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Chen H, Zhu R. Alternaria Allergy and Immunotherapy. Int Arch Allergy Immunol 2024:1-11. [PMID: 38865977 DOI: 10.1159/000539237] [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: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Allergen immunotherapy (AIT) is the only known causative treatment for Alternaria allergy, but the difficulty in standardizing Alternaria extracts hampers its effectiveness and safety. SUMMARY Alternaria, a potent airborne allergen, has a high sensitization rate and is known to trigger the onset and exacerbation of respiratory allergies, even inducing fungal food allergy syndrome in some cases. It can trigger a type 2 inflammatory response, leading to an increase in the secretion of type 2 inflammatory cytokines and eosinophils, which are the culprits behind allergic symptoms. Diagnosing Alternaria allergy is a multistep process, involving a careful examination of clinical symptoms, medical history, skin prick tests, serum-specific IgE detection, or provocation tests. Alt a1, the major component of Alternaria, is a vital player in diagnosing Alternaria allergy through component-resolved diagnosis. Interestingly, Alternaria can reduce the protein activity of other allergens like pollen and cat dander when mixed with them. In order to solve the problems of standardization, efficacy and safety of traditional Alternaria AIT, novel AIT methods targeting Alt a1 and innovative vaccines such as epitope, DNA, and mRNA vaccines seem promising in bypassing the standardization issue of Alternaria extracts. But these studies are in early stages, and most researches are still focused on animal models, calling for more evidence to validate their use in humans. KEY MESSAGES This review delves into the various aspects of Alternaria allergy, including characteristics, epidemiology, immune mechanisms, diagnosis, clinical manifestations, and the application and limitations of Alternaria AIT, aiming to provide a foundation for the management of patients with Alternaria allergy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Chen
- Department of Allergy, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China,
| | - Rongfei Zhu
- Department of Allergy, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Institute of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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2
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Hurraß J, Heinzow B, Walser-Reichenbach S, Aurbach U, Becker S, Bellmann R, Bergmann KC, Cornely OA, Engelhart S, Fischer G, Gabrio T, Herr CE, Joest M, Karagiannidis C, Klimek L, Köberle M, Kolk A, Lichtnecker H, Lob-Corzilius T, Mülleneisen N, Nowak D, Rabe U, Raulf M, Steinmann J, Steiß JO, Stemler J, Umpfenbach U, Valtanen K, Werchan B, Willinger B, Wiesmüller GA. AWMF mold guideline "Medical clinical diagnostics for indoor mold exposure" - Update 2023 AWMF Register No. 161/001. Allergol Select 2024; 8:90-198. [PMID: 38756207 PMCID: PMC11097193 DOI: 10.5414/alx02444e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Julia Hurraß
- Section for Hygiene in Healthcare Facilities, Division of Infection Control and Environmental Hygiene, Cologne Health Department, Cologne
- Co-author
- Member of a scientific medical society, a society or a medical association with voting rights
| | - Birger Heinzow
- Formerly: State Agency for Social Services (LAsD) Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel
- Co-author
| | - Sandra Walser-Reichenbach
- Formerly: State Agency for Social Services (LAsD) Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel
- Co-author
- Member of a scientific medical society, a society or a medical association with voting rights
| | - Ute Aurbach
- Laboratory Dr. Wisplinghoff
- ZfMK – Center for Environment, Hygiene and Mycology Cologne, Cologne
- Co-author
| | - Sven Becker
- Department for Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Medical Center Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Co-author
| | - Romuald Bellmann
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
- Co-author
| | - Karl-Christian Bergmann
- Institute of Allergology Charité, Charité – University Medicine Berlin, Berlin
- Co-author
- Member of a scientific medical society, a society or a medical association with voting rights
| | - Oliver A. Cornely
- Institute for Translational Research, CECAD Cluster of Excellence, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany and Department I for Internal Medicine, Cologne University Hospital, Cologne
- Co-author
| | - Steffen Engelhart
- Institute for Hygiene and Public Health, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn
- Co-author
- Member of a scientific medical society, a society or a medical association with voting rights
| | - Guido Fischer
- Baden-Württemberg State Health Office in the Stuttgart Regional Council, Stuttgart
- Co-author
| | - Thomas Gabrio
- Formerly: Baden-Württemberg State Health Office in the Stuttgart Regional Council, Stuttgart
- Co-author
| | - Caroline E.W. Herr
- Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, Munich
- Environmental Health and Prevention, Institute and Polyclinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University of Munich Hospital Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich
- Co-author
- Member of a scientific medical society, a society or a medical association with voting rights
| | - Marcus Joest
- Allergological-Immunological Laboratory, Helios Lung and Allergy Center Bonn, Bonn
- Co-author
| | - Christian Karagiannidis
- Faculty of Health, Professorship for Extracorporeal Lung Replacement Procedures, University of Witten/Herdecke, Witten/Herdecke
- Lung Clinic Cologne Merheim, Clinics of the City of Cologne, Cologne
- Co-author
| | - Ludger Klimek
- Center for Rhinology and Allergology, Wiesbaden
- Co-author
- Member of a scientific medical society, a society or a medical association with voting rights
| | - Martin Köberle
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy Biederstein, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich
- Co-author
- Member of a scientific medical society, a society or a medical association with voting rights
| | - Annette Kolk
- Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (IFA) of the German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV), Unit Biological Agents, Sankt Augustin
- Co-author
| | - Herbert Lichtnecker
- Medical Institute for Environmental and Occupational Medicine MIU GmbH Erkrath, Erkrath
- Co-author
| | - Thomas Lob-Corzilius
- Scientific working group of environmental medicine of the German Society of Pediatric Allergology (GPAU)
- Co-author
- Member of a scientific medical society, a society or a medical association with voting rights
| | - Norbert Mülleneisen
- Asthma and Allergy Center Leverkusen, Leverkusen
- Co-author
- Member of a scientific medical society, a society or a medical association with voting rights
| | - Dennis Nowak
- Institute and Polyclinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, member of the German Center for Lung Research, Hospital of the University of Munich, Munich
- Co-author
- Member of a scientific medical society, a society or a medical association with voting rights
| | - Uta Rabe
- Center for Allergology and Asthma, Johanniter Hospital Treuenbrietzen, Treuenbrietzen
- Co-author
- Member of a scientific medical society, a society or a medical association with voting rights
| | - Monika Raulf
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Statutory Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr University Bochum (IPA), Bochum
- Co-author
- Member of a scientific medical society, a society or a medical association with voting rights
| | - Jörg Steinmann
- Center for Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital Giessen and Marburg GmbH, Giessen
- Co-author
| | - Jens-Oliver Steiß
- Specialized Practice in Allergology and Pediatric Pulmonology in Fulda, Fulda
