Annual analysis of correlations between atmospheric fungal spore concentrations, meteorological parameters, asthma and rhinitis scores in Adana, Turkey

29th Congress of the European-Academy-of-Allergy-and-Clinical-Immunology (EAACI) -- JUN 05-09, 2010 -- London, ENGLANDWOS: 000329462100400…European Acad Allergy and Clin Immuno

Effect of outdoor fungus concentrations on symptom severity of children with asthma and/or rhinitis monosensitized to molds

PubMedID: 18595525Although the relationship between asthma severity and exposure to airborne fungi has been well studied, little is known about the contribution of outdoor molds to the symptoms of children monosensitized to molds. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of outdoor mold spore concentrations on daily asthma and/or rhinitis scores in children monosensitized to molds. Nineteen children with asthma and/or rhinitis sensitized only to molds recorded their daily symptoms and PEF values to the diaries, from February 2005 to January 2006. Additionally, mold spores were measured daily using a Burkard 7-day recording volumetric spore trap in city atmosphere and compared with meteorological data. Total number of mold spores in atmosphere was found to be 352,867 spore/m3 during the study period. Cladosporium (53%) was the most common encountered outdoor fungi, followed by Altemaria (29%) and 1-septate Ascospore (3%). Outdoor fungi concentrations were significantly correlated with mean monthly rhinitis score (r = 0.877, p < 0.001) and mean monthly asthma score (r = 0.831, p = 0.001), and mean monthly morning PEF (r = -0.741, p = 0.006) and evening PEF (r = -0.720, p = 0.008), and climatic conditions. The effect of outdoor fungi was highly evident on the symptoms of our patients with asthma and/or rhinitis monosensitized to molds

The effects of meteorological factors and Alternaria spore concentrations on children sensitised to Alternaria

PubMedID: 20089344Background: Alternaria is the most important fungal species belonging to the class Deuteromycetes which causes allergic respiratory diseases. The fungus pattern often shows a pronounced seasonal periodicity and with fluctuations related to meteorological conditions. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of outdoor Alternaria spore concentrations on monthly lung function tests, symptoms, and medication scores in children sensitised only to Alternaria. Additionally, we planned to determine the Alternaria spores of the outdoor environment in Adana, with special respect to their relationships with meteorological conditions and their seasonal changes. Methods: Twenty-five patients with a clinical diagnosis of asthma and/or rhinitis sensitised only to Alternaria were enrolled in the prospective study. Meteorological data and outdoor samples of airborne fungi were obtained between November 2006 and October 2007. Results: The outdoor Alternaria spore concentrations were significantly correlated with the monthly average temperature (r=0.626, p=0.03) and monthly average barometric pressure (r=-0.613, p=0.03). Similarly, the outdoor Alternaria spore concentrations were significantly correlated with mean monthly asthma medication score (r=0.599, p=0.04), value monthly PEF (r=-0.737, p=0.006), value monthly FEF25-75% (r=-0.914, p=0.0001) and, variation in PEF (r=0.901, p=0.0001). Conclusions: The atmospheric concentration of Alternaria spores are markedly affected by meteorological factors such as air temperatures and barometric pressures. In hypersensitive patients, Alternaria spores can induce decreases in respiratory functions and development of allergic symptoms between May and September, being especially more influential in August. © 2009 SEICAP

Atmospheric concentration of cladosporium and alternaria spores in Adana and preparation of protein extracts for use in skin-prick test

30th Congress of the European-Academy-of-Allergy-and-Clinical-Immunology (EAACI) -- JUN 11-15, 2011 -- Istanbul, TURKEYWOS: 000329462201013…European Acad Allergy & Clin Immunol (EAACI

Characteristics and Trends of Selected Pollen Seasons Recorded in Parma (Northern Italy) from 1994 to 2011

This study examines variations in the start date, end date, duration, date of peak, peak value and Seasonal Pollen Index (SPI) of airborne pollen seasons recorded in Parma, Northern Italy, in relation to meteorological data (1994–2011). Pollen data were collected in the city of Parma by volumetric spore trap. The following taxa were analysed: Alnus, Ambrosia, Artemisia, Betula, Amaranthaceae, Corylus, Cupressaceae, Plantago, Platanus, Poaceae and Urticaceae. Spearman’s rank correlation tests were used to establish whether significant relationships existed between the different characteristics of the pollen seasons. Simple linear regression analysis was also carried out in order to investigate trends over time. Only 12 % of the 66 characteristics examined showed significant changes over the study period. Temperatures increased significantly during the spring, but this did not appear to have a corresponding impact on seasonal characteristics related to the timing of pollen seasons (i.e. start date, peak date and end date). All of the observed changes were associated with characteristics that can be related to exposure (i.e. duration, peak value and SPI). For arboreal taxa, the SPI of Betula decreased significantly, and Platanus pollen seasons became significantly shorter. For herbaceous species, the SPI and peak values of Artemisia became significantly lower, whereas the SPI and peak values of Ambrosia became significantly higher. The SPI of Poaceae and Urticaceae also decreased significantly. The results of correlation analysis showed that various characteristics of pollen seasons are significantly related. This study provides an essential baseline for determining exposure of the allergic population to allergenic pollen and aids understanding of the incidence of pollinosis in Parma. Gaps still exist in current knowledge; not least, the need to quantify the degree of influence exerted by some of the principal factors driving environmental change, climate and land use