with asthma or allergy living in homes with evaporative coolers (EC). The objective of this study was to determine if the increased humidity previously reported in EC homes leads to varying microbial populations compared to homes with air conditioners (AC). Children with physician-diagnosed allergic rhinitis living in EC or AC environments were recruited into the study. Air samples were collected from the child's bedroom for genomic DNA extraction and metagenomic analysis of bacteria and fungi using the Illumina MiSeq sequencing platform. The analysis of bacterial populations revealed no major differences between EC and AC sampling environments. The fungal populations observed in EC homes differed from AC homes. The most prevalent species discovered in AC environments belonged to the genera Cryptococcus (20%) and Aspergillus (20%). In contrast, the most common fungi identified in EC homes belonged to the order Pleosporales and included Alternaria alternata (32%) and Phoma spp. (22%). The variations in fungal populations provide preliminary evidence of the microbial burden children may be exposed to within EC environments in this region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela R Lemons
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1095 Willowdale Road, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA.
| | - Mary Beth Hogan
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatrics Center, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Las Vegas, NV, USA
| | - Ruth A Gault
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno, NV, USA
| | - Kathleen Holland
- Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | | | - Kimberly A Olsen-Wilson
- Department of Pediatrics, Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno, NV, USA
| | - Yeonmi Park
- Field Studies Branch, Respiratory Health Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Ju-Hyeong Park
- Field Studies Branch, Respiratory Health Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Ja Kook Gu
- Biostatistics and Epidemiology Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Michael L Kashon
- Biostatistics and Epidemiology Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - 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, 1095 Willowdale Road, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA.
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21
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Yan D, Zhang T, Su J, Zhao LL, Wang H, Fang XM, Zhang YQ, Liu HY, Yu LY. Diversity and Composition of Airborne Fungal Community Associated with Particulate Matters in Beijing during Haze and Non-haze Days. Front Microbiol 2016; 7:487. [PMID: 27148180 PMCID: PMC4830834 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2016.00487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2016] [Accepted: 03/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
To assess the diversity and composition of airborne fungi associated with particulate matters (PMs) in Beijing, China, a total of 81 PM samples were collected, which were derived from PM2.5, PM10 fractions, and total suspended particles during haze and non-haze days. The airborne fungal community in these samples was analyzed using the Illumina Miseq platform with fungi-specific primers targeting the internal transcribed spacer 1 region of the large subunit rRNA gene. A total of 797,040 reads belonging to 1633 operational taxonomic units were observed. Of these, 1102 belonged to Ascomycota, 502 to Basidiomycota, 24 to Zygomycota, and 5 to Chytridiomycota. The dominant orders were Pleosporales (29.39%), Capnodiales (27.96%), Eurotiales (10.64%), and Hypocreales (9.01%). The dominant genera were Cladosporium, Alternaria, Fusarium, Penicillium, Sporisorium, and Aspergilus. Analysis of similarities revealed that both particulate matter sizes (R = 0.175, p = 0.001) and air quality levels (R = 0.076, p = 0.006) significantly affected the airborne fungal community composition. The relative abundance of many fungal genera was found to significantly differ among various PM types and air quality levels. Alternaria and Epicoccum were more abundant in total suspended particles samples, Aspergillus in heavy-haze days and PM2.5 samples, and Malassezia in PM2.5 samples and heavy-haze days. Canonical correspondence analysis and permutation tests showed that temperature (p < 0.01), NO2 (p < 0.01), PM10 (p < 0.01), SO2(p < 0.01), CO (p < 0.01), and relative humidity (p < 0.05) were significant factors that determine airborne fungal community composition. The results suggest that diverse airborne fungal communities are associated with particulate matters and may provide reliable data for studying the responses of human body to the increasing level of air pollution in Beijing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Yan
- China Pharmaceutical Culture Collection, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College Beijing, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- China Pharmaceutical Culture Collection, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College Beijing, China
| | - Jing Su
- China Pharmaceutical Culture Collection, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College Beijing, China
| | - Li-Li Zhao
- China Pharmaceutical Culture Collection, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College Beijing, China
| | - Hao Wang
- China Pharmaceutical Culture Collection, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College Beijing, China
| | - Xiao-Mei Fang
- China Pharmaceutical Culture Collection, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College Beijing, China
| | - Yu-Qin Zhang
- China Pharmaceutical Culture Collection, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College Beijing, China
| | - Hong-Yu Liu
- China Pharmaceutical Culture Collection, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College Beijing, China
| | - Li-Yan Yu
- China Pharmaceutical Culture Collection, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College Beijing, China
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22