- Institute for Clinical Hygiene, Medical Microbiology and Clinical Infectiology, Paracelsus Private Medical University Nuremberg Clinic, Nuremberg
- Co-author
- Member of a scientific medical society, a society or a medical association with voting rights
| | - Jannik Stemler
- Institute for Translational Research, CECAD Cluster of Excellence, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany and Department I for Internal Medicine, Cologne University Hospital, Cologne
- Co-author
| | - Ulli Umpfenbach
- Doctor for Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Pediatric Pulmonology, Environmental Medicine, Classical Homeopathy, Asthma Trainer, Neurodermatitis Trainer, Viersen
- Co-author
| | - Kerttu Valtanen
- FG II 1.4 Microbiological Risks, German Environment Agency, Berlin
- Co-author
| | - Barbora Werchan
- German Pollen Information Service Foundation (PID), Berlin, Germany
- Co-author
| | - Birgit Willinger
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Clinical Microbiology – Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria, and
- Co-author
- Member of a scientific medical society, a society or a medical association with voting rights
| | - Gerhard A. Wiesmüller
- Laboratory Dr. Wisplinghoff
- ZfMK – Center for Environment, Hygiene and Mycology Cologne, Cologne
- Institute for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Uniclinic RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
- Co-author
- Member of a scientific medical society, a society or a medical association with voting rights
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3
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Rodinkova V, Yuriev S, Mokin V, Kryvopustova M, Shmundiak D, Bortnyk M, Kryzhanovskyi Y, Kurchenko A. Bayesian analysis suggests independent development of sensitization to different fungal allergens. World Allergy Organ J 2024; 17:100908. [PMID: 38800499 PMCID: PMC11126528 DOI: 10.1016/j.waojou.2024.100908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Fungi are known for their ability to cause allergies, but data on individual sensitization to them are insufficient. The purpose of the study was to carry out a comprehensive analysis of the fungal allergens' sensitization profile in the Ukrainian population and to determine both population and individual sensitivity to these allergens. Methods We utilized a set of ALEX allergy test data from 20,033 inhabitants of 17 regions of Ukraine from 1 to 89 years conducted in 2020-2022. A complex of programs in the Python language was developed and Bayesian network analysis was applied to determine the sensitivity combinations in individual patients to various fungal components. Results Sensitivity to Alt a 1 dominated and was observed in 79.39% of patients, and 62.17% of them were sensitive solely to Alt a 1. Exclusive sensitivity to Mala s 6 was second in individual patient profiles with a frequency of 4.06%. Combined sensitivity to Alt a 1 - Asp f 3 was third with a share of 3.28%. Pen ch and Cla h extracts stimulated the production of the lowest median sIgE levels. The highest median sIgE levels were for Alt a 1, Mala s 11 and Asp f 6, respectively. Median sIgE levels increased in adults compared to children for all components of Aspergillus fumigatus, as well as for Mala s 5 and Mala s 11. In the rest of the cases, they decreased in adults compared to children. The sensitization rates to fungi in general and specifically to Alternaria were lower in the western parts of Ukraine, especially in the Carpathian region, situated within the Broad-leaved Forest zone. The results of Bayesian modeling revealed that in the case of Alt a 1, the simultaneous absence of sensitivity to Cla h 8, Mala s 11, Mala s 5 and Mala s 6 molecules could condition the presence of sensitization to the major Alternaria allergen with a probability of 92.42%. In all other cases, there was a high probability of absence of sensitivity to particular allergen against the background of absence of sensitivity to other ones, which may indicate the independent development of sensitization to different fungal allergens. Conclusions Sensitivity to Alt a 1 dominated in the studied population with a lower rate in the western regions. The highest median sIgE levels were induced by Alt a 1, Mala s 11 and Asp f 6. Bayesian Analysis suggest a high probability of the independent development of sensitization to different fungal allergens. The idea that sensitization to one allergen may be protective against sensitization to another one(s) requires further clinical study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Rodinkova
- Department of Pharmacy, National Pirogov Memorial Medical University, Vinnytsia, Ukraine
| | - Serhii Yuriev
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Allergology, Bohomolets National Medical University, Kyiv, Ukraine
- Medical Centre, DIVERO, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Vitalii Mokin
- Department of System Analysis and Information Technologies, Vinnytsia National Technical University, Vinnytsia, Ukraine
| | - Mariia Kryvopustova
- Medical Centre, DIVERO, Kyiv, Ukraine
- Department of Pediatrics No 2, Bohomolets National Medical University, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Dmytro Shmundiak
- Department of System Analysis and Information Technologies, Vinnytsia National Technical University, Vinnytsia, Ukraine
| | - Mykyta Bortnyk
- Department of Pharmacy, National Pirogov Memorial Medical University, Vinnytsia, Ukraine
- Vasyl’ Stus Donetsk National University, Vinnytsia, Ukraine
| | - Yevhenii Kryzhanovskyi
- Department of System Analysis and Information Technologies, Vinnytsia National Technical University, Vinnytsia, Ukraine
| | - Andrii Kurchenko
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Allergology, Bohomolets National Medical University, Kyiv, Ukraine
- Medical Centre, DIVERO, Kyiv, Ukraine
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Treadwell S, Green M, Gowda G, Levetin E, Carlson JC. Fungal Sensitization and Human Allergic Disease. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep 2024; 24:281-288. [PMID: 38575791 DOI: 10.1007/s11882-024-01144-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW Fungal sensitizations have been associated with hypersensitivity reactions with variable levels of evidence available to link types of fungi with human disease. We conducted systematic reviews of the literature to identify the strength of evidence linking lesser-studied fungi for which there are commercially available extracts to identify populations in which they were useful in clinical practice. RECENT FINDINGS Excluding five fungi for which hundreds of articles were identified, there are 54 articles on the remaining fungi with clinical data. For 12 of the fungi, the prevalence of fungal sensitization varies in different hypersensitivity disorders due to factors related to geographic areas, age, and other underlying medical conditions. There were no studies linking seven genera to human disease. Most of the commercially available fungal extracts are uncommonly associated with hypersensitivity reactions in humans. Specific extracts may be useful in particular disease states such as allergic fungal sinusitis or allergic bronchopulmonary mycosis, or when routine testing fails to identify a cause of uncontrolled disease, such as in asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scout Treadwell
- Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Avenue New, Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
| | - Maxwell Green
- Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Avenue New, Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
| | - Geetha Gowda
- Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Avenue New, Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
| | - Estelle Levetin
- University of Tulsa, 800 S. Tucker Drive, Tulsa, OK, 74104, USA
| | - John C Carlson
- Ochsner Health Center, 1401 Jefferson Hwy, New Orleans, LA, 70121, USA.
