scholarly journals Indoor Exposure to Mould Allergens

2011 ◽  
Vol 62 (4) ◽  
pp. 371-380 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ljerka Prester
Keyword(s):  
Aspergillus Fumigatus ◽  
Alternaria Alternata ◽  
Respiratory Diseases ◽  
Polyclonal Antibodies ◽  
Indoor Environments ◽  
Indoor Exposure ◽  
Poultry Farms ◽  
Asp F 1 ◽  
Immunosorbent Assays

Indoor Exposure to Mould AllergensHumid indoor environments may be colonised by allergenic filamentous microfungi (moulds),Aspergillusspp.,Penicilliumspp.,Cladosporiumspp., andAlternariaspp. in particular. Mould-induced respiratory diseases are a worldwide problem. In the last two decades, mould allergens and glucans have been used as markers of indoor exposure to moulds. Recently, mould allergens Alt a 1 (Alternaria alternata) and Asp f 1 (Aspergillus fumigatus) have been analysed in various environments (residential and occupational) with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, which use monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies. Household Alt a 1 and Asp f 1 levels were usually under the limit of the method detection. By contrast, higher levels of mould allergens were found in environments with high levels of bioaerosols such as poultry farms and sawmills. Data on allergen Alt a 1 and Asp f 1 levels in agricultural settings may provide information on possible colonisation of respective moulds and point out to mould-related diseases in occupants.

scholarly journals Determination of Aspergillus Fumigatus Allergen 1 in Poultry Farms Using the Enzyme Immunoassay

2010 ◽  
Vol 61 (2) ◽  
pp. 167-173 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ljerka Prester ◽  
Jelena Macan ◽  
Kristina Matković ◽  
Marija Vučemilo
Keyword(s):  
Aspergillus Fumigatus ◽  
Enzyme Immunoassay ◽  
Limit Of Detection ◽  
Major Allergen ◽  
Indoor Dust ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Poultry Farms ◽  
Asp F 1 ◽  
Common Genus

Determination ofAspergillus FumigatusAllergen 1 in Poultry Farms Using the Enzyme ImmunoassayPoultry farms contain high levels of allergenic fungi, andAspergillusspp. is the most common genus of moulds.Aspergillus fumigatusantigens are responsible for the development of several respiratory diseases including asthma. The aim of this study was to measure the mass fraction of Asp f 1, a major allergen ofAsperillus fumigatusin 37 indoor dust samples collected from four poultry farms in a rural area of the Zagreb County (Croatia) using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. More than 62 % of dust samples had detectable Asp f 1 levels (limit of detection 3.6 ng g-1). The overall mean Asp f 1 level was 17.9 ng g-1[range (3.8 to 72.4) ng g-1]. Satisfactory results were obtained for analytical within-run imprecision (6.7 %), between-run imprecision (10.5 %), and accuracy (91 % to 115 %). Microclimate parameters (air temperature, relative humidity, and velocity) were within the recommended ranges in all poultry farms. This study has shown that Asp f 1 settles on dust at poultry farms and that occupational exposure to this allergen deserves monitoring in livestock buildings.

scholarly journals PRESENTATION PATTERN AND FUNGAL AGENTS SPECTRUM CAUSING OTOMMYCOSIS

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 408
Author(s):  
Kassim Dekhil
Keyword(s):  
Candida Albicans ◽  
Aspergillus Niger ◽  
Aspergillus Fumigatus ◽  
Influencing Factors ◽  
Aspergillus Flavus ◽  
Species Distribution ◽  
Alternaria Alternata ◽  
Otitis Externa ◽  
Fungal Species ◽  
The Public

