Context: Burden of fungal allergic diseases to human is broad and still need much clarification about prevalence of its related disease. Asthma deaths, hospital admissions, respiratory symptoms and pulmonary functions can be adversely affected by high fungal spore concentrations in outdoor air. Aim: to evaluate the prevalence of sensitization to various species of mould and yeast allergens among other common aeroallergens in Egyptian patients with respiratory allergy diseases. Patients and Methods: 200 patients with allergic bronchial asthma and / or allergic rhinitis were selected from those followed up at the Allergy and Clinical Immunology Clinic at Ain Shams University Hospitals. For each patient; detailed allergic history and clinical examination were done. Asthma control level and severity of allergic rhinitis has been classified according to 2015 GINA report and ARIA 2008, respectively. In addition, CBC, spirometry and skin prick test (SPT) to 10 mould allergens beside other 6 common aeroallergens, positive and negative controls were done. Statistical analysis used: Statistical package of social sciences (Chicago, ILL Company) was used. Results: The results revealed that 74 % had positive results to at least one allergen extract. Out of SPT positive subjects, 41.9% showed positivity towards fungal allergen. Alternaria alternate and Pencillium mix each represents 32.2% of positive fungal sensitivity patients. Also 38.9 % of poorly controlled asthmatic patient's category was fungal sensitized, whereas, the percentage in well controlled was 30.8% and it was significant finding as P value 0.02. Conclusions: fungal sensitivity is clearly correlated with respiratory allergic disease and its severity. |