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5
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Rodríguez-Fernández A, Aloisi I, Blanco-Alegre C, Vega-Maray AM, Valencia-Barrera RM, Suanno C, Calvo AI, Fraile R, Fernández-González D. Identifying key environmental factors to model Alt a 1 airborne allergen presence and variation. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 917:170597. [PMID: 38307265 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
Fungal spores, commonly found in the atmosphere, can trigger important respiratory disorders. The glycoprotein Alt a 1 is the major allergen present in conidia of the genus Alternaria and has a high clinical relevance for people sensitized to fungi. Exposure to this allergen has been traditionally assessed by aerobiological spore counts, although this does not always offer an accurate estimate of airborne allergen load. This study aims to pinpoint the key factors that explain the presence and variation of Alt a 1 concentration in the atmosphere in order to establish exposure risk periods and improve forecasting models. Alternaria spores were sampled using a Hirst-type volumetric sampler over a five-year period. The allergenic fraction from the bioaerosol was collected using a low-volume cyclone sampler and Alt a 1 quantified by Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay. A cluster analysis was executed in order to group days with similar environmental features and then analyze days with the presence of the allergen in each of them. Subsequently, a quadratic discriminant analysis was performed to evaluate if the selected variables can predict days with high Alt a 1 load. The results indicate that higher temperatures and absolute humidity favor the presence of Alt a 1 in the atmosphere, while time of precipitation is related to days without allergen. Moreover, using the selected parameters, the quadratic discriminant analysis to predict days with allergen showed an accuracy rate between 67 % and 85 %. The mismatch between daily airborne concentration of Alternaria spores and allergen load can be explained by the greater contribution of medium-to-long distance transport of the allergen from the major emission sources as compared with spores. Results highlight the importance of conducting aeroallergen quantification studies together with spore counts to improve the forecasting models of allergy risk, especially for fungal spores.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Iris Aloisi
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Ana María Vega-Maray
- Department of Biodiversity and Environmental Management (Botany), University of León, León, Spain
| | | | - Chiara Suanno
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | | | - Delia Fernández-González
- Department of Biodiversity and Environmental Management (Botany), University of León, León, Spain; Institute of Atmospheric Sciences and Climate-CNR, Bologna, Italy
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6
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Yu X, Han Y, Liu J, Cao Y, Wang Y, Wang Z, Lyu J, Zhou Z, Yan Y, Zhang Y. Distribution characteristics and potential risks of bioaerosols during scattered farming. iScience 2023; 26:108378. [PMID: 38025774 PMCID: PMC10679821 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
In most economically underdeveloped areas, scattered farming and human‒livestock cohabitation are common. However, production of bioaerosols and their potential harm in these areas have not been previously researched. In this study, bioaerosol characteristics were analyzed in scattered farming areas in rural Northwest China. The highest bacteria, fungi, and Enterobacteria concentrations were 125609 ± 467 CFU/m³, 25175 ± 10305 CFU/m³, and 4167 ± 592 CFU/m³, respectively. Most bioaerosols had particle sizes >3.3 μm. A total of 71 bacterial genera and 16 fungal genera of potential pathogens were identified, including zoonotic potential pathogenic genera. Moreover, our findings showed that the scattered farming pattern of human‒animal cohabitation can affect the indoor air environment in the surrounding area, leading to chronic respiratory diseases in the occupants. Therefore, relevant government departments and farmers should enhance their awareness of bioaerosol risks and consider measures that may be taken to reduce them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuezheng Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Aquatic Chemistry, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, P.R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control and Remediation at Universities of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, College of Resources and Environmental engineering, Inner Mongolia University of Technology, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia 010051, PR China
| | - Yunping Han
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Aquatic Chemistry, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, P.R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P.R. China
| | - Jianguo Liu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control and Remediation at Universities of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, College of Resources and Environmental engineering, Inner Mongolia University of Technology, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia 010051, PR China
| | - Yingnan Cao
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control and Remediation at Universities of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, College of Resources and Environmental engineering, Inner Mongolia University of Technology, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia 010051, PR China
| | - Ying Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Aquatic Chemistry, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, P.R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P.R. China
| | - Zixuan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Aquatic Chemistry, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, P.R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control and Remediation at Universities of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, College of Resources and Environmental engineering, Inner Mongolia University of Technology, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia 010051, PR China
| | - Jinxin Lyu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control and Remediation at Universities of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, College of Resources and Environmental engineering, Inner Mongolia University of Technology, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia 010051, PR China
| | - Ziyu Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Aquatic Chemistry, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, P.R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control and Remediation at Universities of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, College of Resources and Environmental engineering, Inner Mongolia University of Technology, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia 010051, PR China
| | - Ying Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Aquatic Chemistry, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, P.R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control and Remediation at Universities of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, College of Resources and Environmental engineering, Inner Mongolia University of Technology, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia 010051, PR China
| | - Yuxiang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control and Remediation at Universities of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, College of Resources and Environmental engineering, Inner Mongolia University of Technology, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia 010051, PR China
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7
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Olsen Y, Arildskov E, Hansen SN, Pedersen M, Dharmage SC, Kloster M, Sigsgaard T. Outdoor Alternaria and Cladosporium spores and acute asthma. Clin Exp Allergy 2023; 53:1256-1267. [PMID: 37748858 DOI: 10.1111/cea.14397] [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: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Outdoor Alternaria and Cladosporium spores are ubiquitous. Few studies have assessed their impact on asthma hospitalizations providing conflicting results, mainly focused on vulnerable paediatric populations. We aimed to study the impact of outdoor Alternaria and Cladosporium concentrations on acute hospitalizations in the Capital Region of Denmark. METHODS This is a bi-directional case-crossover study with 26 years of national registry data at individual level on acute asthma hospitalizations and daily average data on Alternaria and Cladosporium, pollen (Artemisia, Poaceae), maximal temperature, and air pollution. Conditional logistic regression models were applied to assess the associations. Concentration quartiles at lag 0 were used for categorizing the exposure. RESULTS For lags 0-2, the odds of hospitalization were significantly higher for both Alternaria and Cladosporium at concentration quartile 2-4 compared with quartile 1. When stratified for age and sex, odds of hospitalization at Alternaria quartiles 2-4 were significantly higher in males below 40 years at lag 0-2, and at lag 0 in females (18-30 years), while quartiles 2-4 of Cladosporium concentrations were associated with significantly higher odds in boys (0-17 years) at lag 1-3, males (18-39 years) at lag 0-1, females (18-39 years) at lag 1-2, males (40-64 years) at lag 0-2, females (40-64 years) at lag 0 and 2, in seniors (65+ years) male at lag 1-2 and female at lag 0-1. The effect of Alternaria varied significantly depending on the level of Cladosporium (p < .0001). CONCLUSION Ambient Alternaria and Cladosporium spores can induce asthma hospitalizations. Males are more susceptible to both genera. Males and females under age 40 years are more susceptible to Alternaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulia Olsen
- Institute of Public Health & Danish Big Data Centre for Environment and Health (BERTHA), Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Elias Arildskov
- Department of Public Health - Section of Biostatistics, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Stefan Nygaard Hansen
- Department of Public Health - Section of Biostatistics, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Marianne Pedersen
- Department of Public Health - Section of Environment, Occupation & Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Shyamali C Dharmage
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Torben Sigsgaard
- Institute of Public Health & Danish Big Data Centre for Environment and Health (BERTHA), Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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8
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Kwong K, Robinson M, Sullivan A, Letovsky S, Liu AH, Valcour A. Fungal allergen sensitization: Prevalence, risk factors, and geographic variation in the United States. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2023; 152:1658-1668. [PMID: 37741553 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2023.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many fungal species are associated with the pathogenesis of allergic disease, yet most epidemiologic studies on IgE-mediated fungal sensitization have only included a few species. OBJECTIVE We investigated fungal allergen sensitization prevalence, risk factors, and geographic variation in the United States. METHODS From 2014 to 2019, a total of 7,912,504 serum-specific IgE (sIgE) test results for 17 fungal species were measured in 1,651,203 patients aged 0-85 years by a US-wide clinical laboratory. Fungal sensitization prevalence, patterns, and relationship with demographic characteristics, clinical diagnoses, and geographic regions were analyzed. RESULTS Twenty-two percent of patients were positive (sIgE > 0.10 kUA/L) to at least 1 fungal allergen; 13.7% were positive to >2 fungal allergens. Fungal species-specific positivity rates ranged 7.4-18.6% and were highest for Candida albicans (18.6%), Alternaria alternata (16.6%), Stemphylium herbarum (14.9%), and Aspergillus fumigatus (14.2%). Other fungi that were frequently tested had relatively low positivity rates (eg, Cladosporium herbarum 11.1%, Penicillium chrysogenum 10.7%). Independent risk factors for test positivity for all fungal species included male sex, teen age (highest in those aged 10-19 years), atopic dermatitis, and asthma. Fungal sensitization was generally higher in urban areas and ecoregions composed predominantly of grasslands and prairies compared to woodlands and forest, although there was greater variation in sensitization risk to different fungi in different ecoregions. CONCLUSION Independent risk factors for fungal sensitization include male sex, teen ages, atopic dermatitis, asthma, and ecoregion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenny Kwong
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Allergy-Immunology, Los Angeles County and University of Southern California Medical Center, Los Angeles, Calif.
| | | | | | | | - Andrew H Liu
- Pediatric Pulmonary & Sleep Medicine Section, and Breathing Institute, Children's Hospital Colorado and University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colo
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9
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Abel-Fernández E, Fernández-Caldas E. Allergy to fungi: Advances in the understanding of fungal allergens. Mol Immunol 2023; 163:216-223. [PMID: 37864931 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2023.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023]
Abstract
Allergic diseases are a major health problem due to their increasing incidence and high prevalence worldwide. Asthma has several aetiologies, and allergy plays an important role in its development in approximately 60% of adults and 80% of children and adolescents. Although the link between aeroallergen sensitization and asthma exacerbations has been long recognized, the investigations of the triggering allergens may be superficial in many asthma cases. The main allergenic sources related to asthma, and other allergic diseases, are pollens, mites, fungi, and animal epithelia. Fungi are considered the third most frequent cause of respiratory pathologies. Asthma caused by several fungi species may have a bad prognosis in some cases due to its severity and difficulty in avoidance methods. Despite the recognised relevance of fungi in respiratory allergies, the knowledge about fungal allergens seems to be scarce, with few descriptions of new allergens, compared to other allergenic sources. The study of major, minor, and cross-reactive fungal allergens, and their relevance in the allergic disease, might be crucial, not only to accurately diagnose these allergies, but also to predict exacerbations and responses to therapies, as well as for the development of personalized treatment plans in a fast-changing climate scenario.