 Objective: This study was aimed to identify the public pattern of presentation, influencing factors, and sort the fungal species, distribution of sex of patients with otomycosis.Results: The predominant complaints were pruritus and found in 76 patients (88.73%), discomfort and pain found in 62 patients (72.09%), aural fullness in 48 patients (55.81%), tinnitus in 34 patients (39.53%), hearing impairment in 50 cases (58.31%), ear discharge in 22 patients (25.58%), and most of the symptoms seen in 36 patients (68.14%). The results showed a total of eight fungal species belong to six different genera, namely, Aspergillus, Candida, Penicillium, Rhizopus, Alternaria, and Cephalosporium were isolated during this study. Among identified fungi, Aspergillus niger was found to be the most prevalent fungal species with 35.71% followed by Candida albicans (27.55%), Aspergillus flavus (10.20%), Aspergillus fumigatus (8.16), Penicillium digitatum (6.12%) and Cephalosporium species (4.08%), and Rhizopus species (5.1%), while Alternaria alternata had the lowest percentage (6.54%).Conclusion: Otomycosis/mycotic otitis externa is still a common problem and there is a rise in the occurrence of otomycosis in latest years, especially in tropical and subtropical humid climates.

scholarly journals Azole-Resistant Aspergillus fumigatus Harboring the TR34/L98H Mutation: First Report in Portugal in Environmental Samples

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 57
Author(s):  
Paulo Gonçalves ◽  
Aryse Melo ◽  
Marta Dias ◽  
Beatriz Almeida ◽  
Liliana Aranha Caetano ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Aspergillus Fumigatus ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Treatment Success ◽  
Acquired Resistance ◽  
Sensu Stricto ◽  
Indoor Environments ◽  
Intrinsic Resistance ◽  
Healthcare Facilities ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Respiratory Protective Devices

Introduction: The frequency in detection of azole-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus isolates has increased since 2010. In Portugal, the section Fumigati is one of the most frequent, and resistant strains to have been found in clinical and environmental contexts. Although several cryptic species within the Fumigati section show intrinsic resistance to azoles, one factor driving (acquired) resistance is selective pressure deriving from the extensive use of azoles. This is particularly problematic in occupational environments where high fungal loads are expected, and where there is an increased risk of human exposure and infection, with impact on treatment success and disease outcome. The mechanisms of resistance are diverse, but mainly associated with mutations in the cyp51A gene. Despite TR34/L98H being the most frequent mutation described, it has only been detected in clinical specimens in Portugal. Methods: We analyzed 99 A. fumigatus isolates from indoor environments (healthcare facilities, spas, one dairy and one waste sorting unit) collected from January 2018 to February 2019 in different regions of Portugal. Isolates were screened for resistance to itraconazole, voriconazole and posaconazole by culture, and resistance was confirmed by broth microdilution. Sequencing of the cyp51A gene and its promoter was performed to detect mutations associated with resistance. Results: Overall, 8.1% of isolates were able to grow in the presence of at least one azole, and 3% (isolated from the air in a dairy and from filtering respiratory protective devices in a waste sorting industry) were pan-azole-resistant, bearing the TR34/L98H mutation. Conclusion: For the first time in Portugal, we report environmental isolates bearing the TR34/L98H mutation, isolated from occupational environments. Environmental surveillance of the emergence of azole-resistant A. fumigatus sensu stricto strains is needed, to ensure proper and timely implementation of control policies that may have a positive impact on public and occupational health.

scholarly journals Indirect Immunodetection of Fungal Fragments by Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy

2015 ◽  
Vol 81 (17) ◽  
pp. 5794-5803 ◽  
Author(s):  
Komlavi Anani Afanou ◽  
Anne Straumfors ◽  
Asbjørn Skogstad ◽  
Ajay P. Nayak ◽  
Ida Skaar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Scanning Electron Microscopy ◽  
Field Emission ◽  
Polyclonal Antibodies ◽  
Detection Methods ◽  
Indoor Environments ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Freeze Dried ◽  
Scanning Electron