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Williams PB, Barnes CS, Portnoy JM. Innate and Adaptive Immune Response to Fungal Products and Allergens. THE JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY-IN PRACTICE 2016; 4:386-95. [PMID: 26755096 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaip.2015.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2015] [Revised: 10/05/2015] [Accepted: 11/02/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to fungi and their products is practically ubiquitous, yet most of this is of little consequence to most healthy individuals. This is because there are a number of elaborate mechanisms to deal with these exposures. Most of these mechanisms are designed to recognize and neutralize such exposures. However, in understanding these mechanisms it has become clear that many of them overlap with our ability to respond to disruptions in tissue function caused by trauma or deterioration. These responses involve the innate and adaptive immune systems usually through the activation of nuclear factor kappa B and the production of cytokines that are considered inflammatory accompanied by other factors that can moderate these reactivities. Depending on different genetic backgrounds and the extent of activation of these mechanisms, various pathologies with resulting symptoms can ensue. Complicating this is the fact that these mechanisms can bias toward type 2 innate and adaptive immune responses. Thus, to understand what we refer to as allergens from fungal sources, we must first understand how they influence these innate mechanisms. In doing so it has become clear that many of the proteins that are described as fungal allergens are essentially homologues of our own proteins that signal or cause tissue disruptions.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Brock Williams
- Division of Allergy/Immunology, Children's Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, Mo
| | - Charles S Barnes
- Division of Allergy/Immunology, Children's Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, Mo
| | - Jay M Portnoy
- Division of Allergy/Immunology, Children's Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, Mo.
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23
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Fukutomi Y, Taniguchi M. Sensitization to fungal allergens: Resolved and unresolved issues. Allergol Int 2015; 64:321-31. [PMID: 26433528 DOI: 10.1016/j.alit.2015.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2015] [Revised: 05/01/2015] [Accepted: 05/07/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Exposure and sensitization to fungal allergens can promote the development and worsening of allergic diseases. Although numerous species of fungi have been associated with allergic diseases in the literature, the significance of fungi from the genera Alternaria, Cladosporium, Penicillium, Aspergillus, and Malassezia has been well documented. However, it should be emphasized that the contribution of different fungal allergens to allergic diseases is not identical, but species-specific. Alternaria and Cladosporium species are considered to be important outdoor allergens, and sensitization and exposure to species of these genera is related to the development of asthma and rhinitis, as well as epidemics of asthma exacerbation, including life-threatening asthma exacerbation. In contrast, xerophilic species of Penicillium and Aspergillus, excluding Aspergillus fumigatus, are implicated in allergic diseases as indoor allergens. A. fumigatus has a high capacity to colonize the bronchial tract of asthmatic patients, causing severe persistent asthma and low lung function, and sometimes leading to allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis. Malassezia are common commensals of healthy skin, although they are also associated with atopic dermatitis, especially on the head and neck, but not with respiratory allergies. Despite its importance in the management of allergic diseases, precise recognition of species-specific IgE sensitization to fungal allergens is often challenging because the majority of fungal extracts exhibit broad cross-reactivity with taxonomically unrelated fungi. Recent progress in gene technology has contributed to the identification of specific and cross-reactive allergen components from different fungal sources. However, data demonstrating the clinical relevance of IgE reactivity to these allergen components are still insufficient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuma Fukutomi
- Clinical Research Center for Allergy and Rheumatology, Sagamihara National Hospital, Kanagawa, Japan.
| | - Masami Taniguchi
- Clinical Research Center for Allergy and Rheumatology, Sagamihara National Hospital, Kanagawa, Japan
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25
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Skóra J, Otlewska A, Gutarowska B, Leszczyńska J, Majak I, Stępień Ł. Production of the allergenic protein Alt a 1 by Alternaria isolates from working environments. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2015; 12:2164-83. [PMID: 25689994 PMCID: PMC4344718 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph120202164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2015] [Revised: 01/27/2015] [Accepted: 02/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the study was to evaluate the ability of Alternaria isolates from workplaces to produce Alt a 1 allergenic protein, and to analyze whether technical materials (cellulose, compost, leather) present within the working environment stimulate or inhibit Alt a 1 production (ELISA test). Studies included identification of the isolated molds by nucleotide sequences analyzing of the ITS1/ITS2 regions, actin, calmodulin and Alt a 1 genes. It has been shown that Alternaria molds are significant part of microbiocenosis in the archive, museum, library, composting plant and tannery (14%-16% frequency in the air). The presence of the gene encoding the Alt a 1 protein has been detected for the strains: Alternaria alternata, A. lini, A. limoniasperae A. nobilis and A. tenuissima. Environmental strains produced Alt a 1 at higher concentrations (1.103-6.528 ng/mL) than a ATCC strain (0.551-0.975 ng/mL). It has been shown that the homogenization of the mycelium and the use of ultrafiltration allow a considerable increase of Alt a 1 concentration. Variations in the production of Alt a 1 protein, depend on the strain and extraction methods. These studies revealed no impact of the technical material from the workplaces on the production of Alt a 1 protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justyna Skóra
- Institute of Fermentation Technology and Microbiology, Lodz University of Technology, 171/173 Wólczańska Str, 90-924 Łódź, Poland.