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10
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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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11
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Zheng Y, Dang EV. Novel mechanistic insights underlying fungal allergic inflammation. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011623. [PMID: 37703276 PMCID: PMC10499257 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The worldwide prevalence of asthma and allergic disorders (allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, food allergy) has been steadily rising in recent decades. It is now estimated that up to 20% of the global population is afflicted by an allergic disease, with increasing incidence rates in both high- and low-income countries. The World Allergy Organization estimates that the total economic burden of asthma and allergic rhinitis alone is approximately $21 billion per year. While allergic stimuli are a complex and heterogenous class of inputs including parasites, pollens, food antigens, drugs, and metals, it has become clear that fungi are major drivers of allergic disease, with estimates that fungal sensitization occurs in 20-30% of atopic individuals and up to 80% of asthma patients. Fungi are eukaryotic microorganisms that can be found throughout the world in high abundance in both indoor and outdoor environments. Understanding how and why fungi act as triggers of allergic type 2 inflammation will be crucial for combating this important health problem. In recent years, there have been significant advances in our understanding of fungi-induced type 2 immunity, however there is still much we don't understand, including why fungi have a tendency to induce allergic reactions in the first place. Here, we will discuss how fungi trigger type 2 immune responses and posit why this response has been evolutionarily selected for induction during fungal encounter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufan Zheng
- Molecular Mycology and Immunity Section, Laboratory of Host Immunity and Microbiome, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Eric V. Dang
- Molecular Mycology and Immunity Section, Laboratory of Host Immunity and Microbiome, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
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12
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Hajhosseini M, Sharifi I, Bamorovat M, Karamoozian A, Amanizadeh A, Agha Kuchak Afshari S. Monitoring of airborne fungi during the second wave of COVID-19 in selected wards of the referral university hospital in southeastern Iran. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2023; 195:1132. [PMID: 37653110 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-023-11791-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Microbiological monitoring of the air hospital is essential for prevention and control, due to the possible airborne route of infection transmission, especially in high-risk wards. This study aimed to monitor the airborne fungi during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in selected wards of the biggest university educational hospital in Kerman, southeastern Iran. This study was conducted in 11 different wards, separated into the patient room and nursing station, of the Afzalipour hospital from May to August 2021. Fungal isolates were characterized to the species level by conventional and sequencing methods. Out of 93 obtained fungal colonies, 70 (75.3%) isolates were filamentous and 23 (24.7%) isolates were yeast. Aspergillus species were the predominant fungal isolates among the filamentous colonies (n=19; 27.1%), and Naganishia albida (formerly Cryptococcus albidus) was identified as the most common yeast isolate (n=13/23; 56.8%). The infectious ward was the most contaminated unit (n=19/93), while the least contaminated units were the neonatal intensive care unit (n=3/93), and oncology (n=3/93). The statistical findings displayed that the number of fungal isolates in patients' rooms is significantly higher than in nurses' stations (p-value=0.013). Our study demonstrated the presence of diverse fungal species in all wards of the hospital. Considering the presence of airborne fungi in hospitals and related public health problems is one of the critical issues for health systems management. In this regard, efficient monitoring of airborne fungi might play an influential role in hospital infection control and surveillance, particularly in high-risk hospitalization patients in critical wards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahdi Hajhosseini
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Environmental Science and Technology Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
- Medical Mycology and Bacteriology Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Iraj Sharifi
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mehdi Bamorovat
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Ali Karamoozian
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Faculty of Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Azam Amanizadeh
- Medical Mycology and Bacteriology Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Afzalipour Faculty of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Setareh Agha Kuchak Afshari
- Medical Mycology and Bacteriology Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Afzalipour Faculty of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
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Yang L, Li W, Qi S, Jiang Q, Huang N, Yang Y, Ma D, Zhang W, Chen H, Zhu R. A Survey of Airborne Fungi and Their Sensitization Profile in Wuhan, China. Int Arch Allergy Immunol 2023; 184:1153-1164. [PMID: 37611554 DOI: 10.1159/000531245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Airborne fungi induce allergic symptoms in 3-10% of the population worldwide. To better prevent and manage fungi-related allergic diseases, it is essential to identify the genus and the distribution profile of airborne fungi. METHODS With this purpose in mind, we carried out a 12-month volumetric sampling study to monitor the airborne fungi and retrospectively analyzed the sensitization profile of four dominant fungi (Cladosporium, Alternaria, Aspergillus, and Penicillium) among respiratory allergies during the same study period in Wuhan, China. RESULTS A total of 29 different fungal genuses were identified, and the peak fungal concentration period was found to be in September and October, followed by May and June. The most prevalent fungi in this area were Cladosporium (36.36%), Ustilago (20.12%), and Alternaria (13.87%). In addition, the skin prick test data from 1,365 respiratory allergies patients showed that 202 (14.80%) of them were sensitized to fungi. The sensitization rates to Cladosporium, Alternaria, Aspergillus, and Penicillium were 11.72%, 4.69%, 1.98%, and 4.76%, respectively. The seasonal fluctuation of Alternaria and Aspergillus correlated with their sensitization rates. Among the fungal sensitized patients, 76 (37.62%) were sensitized to two or more kinds of fungi. The serum-specific IgE tests suggested low to high correlations existed between these fungi; however, these correlations were not found between fungi and other allergens. CONCLUSION Our study provides the distribution profile and reveals the clinical significance of the airborne fungi in Wuhan, which will facilitate the precise management of fungal allergy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Yang
- Department of Allergy, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China,
- Institute of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China,
| | - Wenjing Li
- Department of Allergy, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shanshan Qi
- Department of Allergy, Wuhan No. 1 Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Qing Jiang
- Department of Allergy, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Nan Huang
- Department of Allergy, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yaqi Yang
- Department of Allergy, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Dongxia Ma
- Department of Allergy, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Allergy, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hao Chen
- Department of Allergy, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Institute of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Rongfei Zhu