ABSTRACTSubmicronic fungal fragments have been observed inin vitroaerosolization experiments. The occurrence of these particles has therefore been suggested to contribute to respiratory health problems observed in mold-contaminated indoor environments. However, the role of submicronic fragments in exacerbating adverse health effects has remained unclear due to limitations associated with detection methods. In the present study, we report the development of an indirect immunodetection assay that utilizes chicken polyclonal antibodies developed against spores fromAspergillus versicolorand high-resolution field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). Immunolabeling was performed withA. versicolorfragments immobilized and fixed onto poly-l-lysine-coated polycarbonate filters. Ninety percent of submicronic fragments and 1- to 2-μm fragments, compared to 100% of >2-μm fragments generated from pure freeze-dried mycelial fragments ofA. versicolor, were positively labeled. In proof-of-concept experiments, air samples collected from moldy indoor environments were evaluated using the immunolabeling technique. Our results indicated that 13% of the total collected particles were derived from fungi. This fraction comprises 79% of the fragments that were detected by immunolabeling and 21% of the spore particles that were morphologically identified. The methods reported in this study enable the enumeration of fungal particles, including submicronic fragments, in a complex heterogeneous environmental sample.

scholarly journals Use of a Synthetic Peptide Epitope of Asp f 1, a Major Allergen or Antigen of Aspergillus fumigatus, for Improved Immunodiagnosis of Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis

2004 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 552-558 ◽  
Author(s):  
Taruna Madan ◽  
Priyanka Priyadarsiny ◽  
Mudit Vaid ◽  
Neel Kamal ◽  
Ashok Shah ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Aspergillus Fumigatus ◽  
Synthetic Peptide ◽  
Immunoglobulin E ◽  
Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis ◽  
Major Allergen ◽  
Specific Ige ◽  
Diagnostic Efficiency ◽  
Intradermal Testing ◽  
Peptide Epitope ◽  
Asp F 1

ABSTRACT Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is an immunologically complex allergic disorder caused by the fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus. Elevated levels of total immunoglobulin E (IgE), specific IgE, and IgG antibodies in sera are important immunodiagnostic criteria for ABPA. International reference standards or standardized immunodiagnostic assays are not available due to a lack of well-defined diagnostic antigens. The present study was carried out to identify and evaluate the immunodiagnostic relevance of synthetic epitopic peptides of Asp f 1, a major allergen, antigen, or cytotoxin of A. fumigatus. Five overlapping peptides were synthesized from the N terminus of Asp f 1, one of the potential immunodominant regions predicted by algorithmic programs. The 11-amino-acid synthetic peptide (P1) significantly inhibited both IgG binding (89.10% ± 4.45%) and IgE binding (77.32% ± 3.38%) of the standardized diagnostic antigen (SDA) (a well-defined pool of diagnostically relevant allergens and antigens of A. fumigatus). With a panel of sera of ABPA patients, allergic patients with skin test negativity to A. fumigatus, and healthy individuals, P1 showed a higher diagnostic efficiency than SDA (specific IgG, 100%; specific IgE, 98.3%). The diagnostic efficiency of P1 could be attributed to the presence of homologous epitopes in various immunodominant allergens or antigens of A. fumigatus. The ability of P1 to induce histamine release from sensitized mast cells and a Th2 type of cytokine profile in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of ABPA patients suggests its potential for use in intradermal testing. P1 could be further explored for development of a standardized, specific, and sensitive immunodiagnostic test for aspergillosis.

scholarly journals Aspergillus fumigatus Antigen Detection in Sera from Patients at Risk for Invasive Aspergillosis

2000 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 438-443
Author(s):  
Bernabé F. F. Chumpitazi ◽  
Claudine Pinel ◽  
Bernadette Lebeau ◽  
Pierre Ambroise-Thomas ◽  
Renee Grillot
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Invasive Aspergillosis ◽  
Aspergillus Fumigatus ◽  
Polyclonal Antibodies ◽  
Latex Agglutination ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Molecular Weights ◽  
Circulating Antigens ◽  
Patients At Risk ◽  
Sensitivity Specificity