| | - Anna Otlewska
- Institute of Fermentation Technology and Microbiology, Lodz University of Technology, 171/173 Wólczańska Str, 90-924 Łódź, Poland.
| | - Beata Gutarowska
- Institute of Fermentation Technology and Microbiology, Lodz University of Technology, 171/173 Wólczańska Str, 90-924 Łódź, Poland.
| | - Joanna Leszczyńska
- Institute of General Food Chemistry, Lodz University of Technology, 171/173 Wólczańska Str, 90-924 Łódź, Poland.
| | - Iwona Majak
- Institute of General Food Chemistry, Lodz University of Technology, 171/173 Wólczańska Str, 90-924 Łódź, Poland.
| | - Łukasz Stępień
- Institute of Plant Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, 34 Strzeszyńska Str, 60-479 Poznań, Poland.
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Zabka M, Pavela R, Prokinova E. Antifungal activity and chemical composition of twenty essential oils against significant indoor and outdoor toxigenic and aeroallergenic fungi. CHEMOSPHERE 2014; 112:443-8. [PMID: 25048938 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2014.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2014] [Revised: 05/02/2014] [Accepted: 05/04/2014] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Health affecting, loss-inducing or otherwise harmful fungal pathogens (molds) pose a serious challenge in many areas of human activities. On the contrary, frequent use of synthetic fungicides is undesirable in some cases and may be equally problematic. Moreover, the ever more increasing fungal resistance against commercial synthetic fungicides justifies development of rising efforts to seek new effective, while environmentally friendly alternatives. Botanical fungicides based on Essential oils (EOs) undoubtedly provide such an alternative. The study explores the efficacy of 20 EOs against Alternaria alternata, Stachybotrys chartarum, Cladosporium cladosporioides and Aspergillus niger, related to abundance of majority active substances. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC100 and MIC50) was evaluated. GC-MS analysis revealed high abundance of highly effective phenolic compounds whose different molecular structures correlates with differences in EOs efficacy. The efficacy of some EOs, observed in our study, can be similar to the levels of some synthetic fungicides used in medicine and agriculture e.g. sometimes problematic azole-based formulations. Thanks to the EOs environmental safety and natural origin, they offer the potential to become an alternative where the use of synthetic fungicides is impossible for various reasons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Zabka
- Crop Research Institute, Drnovska 507, Prague 161 06, Czech Republic.
| | - Roman Pavela
- Crop Research Institute, Drnovska 507, Prague 161 06, Czech Republic
| | - Evzenie Prokinova
- Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Kamycka 129, Prague 160 00, Czech Republic
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Rittenour WR, Ciaccio CE, Barnes CS, Kashon ML, Lemons AR, Beezhold DH, Green BJ. Internal transcribed spacer rRNA gene sequencing analysis of fungal diversity in Kansas City indoor environments. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2014; 16:33-43. [PMID: 24258337 PMCID: PMC3966654 DOI: 10.1039/c3em00441d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Compared to traditional methods of fungal exposure assessment, molecular methods have provided new insight into the richness of fungal communities present in both indoor and outdoor environments. In this study, we describe the diversity of fungi in the homes of asthmatic children located in Kansas City. Fungal diversity was determined by sequencing the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions of ribosomal RNA derived from fungi collected in air and dust samples from 31 homes participating in the Kansas City Safe and Healthy Homes Program (KCSHHP). Sequencing results were then compared to data obtained using viable and non-viable fungal exposure assessment methods. ITS clone libraries were predominantly derived from the phylum Ascomycota in both air (68%) and dust (92%) samples and followed by the Basidiomycota and Zygomycota. The majority of Ascomycota clones belonged to four orders including the Pleosporales, Eurotiales, Capnodiales, and Dothideales. ITS sequencing revealed the presence of a number of rarely documented fungal species placed in the Pleosporales. Several species placed in the Basidiomycota were detected in ITS clone libraries but not by viable or non-viable methods. The prevalence of organizational taxonomic units (OTUs) was significantly higher in air than in dust samples (p < 0.0001); however, no differences between OTUs in air samples collected in the subjects' room and basement were observed. These sequencing results demonstrate a much broader diversity of Ascomycota and Basidiomycota communities in KCSHHP indoor environments than previously estimated using traditional methods of assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- William R Rittenour