- Department of Allergy, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Institute of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Hernández-Colín DD, Bedolla-Barajas M, Morales-Romero J, Robles-Figueroa M, Bedolla-Pulido A, del Rosario Arroyo-Sánchez N. Serum Vitamin D Is Inversely Associated with Blood Eosinophil Count Among Adults with Allergic Asthma. THORACIC RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2023; 24:208-213. [PMID: 37485710 PMCID: PMC10543388 DOI: 10.5152/thoracrespract.2023.22154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the role that serum vitamin D concentration plays in the number of eosinophils in peripheral blood in adults with allergic asthma. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 142 patients were categorized based on different cutoff points for eosinophils: ≥200, ≥300, ≥400, and ≥500 cells/mL. The vitamin D concentration was stratified into <20 and ≥20 ng/mL. The association between vitamin D (independent variable) and eosinophils (dependent variable) was explored using multivariate analysis. RESULTS The average number of eosinophils in the included patients was 418 cells/mL, and 33.8% of the included patients had vita- min D concentrations ≥20 ng/mL. Asthmatic patients with vitamin D< 20 ng/mL had a higher mean concentration of eosinophils than did asthmatic patients with vitamin D ≥20 ng/mL (464 ± 377.7 eosinophils/mL vs. 327.8 ± 247.2 eosinophils/mL, P = .025). We also observed that vitamin D was inversely correlated with eosinophil count (rho = 0.244, P = .003). In the multivariate analysis, vitamin D <20 ng/mL showed a significant inverse association with each cutoff value for eosinophilia (odds ratio >1). CONCLUSION Vitamin D concentrations <20 ng/mL are associated with a significant increase in the number of eosinophils in blood. Studies that analyze the use of vitamin D supplements as complementary therapy for the treatment of asthma are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dante Daniel Hernández-Colín
- Department of Allergy and Immunology, Nuevo Hospital Civil de Guadalajara “Dr. Juan I. Menchaca”, Guadalajara, México
| | - Martín Bedolla-Barajas
- Department of Allergy and Immunology, Nuevo Hospital Civil de Guadalajara “Dr. Juan I. Menchaca”, Guadalajara, México
| | | | - Martín Robles-Figueroa
- Department of Internal Medicine, Nuevo Hospital Civil de Guadalajara “Dr. Juan I. Menchaca”, Guadalajara, México
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15
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Beutner C, Wrobel C, Dombrowski T, Beutner D, Forkel S, Buhl T. Inconsistent Skin Prick Tests for Allergy to Birch Homologous Trees May Result from Cross-Reacting Allergens or Technical Errors. Int Arch Allergy Immunol 2023; 184:841-848. [PMID: 37271127 DOI: 10.1159/000530201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Skin prick tests (SPTs) are the gold standard for diagnosis of allergic rhinitis (AR). A decrease in the number of allergens included in standard SPT panels has recently been debated - particularly regarding the cross-reacting homologous pollen from birch, alder, and hazel trees - but has not yet been implemented in clinical guidelines. METHODS A subgroup of patients with AR (n = 69) who showed inconsistent SPT results among birch, alder, and hazel was investigated in detail. Beyond SPT, patient workup included assessment of clinical relevance and various serological parameters (total IgE, and specific IgE to birch, alder, and hazel and to Bet v 1, Bet v 2, and Bet v 4). RESULTS More than half the study group had negative SPT results for birch but positive results for alder and/or hazel, and 87% of the study group was polysensitized, showing at least one more positive SPT result for other plants. Whereas 30.4% of patients showed serological sensitization to birch pollen extract, only 18.8% displayed positive specific IgE to Bet v 1. Clinical assessment revealed that most patients with AR were polysensitized and had perennial symptoms or symptoms also occurring during times other than tree flowering times. If the SPT panel is limited to testing birch only, 52.2% of patients in this subgroup would have been overlooked. CONCLUSION Inconsistent SPT results in the birch homologous group may result from cross-reacting allergens or technical errors. If patients report convincing clinical symptoms despite negative results from a reduced SPT panel or inconsistent results for homologous allergens, SPT should be repeated, and molecular markers should be added to achieve a correct diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Beutner
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Christian Wrobel
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Tobias Dombrowski
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Dirk Beutner
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Susann Forkel
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Timo Buhl
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
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Rodríguez-Fernández A, Blanco-Alegre C, Vega-Maray AM, Valencia-Barrera RM, Molnár T, Fernández-González D. Effect of prevailing winds and land use on Alternaria airborne spore load. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 332:117414. [PMID: 36731420 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.117414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Alternaria spores are a common component of the bioaerosol. Many Alternaria species are plant pathogens, and their conidia are catalogued as important aeroallergens. Several aerobiological studies showing a strong relationship between concentrations of airborne spore and meteorological parameters have consequently been developed. However, the Alternaria airborne load variation has not been thoroughly investigated because it is difficult to assess their sources, as they are a very common and widely established phytopathogen. The objective of this study is to estimate the impact of vegetation and land uses as potential sources on airborne spore load and to know their influence, particularly, in cases of long-medium distance transport. The daily airborne spore concentration was studied over a 5-year period in León and Valladolid, two localities of Castilla y León (Spain), with differences in their bioclimatic and land use aspects. Moreover, the land use analysis carried out within a 30 km radius of each monitoring station was combined with air mass data in order to search for potential emission sources. The results showed a great spatial variation between the two areas, which are relatively close to each other. The fact that the spore concentrations recorded in Valladolid were higher than those in León was owing to prevailing winds originating from large areas covered by cereal crops, especially during the harvest period. However, the prevailing winds in León came from areas dominated by forest and shrubland, which explains the low airborne spore load, since the main Alternaria sources were the grasslands located next to the trap. Furthermore, the risk days in this location presented an unusual wind direction. This study reveals the importance of land cover and wind speed and direction data for establishing potential airborne routes of spore transport in order to improve the Alternaria forecasting models. The importance of conducting Alternaria aerobiological studies at a local level is also highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ana María Vega-Maray
- Department of Biodiversity and Environmental Management (Botany), University of León, León, Spain
| | | | - Tibor Molnár
- Institute of Agricultural Sciences and Rural Development. Szent István University, Szarvas, Hungary
| | - Delia Fernández-González
- Department of Biodiversity and Environmental Management (Botany), University of León, León, Spain; Institute of Atmospheric Sciences and Climate-CNR, Bologna, Italy
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Aspergillus Sensitization and Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis in Asthmatic Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:diagnostics13050922. [PMID: 36900068 PMCID: PMC10001349 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13050922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The prevalence of aspergillus sensitization (AS) and allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) in asthmatic children remains unclear. Objective: To systematically review the literature to estimate the prevalence of AS and ABPA in children with bronchial asthma. Methods: We searched the PubMed and Embase databases for studies reporting the prevalence of AS or ABPA in pediatric asthma. The primary outcome was to assess the prevalence of AS, while the secondary outcome was to evaluate the prevalence of ABPA. We pooled the prevalence estimates using a random effects model. We also calculated the heterogeneity and publication bias. Results: Of the 11,695 records retrieved, 16 studies with 2468 asthmatic children met the inclusion criteria. Most studies were published from tertiary centers. The pooled prevalence of AS in asthma (15 studies; 2361 subjects) was 16.1% (95% confidence intervals [CI], 9.3-24.3). The prevalence of AS was significantly higher in prospective studies, studies from India, and those from developing countries. The pooled prevalence of ABPA in asthma (5 studies; 505 children) was 9.9% (95% CI, 0.81-27.6). There was significant heterogeneity and publication bias for both outcomes. Conclusions: We found a high prevalence of AS and ABPA in asthmatic children. There is a need for community-based studies from different ethnicities using a standard methodology to ascertain the true prevalence of AS and ABPA in pediatric asthma.
