Allergological diagnostics following mold exposure

作者：Ochmann U^*; Nowak D

来源：Allergologie, 2012, 35(12): 620-623.

DOI：10.5414/ALX01528

• fungal allergens
• allergic diseases
• allergological diagnostics
• occupational exposure

Allergological diagnostics following mold exposureExposure to fungal allergens can induce Type I allergy, in rare cases a hypersensitive pneumonitis and an allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis in patients with pre-existing lung diseases. Fungal allergens are ubiquitous, higher exposures at workplace are caused by moldy walls or handling contaminated working material. Prevalence of fungal sensitization is not known exactly, due to an overwhelming number of fungal species and the lack of standardized allergen extracts. Diagnostics should be accomplished according to guidelines using skin- and IgE-testing. Additional indirect analysis of IgE-antibodies is advised in individual cases. Specific IgG-antibodies should only be tested if there is clinical evidence to hypersensitive pneumonitis. An isolated Type IV allergy caused by molds is unknown, lymphocyte transformation tests are not reasonable according to scientific evidence. Future development of recombinant allergens may improve diagnostics of fungal allergies.

• 出版日期2012-12