1 research outputs found
Air- and Dust-Borne Fungi in Indoor and Outdoor Home of Allergic Patients in a Dust-Storm-Affected Area
Despite the recent increases in fungi-induced allergic diseases
there is no report yet in the region of the Persian Gulf on
concentration levels of fungi in relationship with health state.
Therefore, our aim was to measure fungi prevalence as well as
to evaluate the relationships between air- and dust-borne fungal
genera and allergic diseases. A matched case-control study was
carried out including 45 allergic cases and 45 age- and gendermatched
controls for each individual. Indoor and outdoor dust
and indoor air samples were collected from participant homes
during May to October 2015. A Quick Take 30 Pump and sterile
wet swab were used to determine fungal types and their
amounts in the air (CFU/m3) and dust (CFU/100 cm2) samples,
respectively. A significant reverse association was found between
indoor dust-borne Alternaria and asthma (Odds ratio (OR) = 0.14,
95% CI = 0.02–0.86). Contrarily, increased levels of indoor airborne
Aspegillus fumigatus (OR = 2.00, 95% CI = 0.37–10.55)
and Alternaria (OR = 3.00, 95% CI = 0.34–25.83) were correlated
with asthma development. Also, correlation analysis showed a
significant relation between indoor air-borne Penicillium levels
and reactivity to skin prick test in asthmatic patients (p = 0.04).
Our findings support the notion that fungal exposures can either
cause or prevent the development of allergic diseases.
Accordingly, appropriate measures should be taken for a better
management of fungi-induced allergic disease