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Dramburg S, Hilger C, Santos AF, de Las Vecillas L, Aalberse RC, Acevedo N, Aglas L, Altmann F, Arruda KL, Asero R, Ballmer-Weber B, Barber D, Beyer K, Biedermann T, Bilo MB, Blank S, Bosshard PP, Breiteneder H, Brough HA, Bublin M, Campbell D, Caraballo L, Caubet JC, Celi G, Chapman MD, Chruszcz M, Custovic A, Czolk R, Davies J, Douladiris N, Eberlein B, Ebisawa M, Ehlers A, Eigenmann P, Gadermaier G, Giovannini M, Gomez F, Grohman R, Guillet C, Hafner C, Hamilton RG, Hauser M, Hawranek T, Hoffmann HJ, Holzhauser T, Iizuka T, Jacquet A, Jakob T, Janssen-Weets B, Jappe U, Jutel M, Kalic T, Kamath S, Kespohl S, Kleine-Tebbe J, Knol E, Knulst A, Konradsen JR, Korošec P, Kuehn A, Lack G, Le TM, Lopata A, Luengo O, Mäkelä M, Marra AM, Mills C, Morisset M, Muraro A, Nowak-Wegrzyn A, Nugraha R, Ollert M, Palosuo K, Pastorello EA, Patil SU, Platts-Mills T, Pomés A, Poncet P, Potapova E, Poulsen LK, Radauer C, Radulovic S, Raulf M, Rougé P, Sastre J, Sato S, Scala E, Schmid JM, Schmid-Grendelmeier P, Schrama D, Sénéchal H, Traidl-Hoffmann C, Valverde-Monge M, van Hage M, van Ree R, Verhoeckx K, Vieths S, Wickman M, Zakzuk J, Matricardi PM, Hoffmann-Sommergruber K. EAACI Molecular Allergology User's Guide 2.0. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2023; 34 Suppl 28:e13854. [PMID: 37186333 DOI: 10.1111/pai.13854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Since the discovery of immunoglobulin E (IgE) as a mediator of allergic diseases in 1967, our knowledge about the immunological mechanisms of IgE-mediated allergies has remarkably increased. In addition to understanding the immune response and clinical symptoms, allergy diagnosis and management depend strongly on the precise identification of the elicitors of the IgE-mediated allergic reaction. In the past four decades, innovations in bioscience and technology have facilitated the identification and production of well-defined, highly pure molecules for component-resolved diagnosis (CRD), allowing a personalized diagnosis and management of the allergic disease for individual patients. The first edition of the "EAACI Molecular Allergology User's Guide" (MAUG) in 2016 rapidly became a key reference for clinicians, scientists, and interested readers with a background in allergology, immunology, biology, and medicine. Nevertheless, the field of molecular allergology is moving fast, and after 6 years, a new EAACI Taskforce was established to provide an updated document. The Molecular Allergology User's Guide 2.0 summarizes state-of-the-art information on allergen molecules, their clinical relevance, and their application in diagnostic algorithms for clinical practice. It is designed for both, clinicians and scientists, guiding health care professionals through the overwhelming list of different allergen molecules available for testing. Further, it provides diagnostic algorithms on the clinical relevance of allergenic molecules and gives an overview of their biology, the basic mechanisms of test formats, and the application of tests to measure allergen exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Dramburg
- Department of Pediatric Respiratory Medicine, Immunology and Critical Care Medicine, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christiane Hilger
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Alexandra F Santos
- Department of Women and Children's Health (Pediatric Allergy), School of Life Course Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
- Peter Gorer Department of Immunobiology, School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
- Children's Allergy Service, Evelina London, Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Rob C Aalberse
- Sanquin Research, Dept Immunopathology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Landsteiner Laboratory, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Nathalie Acevedo
- Institute for Immunological Research, University of Cartagena, Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, Colombia
| | - Lorenz Aglas
- Department of Biosciences and Medical Biology, Paris Lodron University Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Friedrich Altmann
- Department of Chemistry, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Karla L Arruda
- Department of Medicine, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Sao Paulo, Brasil, Brazil
| | - Riccardo Asero
- Ambulatorio di Allergologia, Clinica San Carlo, Paderno Dugnano, Italy
| | - Barbara Ballmer-Weber
- Klinik für Dermatologie und Allergologie, Kantonsspital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Domingo Barber
- Institute of Applied Molecular Medicine Nemesio Diez (IMMAND), Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad San Pablo CEU, CEU Universities, Madrid, Spain
- RETIC ARADyAL and RICORS Enfermedades Inflamatorias (REI), Madrid, Spain
| | - Kirsten Beyer
- Department of Pediatric Respiratory Medicine, Immunology and Critical Care Medicine, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Tilo Biedermann
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy Biederstein, School of Medicine, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Maria Beatrice Bilo
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
- Allergy Unit Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Ospedali Riuniti di Ancona, Torrette, Italy
| | - Simon Blank
- Center of Allergy and Environment (ZAUM), Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine and Helmholtz Center Munich, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Munich, Germany
| | - Philipp P Bosshard
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Heimo Breiteneder
- Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Helen A Brough
- Department of Women and Children's Health (Pediatric Allergy), School of Life Course Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
- Children's Allergy Service, Evelina London, Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Merima Bublin
- Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Dianne Campbell
- Department of Allergy and Immunology, Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Child and Adolescent Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Luis Caraballo
- Institute for Immunological Research, University of Cartagena, Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, Colombia
| | - Jean Christoph Caubet
- Pediatric Allergy Unit, Department of Child and Adolescent, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Giorgio Celi
- Centro DH Allergologia e Immunologia Clinica ASST- MANTOVA (MN), Mantova, Italy
| | | | - Maksymilian Chruszcz
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Adnan Custovic
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Rebecca Czolk
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
- Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Janet Davies
- Queensland University of Technology, Centre for Immunology and Infection Control, School of Biomedical Sciences, Herston, Queensland, Australia
- Metro North Hospital and Health Service, Emergency Operations Centre, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Nikolaos Douladiris
- Allergy Department, 2nd Paediatric Clinic, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Bernadette Eberlein
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy Biederstein, School of Medicine, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Motohiro Ebisawa
- Clinical Research Center for Allergy and Rheumatology, National Hospital Organization, Sagamihara National Hospital, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Anna Ehlers
- Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Immunology and Dermatology/ Allergology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Philippe Eigenmann
- Pediatric Allergy Unit, Department of Child and Adolescent, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Gabriele Gadermaier
- Department of Biosciences and Medical Biology, Paris Lodron University Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Mattia Giovannini
- Allergy Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Meyer Children's University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Francisca Gomez
- Allergy Unit IBIMA-Hospital Regional Universitario de Malaga, Malaga, Spain
- Spanish Network for Allergy research RETIC ARADyAL, Malaga, Spain
| | - Rebecca Grohman
- NYU Langone Health, Department of Internal Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Carole Guillet
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Christine Hafner
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital St. Poelten, Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences, St. Poelten, Austria
| | - Robert G Hamilton
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Michael Hauser
- Department of Biosciences and Medical Biology, Paris Lodron University Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Thomas Hawranek
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Paracelsus Private Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Hans Jürgen Hoffmann
- Institute for Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Respiratory Diseases and Allergy, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Tomona Iizuka
- Laboratory of Protein Science, Graduate School of Life Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Alain Jacquet
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Thilo Jakob
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Medical Center, Justus Liebig University Gießen, Gießen, Germany
| | - Bente Janssen-Weets
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
- Odense Research Center for Anaphylaxis, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Uta Jappe
- Division of Clinical and Molecular Allergology, Priority Research Area Asthma and Allergy, Research Center Borstel, Borstel, Germany
- Leibniz Lung Center, Airway Research Center North (ARCN), Member of the German Center for Lung Research, Germany
- Interdisciplinary Allergy Outpatient Clinic, Dept. of Pneumology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Marek Jutel
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Tanja Kalic
- Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital St. Poelten, Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences, St. Poelten, Austria
| | - Sandip Kamath
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
- Molecular Allergy Research Laboratory, College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Sabine Kespohl
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr- Universität Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Jörg Kleine-Tebbe
- Allergy & Asthma Center Westend, Outpatient Clinic and Clinical Research Center, Berlin, Germany
| | - Edward Knol
- Department of Immunology and Dermatology/ Allergology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - André Knulst
- Department of Immunology and Dermatology/ Allergology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jon R Konradsen
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Pediatric Allergy and Pulmonology Unit at Astrid Lindgren Children's Hospital, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Peter Korošec
- University Clinic of Respiratory and Allergic Diseases Golnik, Golnik, Slovenia