- 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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Meng J, Barnes CS, Rosenwasser LJ. Identity of the fungal species present in the homes of asthmatic children. Clin Exp Allergy 2013; 42:1448-58. [PMID: 22994342 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2222.2012.04001.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fungal exposures are believed to play an important role in the development of asthma and atopy, accounting for increased asthmatic symptoms and severe asthma exacerbation. Indoor fungal species vary both in taxa and concentration in different residences and in different regions. OBJECTIVES We explored the fungal species spectrum in 88 homes with at least one asthmatic child in the Middle West region of the United States mostly during late spring and fall season in comparison with 85 homes that did not contain an asthmatic child during flu season. METHODS The average fungal spore counts per cubic metre of air in the bedroom of the enrolled child, the main living spaces and outdoor environments, and the culturable fungal colony-forming units per cubic metre of air samples in the main living space from each home were measured. RESULTS The results indicated that Cladosporium, Penicillium, Aspergillus, Basidiospores, Epicoccum and Pithomyces were found in more asthmatic homes than in homes without an asthmatic child or existed in higher concentration in asthmatic homes than in homes without an asthmatic child even after adjusting outdoor spore concentration. The results for culturable fungal species confirmed most of these findings even after adjusting for seasonal factors. Although Alternaria was commonly found in both kinds of homes, there was no significant difference in detection rate or concentration of Alternaria between asthmatic homes and homes without an asthmatic child by either spore counting or culturable airborne detection. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Since many allergens have been identified in these fungal species, identifying and controlling these fungal species in asthmatic homes might be expected to improve asthma care and benefit asthmatic children.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Meng
- Department of Pediatric Immunology Research, The Children's Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA.
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Multilocus phylogeny and MALDI-TOF analysis of the plant pathogenic species Alternaria dauci and relatives. Fungal Biol 2013; 117:32-40. [DOI: 10.1016/j.funbio.2012.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2012] [Revised: 11/09/2012] [Accepted: 11/16/2012] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Grimsley LF, Chulada PC, Kennedy S, White L, Wildfire J, Cohn RD, Mitchell H, Thornton E, El-Dahr J, Mvula MM, Sterling Y, Martin WJ, Stephens KU, Lichtveld M. Indoor environmental exposures for children with asthma enrolled in the HEAL study, post-Katrina New Orleans. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2012; 120:1600-6. [PMID: 22894816 PMCID: PMC3556612 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.1104840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2011] [Accepted: 08/09/2012] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rain and flooding from Hurricane Katrina resulted in widespread growth of mold and bacteria and production of allergens in New Orleans, Louisiana, which may have led to increased exposures and morbidity in children with asthma. OBJECTIVES The goal of the Head-off Environmental Asthma in Louisiana (HEAL) study was to characterize post-Katrina exposures to mold and allergens in children with asthma. METHODS The homes of 182 children with asthma in New Orleans and surrounding parishes were evaluated by visual inspection, temperature and moisture measurements, and air and dust sampling. Air was collected using vacuum-pump spore traps and analyzed for > 30 mold taxa using bright field microscopy. Dust was collected from the children's beds and bedroom floors and analyzed for mouse (Mus m 1), dust mite (Der p 1), cockroach (Bla g 1), and mold (Alternaria mix) allergens using ELISA. RESULTS More than half (62%) of the children were living in homes that had been damaged by rain, flooding, or both. Geometric mean indoor and outdoor airborne mold levels were 501 and 3,958 spores/m3, respectively. Alternaria antigen was detected in dust from 98% of homes, with 58% having concentrations > 10 µg/g. Mus m 1, Der p 1, and Bla g 1 were detected in 60%, 35%, and 20% of homes, respectively, at low mean concentrations. CONCLUSIONS Except for Alternaria antigen in dust, concentrations of airborne mold (ratio of indoor to outdoor mold) and dust allergens in the homes of HEAL children were lower than measurements found in other studies, possibly because of extensive post-Katrina mold remediation and renovations, or because children moved into cleaner homes upon returning to New Orleans.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Faye Grimsley
- School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA.