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Annette Kuehn
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Gideon Lack
- Department of Women and Children's Health (Pediatric Allergy), School of Life Course Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
- Peter Gorer Department of Immunobiology, School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
- Children's Allergy Service, Evelina London, Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Thuy-My Le
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Immunology and Dermatology/ Allergology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Andreas Lopata
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
- Molecular Allergy Research Laboratory, College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Olga Luengo
- RETIC ARADyAL and RICORS Enfermedades Inflamatorias (REI), Madrid, Spain
- Allergy Section, Internal Medicine Department, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mika Mäkelä
- Division of Allergy, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Pediatric Department, Skin and Allergy Hospital, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Clare Mills
- Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | | | - Antonella Muraro
- Food Allergy Referral Centre, Department of Woman and Child Health, Padua University Hospital, Padua, Italy
| | - Anna Nowak-Wegrzyn
- Division of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, Hassenfeld Children's Hospital, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Collegium Medicum, University of Warmia and Mazury, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Roni Nugraha
- Molecular Allergy Research Laboratory, College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
- Department of Aquatic Product Technology, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia
| | - Markus Ollert
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
- Odense Research Center for Anaphylaxis, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Kati Palosuo
- Department of Allergology, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Sarita Ulhas Patil
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology, Departments of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Thomas Platts-Mills
- Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | | | - Pascal Poncet
- Institut Pasteur, Immunology Department, Paris, France
- Allergy & Environment Research Team Armand Trousseau Children Hospital, APHP, Paris, France
| | - Ekaterina Potapova
- Department of Pediatric Respiratory Medicine, Immunology and Critical Care Medicine, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Lars K Poulsen
- Allergy Clinic, Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Copenhagen University Hospital-Herlev and Gentofte, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Christian Radauer
- Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Suzana Radulovic
- Department of Women and Children's Health (Pediatric Allergy), School of Life Course Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
- Children's Allergy Service, Evelina London, Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Monika Raulf
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr- Universität Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Pierre Rougé
- UMR 152 PharmaDev, IRD, Université Paul Sabatier, Faculté de Pharmacie, Toulouse, France
| | - Joaquin Sastre
- Allergy Service, Fundación Jiménez Díaz; CIBER de Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES); Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sakura Sato
- Allergy Department, 2nd Paediatric Clinic, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Enrico Scala
- Clinical and Laboratory Molecular Allergy Unit - IDI- IRCCS, Fondazione L M Monti Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Johannes M Schmid
- Department of Respiratory Diseases and Allergy, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Peter Schmid-Grendelmeier
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Christine Kühne Center for Allergy Research and Education CK-CARE, Davos, Switzerland
| | - Denise Schrama
- Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR), Universidade do Algarve, Faro, Portugal
| | - Hélène Sénéchal
- Allergy & Environment Research Team Armand Trousseau Children Hospital, APHP, Paris, France
| | - Claudia Traidl-Hoffmann
- Christine Kühne Center for Allergy Research and Education CK-CARE, Davos, Switzerland
- Department of Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Marcela Valverde-Monge
- Allergy Service, Fundación Jiménez Díaz; CIBER de Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES); Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marianne van Hage
- Department of Medicine Solna, Division of Immunology and Allergy, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ronald van Ree
- Department of Experimental Immunology and Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Kitty Verhoeckx
- Department of Immunology and Dermatology/ Allergology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Stefan Vieths
- Division of Allergology, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Langen, Germany
| | - Magnus Wickman
- Department of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Josefina Zakzuk
- Institute for Immunological Research, University of Cartagena, Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, Colombia
| | - Paolo M Matricardi
- Department of Pediatric Respiratory Medicine, Immunology and Critical Care Medicine, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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19
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González-Alonso M, Boldeanu M, Koritnik T, Gonçalves J, Belzner L, Stemmler T, Gebauer R, Grewling Ł, Tummon F, Maya-Manzano JM, Ariño AH, Schmidt-Weber C, Buters J. Alternaria spore exposure in Bavaria, Germany, measured using artificial intelligence algorithms in a network of BAA500 automatic pollen monitors. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 861:160180. [PMID: 36403848 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Although Alternaria spores are well-known allergenic fungal spores, automatic bioaerosol recognition systems have not been trained to recognize these particles until now. Here we report the development of a new algorithm able to classify Alternaria spores with BAA500 automatic bioaerosol monitors. The best validation score was obtained when the model was trained on both data from the original dataset and artificially generated images, with a validation unweighted mean Intersection over Union (IoU), also called Jaccard Index, of 0.95. Data augmentation techniques were applied to the training set. While some particles were not recognized (false negatives), false positives were few. The results correlated well with manual counts (mean of four Hirst-type traps), with R2 = 0.78. Counts from BAA500 were 1.92 times lower than with Hirst-type traps. The algorithm was then used to re-analyze the historical automatic pollen monitoring network (ePIN) dataset (2018-2022), which lacked Alternaria spore counts. Re-analysis of past data showed that Alternaria spore exposure in Bavaria was very variable, with the highest counts in the North (Marktheidenfeld, 154 m a.s.l.), and the lowest values close to the mountains in the South (Garmisch-Partenkirchen, 735 m a.s.l.). This approach shows that in our network future algorithms can be run on past datasets. Over time, the use of different algorithms could lead to misinterpretations as stemming from climate change or other phenological causes. Our approach enables consistent, homogeneous treatment of long-term series, thus preventing variability in particle counts owing to changes in the algorithms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mónica González-Alonso
- Center of Allergy & Environment (ZAUM), Technical University/Helmholtzzentrum Munich, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich 80802, Germany; University of Navarra, Environmental Biology and BIOMA, Pamplona 31008, Spain
| | - Mihai Boldeanu
- Polytechnic University of Bucharest, CAMPUS lab, Bucharest 060042, Romania
| | - Tom Koritnik
- National Laboratory of Health, Environment and Food, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
| | - Jose Gonçalves
- National Laboratory of Health, Environment and Food, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia; Institute of Sustainable Processes of the University of Valladolid, Valladolid 47011, Spain; University of Valladolid, Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, Valladolid 47011, Spain
| | - Lenz Belzner
- Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt, Esplanade 10, Ingolstadt 85049, Germany
| | | | - Robert Gebauer
- Center of Allergy & Environment (ZAUM), Technical University/Helmholtzzentrum Munich, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich 80802, Germany; IT consulting Robert Gebauer, Germany
| | - Łukasz Grewling
- Adam Mickiewicz University, Laboratory of Aerobiology, Department of Systematic and Environmental Botany, Poznań 61-712, Poland
| | - Fiona Tummon
- Federal Office of Meteorology and Climatology (MeteoSwiss), Payerne CH-1530, Switzerland
| | - Jose M Maya-Manzano
- Center of Allergy & Environment (ZAUM), Technical University/Helmholtzzentrum Munich, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich 80802, Germany
| | - Arturo H Ariño
- University of Navarra, Environmental Biology and BIOMA, Pamplona 31008, Spain
| | - Carsten Schmidt-Weber
- Center of Allergy & Environment (ZAUM), Technical University/Helmholtzzentrum Munich, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich 80802, Germany
| | - Jeroen Buters
- Center of Allergy & Environment (ZAUM), Technical University/Helmholtzzentrum Munich, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich 80802, Germany.
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20
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Recent Advances in the Allergic Cross-Reactivity between Fungi and Foods. J Immunol Res 2022; 2022:7583400. [PMID: 36249419 PMCID: PMC9568318 DOI: 10.1155/2022/7583400] [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: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Airborne fungi are one of the most ubiquitous kinds of inhalant allergens which can result in allergic diseases. Fungi tend to grow in warm and humid environments with regional and seasonal variations. Their nomenclature and taxonomy are related to the sensitization of immunoglobulin E (IgE). Allergic cross-reactivity among different fungal species appears to be widely existing. Fungus-related foods, such as edible mushrooms, mycoprotein, and fermented foods by fungi, can often induce to fungus food allergy syndrome (FFAS) by allergic cross-reactivity with airborne fungi. FFAS may involve one or more target organs, including the oral mucosa, the skin, the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts, and the cardiovascular system, with various allergic symptoms ranging from oral allergy syndrome (OAS) to severe anaphylaxis. This article reviews the current knowledge on the field of allergic cross-reactivity between fungal allergens and related foods, as well as the diagnosis and treatment on FFAS.