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Oliveira M, Delgado L, Ribeiro H, Abreu I. Fungal spores from Pleosporales in the atmosphere of urban and rural locations in Portugal. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 12:1187-94. [PMID: 21491687 DOI: 10.1039/b913705j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Fungal spores are a significant fraction of the atmospheric bioparticles (bioaerosols) and many species are capable of inducing the production of specific immunoglobulin E (IgE), aggravating the clinical symptoms of allergic respiratory diseases in sensitized individuals. The aim of this work was to evaluate the distribution of potentially allergenic Pleosporales spores in two locations with different urbanization indexes, characterizing its seasonal pattern. The seasonal distribution of several spore types belonging to the Pleosporales (Alternaria, Drechslera, Epicoccum, Paraphaeosphaeria, Pithomyces, Pleospora and Stemphylium) in Amares (rural area) and Porto (urban area) was continually studied from January 2005 to December of 2007, using Hirst-type volumetric spore traps. Alternaria was the most abundant fungal spore type found in the atmosphere of Amares and Porto. This fungal type, together with Drechslera, Epicoccum, Pithomyces and Stemphylium, was mainly present during summer. Nevertheless, Leptosphaeria, Pleospora and Venturia spores were detected during winter and spring, while Paraphaeosphaeria spores were also observed during summer and autumn. These different seasonal patterns were responsible for the expansion of the exposure period for the Alt a 1 allergen. The concentration of the studied spore types was higher in the rural area than in the urban one, with exception for Pleospora and Drechslera. According to the correlations with meteorological factors, the selected fungal spores can be divided into two groups: (i) Alternaria, Drechslera, Epicoccum, Pithomyces and Stemphylium presented positive correlations with temperature and negative correlations with relative humidity and rainfall; (ii) Leptosphaeria, Paraphaeosphaeria, Pleospora and Venturia presented a contrary behavior. Usually, the occurrence of the Alt a 1 allergen has been associated with the presence of airborne Alternaria spores; the present work follows the seasonal distribution of other fungal spore species known to contain this molecule. The widespread occurrence of Alt a 1 plays an important role in the incidence and aggravation of allergic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Oliveira
- Environment, Society and Education Group, Geology Centre, University of Porto & Biology Department, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Edifício FC4, Rua do Campo Alegre, s/n, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
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Gutiérrez-Rodríguez A, Postigo I, Guisantes JA, Suñén E, Martínez J. Identification of allergens homologous to Alt a 1 from Stemphylium botryosum and Ulocladium botrytis. Med Mycol 2011; 49:892-6. [PMID: 21504377 DOI: 10.3109/13693786.2011.576350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Several studies have demonstrated that proteins homologous to the Alt a 1 major allergen of Alternaria alternata are expressed in other members of the Pleosporaceae family. However, since no direct biochemical data have been reported concerning the presence of Alt a 1 allergen homologues capable of binding IgE in the excretion-secretion products of Stemphylium and Ulocladium, our objective was to explore their presence in Stemphylium botryosum and Ulocladium botrytis. S. botryosum and U. botrytis culture filtrate extracts were analyzed by two-dimensional (2D)-electrophoresis and 2D-immunoblotting using polyclonal rabbit antibodies raised against recombinant Alt a 1, as well as five human sera from patients allergic to Alternaria. Cross-reactivity immunoassays were performed by ImmunoCAP inhibition and 2D-immunoblotting inhibition. IgE-binding proteins recognized by the rabbit antiserum raised against Alt a 1, with apparent molecular weights of 17-18 kDa and isoelectric points of 4, were identified as Alt a 1-like proteins. Alt a 1 inhibited IgE-specific binding to the Alt a 1 homologues from S. botryosum and U. botrytis. In conclusion, it was demonstrated that allergens which are homologous to Alt a 1 are expressed in the excretory-secretory materials of the phylogenetically-related species S. botryosum and U. botrytis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Gutiérrez-Rodríguez
- Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, University of the Basque Country, Faculty of Pharmacy, Vitoria, Spain
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Postigo I, Gutiérrez-Rodríguez A, Fernández J, Guisantes JA, Suñén E, Martínez J. Diagnostic value of Alt a 1, fungal enolase and manganese-dependent superoxide dismutase in the component-resolved diagnosis of allergy to pleosporaceae. Clin Exp Allergy 2011; 41:443-51. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2222.2010.03671.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Fernández C, Bevilacqua E, Fernández N, Gajate P, de la Cámara AG, Garcimartín M, Vives R, Rodríguez J. Asthma related to Alternaria sensitization: an analysis of skin-test and serum-specific IgE efficiency based on the bronchial provocation test. Clin Exp Allergy 2010; 41:649-56. [PMID: 21105919 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2222.2010.03645.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is difficult to find a causal relationship between exposure to Alternaria spores and the development of asthma symptoms in sensitized individuals due to the complexity of clinical situations in which positive diagnostic tests are often found. OBJECTIVE To analyse the diagnostic efficiency of skin testing (ST) and serum-specific IgE to Alternaria, based on the results of a bronchial specific challenge with Alternaria extracts. METHODS Seventy-four asthmatic patients sensitized to Alternaria underwent a specific bronchial challenge with this mould. Skin-testing weal sizes, serum-specific IgE values (CAP-system) and bronchial challenge results were analysed by receiver operating characteristics curves (ROC curves) and logistic regression. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values were calculated for different cut-off points. RESULTS Bronchial challenges to Alternaria elicited a positive result in 45 patients (61%). Skin prick testing almost perfectly predicted the outcome of bronchoprovocation tests (area under the ROC curve of 0.957), whereas intradermal skin testing had moderate efficacy. A negative result for skin prick test (SPT) showed a 4% probability of a positive bronchial challenge in the logistic regression analysis. However, weals around 5.5 mm in diameter had 90% probability of a positive challenge. Quantification of serum-specific IgE correctly classified 86% of the cases. In the logistic regression analysis, a CAP value 16 kU(A)/L predicted a positive bronchial challenge result with 99% accuracy, whereas for a CAP value <0.35 kU(A)/L, this probability was 33%. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Most asthmatic patients with positive SPT results to Alternaria would have a positive bronchial challenge. As atmospheric mould levels may vary significantly with the weather conditions, sensitized patients should be instructed on the risk situations, environmental control measures and the importance of correct medication compliance. Immunotherapy with Alternaria could also be taken into account as a valid therapeutic option.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Fernández
- Allergy Department, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain.
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IgE sensitization to fungi mirrors fungal phylogenetic systematics. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2010; 125:1379-1386.e1. [PMID: 20466417 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2010.02.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2009] [Revised: 01/26/2010] [Accepted: 02/23/2010] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fungal allergy is an elusive disease, and little progress has been made in this field during recent years. Moreover, because of the complexity of the organisms, it is difficult to categorize fungi systematically on the basis of morphologic characterization. However, recent molecular phylogenetics studies have substantially improved fungal categorization. In parallel, new approaches to analyze large IgE antibody datasets enable identification and visualization of IgE sensitization patterns. OBJECTIVE To study whether molecular phylogenetic relationships of fungal species, commonly used in allergy diagnosis, also are reflected in IgE sensitization profiles of individuals sensitized to fungi. METHODS A dataset was compiled of recorded serum IgE antibody levels to 17 different fungal species from 668 individuals sensitized to at least 1 of the 17 species. By applying a clustering method to this dataset, the fungal species were grouped into a hierarchical organization. Finally, the resulting organization was compared with recently published fungal systematics. RESULTS The hierarchical structure of fungi, based on the presence of IgE antibodies in sensitized individuals, very well reflected phylogenetic relationships. Examples include the distinct separation of basal fungi from the subkingdom Dikarya as well as individual cluster formations of fungi belonging to the subphylum Saccharomycotina and order Pleosporales. CONCLUSION To our knowledge, this is the first in-depth study that demonstrates a close relationship between molecular fungal systematics and IgE sensitization to fungal species. Because close evolutionary organisms typically have a higher degree of protein similarity, IgE cross-reactivity is likely the main reason for obtained organization.