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21
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Anees-Hill S, Douglas P, Pashley CH, Hansell A, Marczylo EL. A systematic review of outdoor airborne fungal spore seasonality across Europe and the implications for health. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 818:151716. [PMID: 34800445 PMCID: PMC8919338 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.151716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Fungal spores make up a significant proportion of organic matter within the air. Allergic sensitisation to fungi is associated with conditions including allergic fungal airway disease. This systematic review analyses outdoor fungal spore seasonality across Europe and considers the implications for health. Seventy-four studies met the inclusion criteria, the majority of which (n = 64) were observational sampling studies published between 1978 and 2020. The most commonly reported genera were the known allergens Alternaria and Cladosporium, measured in 52 and 49 studies, respectively. Both displayed statistically significant increased season length in south-westerly (Mediterranean) versus north-easterly (Atlantic and Continental) regions. Although there was a trend for reduced peak or annual Alternaria and Cladosporium spore concentrations in more northernly locations, this was not statistically significant. Peak spore concentrations of Alternaria and Cladosporium exceeded clinical thresholds in nearly all locations, with median peak concentrations of 665 and 18,827 per m3, respectively. Meteorological variables, predominantly temperature, precipitation and relative humidity, were the main factors associated with fungal seasonality. Land-use was identified as another important factor, particularly proximity to agricultural and coastal areas. While correlations of increased season length or decreased annual spore concentrations with increasing average temperatures were reported in multi-decade sampling studies, the number of such studies was too small to make any definitive conclusions. Further, up-to-date studies covering underrepresented geographical regions and fungal taxa (including the use of modern molecular techniques), and the impact of land-use and climate change will help address remaining knowledge gaps. Such knowledge will help to better understand fungal allergy, develop improved fungal spore calendars and forecasts with greater geographical coverage, and promote increased awareness and management strategies for those with allergic fungal disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Anees-Hill
- Centre for Environmental Health and Sustainability, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7LW, UK; The National Institute of Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Environmental Exposures and Health, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7LW, UK.
| | - Philippa Douglas
- The National Institute of Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Environmental Exposures and Health, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7LW, UK; Environmental Hazards and Emergencies Department, UK Health Security Agency, Harwell Campus, Chilton, Oxfordshire OX11 0RQ, UK.
| | - Catherine H Pashley
- The National Institute of Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Environmental Exposures and Health, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7LW, UK; Department of Respiratory Sciences, Institute for Lung Health, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK.
| | - Anna Hansell
- Centre for Environmental Health and Sustainability, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7LW, UK; The National Institute of Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Environmental Exposures and Health, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7LW, UK.
| | - Emma L Marczylo
- The National Institute of Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Environmental Exposures and Health, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7LW, UK; Toxicology Department, UK Health Security Agency, Harwell Campus, Chilton, Oxfordshire OX11 0RQ, UK.
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22
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What should be tested in patients with suspected mold exposure? Usefulness of serological markers for the diagnosis. Allergol Select 2022; 6:118-132. [PMID: 35392215 PMCID: PMC8982061 DOI: 10.5414/alx02298e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The associations of mold exposure, IgE-mediated sensitization, inflammatory markers, and respiratory symptoms were analyzed in 46 exposed and 23 non-exposed individuals. Both exposure and clinical symptoms were assessed by questionnaire. Specific (s)IgE to mold mixture (mx1) was significantly higher and found more frequently in exposed (41%) than non-exposed individuals (17%), which was not observed for sIgG to mold mix (Gmx6). Notably, exposed asthmatics were more frequently sensitized to molds (55%) compared to exposed non-asthmatics (18%). In addition, the serum concentrations of club cell protein (CC16) were significantly lower in exposed subjects, especially in asthmatics. Positive associations were observed among mold sensitization, asthma, and mold exposure, but not in subjects with predominantly environmental sensitizations without mold sensitization. Thus, sIgE to mx1 but not sIgG to Gmx6 is a useful diagnostic marker to verify mold-associated respiratory symptoms.
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23
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Fungal Allergen and Mold Allergy Diagnosis: Role and Relevance of Alternaria alternata Alt a 1 Protein Family. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8030277. [PMID: 35330279 PMCID: PMC8954643 DOI: 10.3390/jof8030277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Alternaria is a genus of worldwide fungi found in different habitats such as soil, the atmosphere, plants or indoor environments. Alternaria species are saprobic—largely involved in the decomposition of organic material—but they can also act as animal pathogens, causing disease in humans and animals, developing infections, toxicosis and allergic diseases. A. alternata is considered one of the most important sources of fungal allergens worldwide and it is associated with severe asthma and respiratory status. Among the A. alternata allergens, Alt a 1 is the main sensitizing allergen and its usefulness in diagnosis and immunotherapy has been demonstrated. Alt a 1 seems to define a protein family that can be used to identify related pathogenic fungi in plants and fruits, and to establish taxonomic relationships between the different fungal divisions.
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24
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Álvarez Castelló M, Almaguer Chávez M. Climate Change and Allergies. Fungal Biol 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-89664-5_13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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25
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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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26
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Hernandez-Ramirez G, Barber D, Tome-Amat J, Garrido-Arandia M, Diaz-Perales A. Alternaria as an Inducer of Allergic Sensitization. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7100838. [PMID: 34682259 PMCID: PMC8539034 DOI: 10.3390/jof7100838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Alternaria alternata is a saprophytic mold whose spores are disseminated in warm dry air, the typical weather of the Mediterranean climate region (from 30° to 45°), with a peak during the late summer and early autumn. Alternaria spores are known to be biological contaminants and a potent source of aeroallergens. One consequence of human exposure to Alternaria is an increased risk of developing asthma, with Alt a 1 as its main elicitor and a marker of primary sensitization. Although the action mechanism needs further investigation, a key role of the epithelium in cytokine production, TLR-activated alveolar macrophages and innate lymphoid cells in the adaptive response was demonstrated. Furthermore, sensitization to A. alternata seems to be a trigger for the development of co-sensitization to other allergen sources and may act as an exacerbator of symptoms and an elicitor of food allergies. The prevalence of A. alternata allergy is increasing and has led to expanding research on the role of this fungal species in the induction of IgE-mediated respiratory diseases. Indeed, recent research has allowed new perspectives to be considered in the assessment of exposure and diagnosis of fungi-induced allergies, although more studies are needed for the standardization of immunotherapy formulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guadalupe Hernandez-Ramirez
- Centro de Biotecnología Y Genómica de Plantas (CBGP, UPM-INIA), Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM), Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), 28223 Madrid, Spain; (G.H.-R.); (J.T.-A.); (M.G.-A.)
- Departamento de Biotecnología-Biología Vegetal, Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería Agronómica, Alimentaria y de Biosistemas, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Domingo Barber
- Departamento de Ciencias Médicas Básicas, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Medicina Molecular Aplicada (IMMA), Universidad San Pablo CEU, CEU Universities, 28925 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Jaime Tome-Amat
- Centro de Biotecnología Y Genómica de Plantas (CBGP, UPM-INIA), Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM), Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), 28223 Madrid, Spain; (G.H.-R.); (J.T.-A.); (M.G.-A.)
| | - Maria Garrido-Arandia
- Centro de Biotecnología Y Genómica de Plantas (CBGP, UPM-INIA), Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM), Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), 28223 Madrid, Spain; (G.H.-R.); (J.T.-A.); (M.G.-A.)
- Departamento de Biotecnología-Biología Vegetal, Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería Agronómica, Alimentaria y de Biosistemas, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Araceli Diaz-Perales
- Centro de Biotecnología Y Genómica de Plantas (CBGP, UPM-INIA), Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM), Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), 28223 Madrid, Spain; (G.H.-R.); (J.T.-A.); (M.G.-A.)
- Departamento de Biotecnología-Biología Vegetal, Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería Agronómica, Alimentaria y de Biosistemas, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM), 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence:
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