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Wang Y, Pei YF, O'Neill NR, Zhang XG. Ulocladium cantlous sp. nov. isolated from northwestern China: its morphology and molecular phylogenetic position. Mycologia 2010; 102:374-83. [PMID: 20361504 DOI: 10.3852/09-093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
A new species of Ulocladium was isolated from diseased leaves from two Cucumis sp. growing in Sinkiang and Gansu provinces of China. Conidia were isolated from necrotic leaves and used to establish single-spore pure cultures. Conidia were harvested from cultures 7 d after incubation for morphological comparisons. The morphology of this species resembles that of U. botrytis and U. consortiale. However it is distinguished from these two species by the sizes of obovoid to broadly ellipsoidal conidia and longer conidiophores. A taxonomic description of U. cantlous, comparison with related species in this genus, and a species phylogeny based on the partial nucleotide sequence of the glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (gpd) gene and the Alternaria alternata major allergen (Alt a 1) gene are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Wang
- Department of Plant Pathology, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, 271018, China
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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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Molecular and morphological description of a new species of Ulocladium from Southern China. Mycol Prog 2009. [DOI: 10.1007/s11557-009-0592-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Peters JL, Muilenberg ML, Rogers CA, Burge HA, Spengler JD. Alternaria measures in inner-city, low-income housing by immunoassay and culture-based analysis. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2008; 100:364-9. [PMID: 18450123 DOI: 10.1016/s1081-1206(10)60600-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sensitivity to Alternaria allergens has been associated with severe asthma and life-threatening exacerbations, and a high prevalence of Alternaria sensitivity has been reported among inner-city populations. Traditionally, epidemiologic studies have measured indoor Alternaria concentrations by cultural analyses; however, the number of viable spores may not be a good proxy for allergen levels. Furthermore, other genera share epitopes with Alternaria that may contribute to the allergenic effect. OBJECTIVE To compare measures of Alternaria antigen by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay with measures of Alternaria and cross-reactive genera (Ulocladium, Curvularia, Epicoccum, and Stemphylium) by cultural analysis. METHOD Antigen assays and cultural analyses were performed on vacuum-collected bed dust samples collected between June 18, 2002, and February 9, 2004, from 3 inner-city, low-income public housing developments. RESULTS Alternaria antigen was found in all bed dust samples regardless of season. However, culturable Alternaria, Ulocladium, Curvularia, Epicoccum, and Stemphylium were only found in 50%, 35%, 6%, 11%, and 0% of bed samples, respectively. No correlations were found between Alternaria antigen and culturable concentrations of Alternaria or of its cross-reactive genera except for marginal correlation with Ulocladium culturable concentrations. CONCLUSIONS The results confirm that exposure to Alternaria antigens and allergens can occur even in the absence of culturable Alternaria or its cross-reactive genera, so further refinement and use of assays are essential for characterizing the distribution and determinants of indoor fungal allergen levels forsensitive populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junenette L Peters
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA.
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Identification and characterization of cDNA sequences encoding the HIS3 and LEU2 genes of the fungus Alternaria tenuissima. J Genet Genomics 2008; 35:251-6. [PMID: 18439983 DOI: 10.1016/s1673-8527(08)60035-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2007] [Revised: 12/05/2007] [Accepted: 12/10/2007] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Alternaria tenuissima is a fungus widely present in the environment and could cause diseases in plants and humans. In this study, through a yeast genetic approach, cDNA sequences were isolated and characterized for the AtHIS3 and AtLEU2 genes. AtHIS3 cDNA encodes a protein of 238 amino acids, while AtLEU2 cDNA encodes a protein of 363 amino acids. Based on the phylogenetic analysis of amino acid sequences of AtHis3p and AtLeu2p, A. tenuissima is closely related to the plant pathogenic fungus Phaeosphaeria nodorum. This study provides two genetic markers for studies of functions of genes regulating development, morphology, and virulence of A. tenuissima.
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Schmechel D, Green BJ, Blachere FM, Janotka E, Beezhold DH. Analytical bias of cross-reactive polyclonal antibodies for environmental immunoassays of Alternaria alternata. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2007; 121:763-8. [PMID: 18036643 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2007.09.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2007] [Revised: 09/21/2007] [Accepted: 09/24/2007] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alternaria alternata is recognized as an important aeroallergen indoors and outdoors, and exposure to the fungus has been identified as a risk factor for asthma. Two recent publications concluded that 95% to 99% of American homes contained detectable amounts of Alternaria antigens when analyzed with a polyclonal antibody (pAb)-based ELISA. OBJECTIVES We investigated the cross-reactivity of the commercially available pAbs that were used in those studies. METHODS Reactivity to 24 fungal species commonly found in indoor environments was analyzed by inhibition ELISA by using solid-phase A alternata antigen. The pAbs were also tested by immunoblotting and halogen immunoassay for a subgroup of fungi. RESULTS Spores of 7 fungi including species of Alternaria, Ulocladium, Stemphylium, Epicoccum, Drechslera, and Exserohilum strongly inhibited the binding of the pAbs when tested by ELISA. Six other fungi reacted in the ELISA at a lower level, and 11 fungal species including several Penicillium, Aspergillus, Fusarium, and Cladosporium species failed to show inhibition. The immunoblots and the halogen immunoassay staining confirmed the cross-reactivity patterns of the ELISA. CONCLUSION The pAbs against A alternata were found to cross-react broadly with related and nonrelated fungi. The prevalence data previously reported for A alternata should be considered to be fungal-reactive rather than A alternata-specific.
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Affiliation(s)
- Detlef Schmechel
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Branch, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA.
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Analysis of fungal flora in indoor dust by ribosomal DNA sequence analysis, quantitative PCR, and culture. Appl Environ Microbiol 2007; 74:233-44. [PMID: 17981947 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00692-07] [Citation(s) in RCA: 141] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years increasing attention has been given to the potential health effects of fungal exposure in indoor environments. We used large-scale sequencing of the fungal internal transcribed spacer region (ITS) of nuclear ribosomal DNA to describe the mycoflora of two office buildings over the four seasons. DNA sequencing was complemented by cultivation, ergosterol determination, and quantitative PCR analyses. Sequences of 1,339 clones were clustered into 394 nonredundant fungal operational taxonomical units containing sequences from 18 fungal subclasses. The observed flora differed markedly from that recovered by cultivation, the major differences being the near absence of several typical indoor mold genera such as Penicillium and Aspergillus spp. and a high prevalence of basidiomycetes in clone libraries. A total of 55% of the total diversity constituted of unidentifiable ITS sequences, some of which may represent novel fungal species. Dominant species were Cladosporium cladosporioides and C. herbarum, Cryptococcus victoriae, Leptosphaerulina americana and L. chartarum, Aureobasidium pullulans, Thekopsora areolata, Phaeococcomyces nigricans, Macrophoma sp., and several Malassezia species. Seasonal differences were observed for community composition, with ascomycetous molds and basidiomycetous yeasts predominating in the winter and spring and Agaricomycetidae basidiomycetes predominating in the fall. The comparison of methods suggested that the cloning, cultivation, and quantitative PCR methods complemented each other, generating a more comprehensive picture of fungal flora than any of the methods would give alone. The current restrictions of the methods are discussed.
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Simon-Nobbe B, Denk U, Pöll V, Rid R, Breitenbach M. The spectrum of fungal allergy. Int Arch Allergy Immunol 2007; 145:58-86. [PMID: 17709917 DOI: 10.1159/000107578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 283] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungi can be found throughout the world. They may live as saprophytes, parasites or symbionts of animals and plants in indoor as well as outdoor environment. For decades, fungi belonging to the ascomycota as well as to the basidiomycota have been known to cause a broad panel of human disorders. In contrast to pollen, fungal spores and/or mycelial cells may not only cause type I allergy, the most prevalent disease caused by molds, but also a large number of other illnesses, including allergic bronchopulmonary mycoses, allergic sinusitis, hypersensitivity pneumonitis and atopic dermatitis; and, again in contrast to pollen-derived allergies, fungal allergies are frequently linked with allergic asthma. Sensitization to molds has been reported in up to 80% of asthmatic patients. Although research on fungal allergies dates back to the 19th century, major improvements in the diagnosis and therapy of mold allergy have been hampered by the fact that fungal extracts are highly variable in their protein composition due to strain variabilities, batch-to-batch variations, and by the fact that extracts may be prepared from spores and/or mycelial cells. Nonetheless, about 150 individual fungal allergens from approximately 80 mold genera have been identified in the last 20 years. First clinical studies with recombinant mold allergens have demonstrated their potency in clinical diagnosis. This review aims to give an overview of the biology of molds and diseases caused by molds in humans, as well as a detailed summary of the latest results on recombinant fungal allergens.
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Feng F, Qiu D, Jiang L. Isolation of cDNA sequences encoding the MAP kinase HOG1 and the MAP kinase kinase PBS2 genes of the fungus Alternaria tenuissima through a genetic approach. J Microbiol Methods 2007; 69:188-96. [PMID: 17306900 DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2006.12.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2006] [Accepted: 12/24/2006] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Alternaria tenuissima is a fungus widely present in the environment and causes diseases in plants and humans in the world. In this study, we constructed an A. tenuissima cDNA expression library in a centromeric yeast vector that allows the isolation of functional cDNA sequences from this environmental and pathogenic fungus. Through a genetic approach we have isolated and functionally characterized the cDNA sequences encoding the MAP kinase (MAPK) Hog1p and the MAPK kinase Pbs2p of A. tenuissima. AtHOG1 cDNA encodes a protein of 355 amino acids, while AtPBS2 cDNA encodes a protein of 683 amino acids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Feng
- Laboratory of Molecular Mycology, Department of Microbial Pesticides and Molecular Design, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Beijing, 100080, China
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