ABSTRACT We have developed an inhibition enzyme immunoassay (inhibition-EIA) to monitor for the occurrence of invasive aspergillosis (IA) in sera from 45 immunocompromised (IC) patients. The test uses rabbit polyclonal antibodies and a mixture of components from Aspergillus fumigatus , containing three predominant antigens with molecular weights of 18,000, 33,000, and 56,000. Circulating antigens were found in five of seven proven cases of IA due to A. fumigatus . In two of the five positive cases, antigenemia was detected with inhibition-EIA earlier than with X ray or other biological methods. No antigens were detected in the sera from two patients with proven IA due to Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus terreus nor in the sera from four patients with probable IA. Circulating antigens were not detected in the control group, composed of 30 healthy adult blood donors. Four of the 32 at-risk patients examined, though they displayed no definite evidence of IA, gave a positive result in this test. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value of inhibition-EIA were 71.4, 94.4, and 71.2%, respectively. The data were compared with those obtained by a latex agglutination assay of galactomannan (GM) that was positive in only one patient with probable IA. The higher sensitivity obtained by inhibition-EIA may well be due to its ability to detect circulating antigens other than GM in the sera of IC patients with IA. Detecting these antigens may improve the diagnosis of IA, as they may serve as markers of this infection.

scholarly journals Isolation and Molecular Characterization of Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus flavus Isolated from Poultry Birds in Ado- Ekiti, Nigeria

2020 ◽  
pp. 31-44
Author(s):  
E. D. Fagbohun ◽  
K. J. Ayantola ◽  
A. J. Toyin-Famoroti
Keyword(s):  
Aspergillus Fumigatus ◽  
Molecular Characterization ◽  
Aspergillus Flavus ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Aspergillus Species ◽  
Exercise Intolerance ◽  
State University ◽  
Poultry Farms

Aim: The study was carried out to isolate and identify Aspergillus species from commercial birds with suspected aspergillosis in the poultry farms within Ado Ekiti metropolis Nigeria.  Place and Period of Study: The study was carried out in the Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Ekiti State University Ado Ekiti, Nigeria in August 2016. Methodology: A total of 35 sick/suspected birds were collected randomly from three poultry farms. At Ago-Aduloju poultry farms, 15 samples were randomly collected from 1000 birds while at Ekiti State University poultry farms, 10 samples were randomly collected from 500 birds. At Federal Polytechnic Ado Ekiti poultry farms, 10 samples were randomly collected from 700 birds. The bird’s selection was on the basis of clinical signs and symptoms such as difficulty in breathing, weight loss, drooping of wings and exercise intolerance. Swab samples were collected from each suspected/sick bird for mycological culture and molecular characterization of the isolates from each bird was carried out. The isolates were identified based on the color of the culture on Potato Dextrose Agar and microscopic examination. Molecular identification was done using 23S Ribosomal RNA Gene and Partial Sequence. Results: Six fungal strains that showed similar morphological and cultural characteristics of Aspergillus species were isolated. The isolates were coded ASP 1, ASP 2, ASP 3, ASP 4, ASP 5, and ASP 6. The identified organisms were; Aspergillus fumigatus qH 107 (ASP 1), Aspergillus fumigatus qH 107 (ASP 2), Aspergillus flavus M09 (ASP 3), Aspergillus flavus UOMS6 (ASP 4), Aspergillus fumigatus qH 107 (ASP 5), Aspergillus flavus qH 107 (ASP 6). Conclusion: It is evident that Aspergillus species were predominant in poultry farms selected in this study. Necessary precaution should be put in place to prevent the spread of aspergillosis. Poultry farmers are advised to avoid damp environments, moldy feeds, dry and dusty litters. Adequate ventilation should always be provided in poultry farms to prevent Aspergillosis.

scholarly journals Ατοπία και υποτροπιάζον ιδιοπαθές νεφρωσικό σύνδρομο μετ' ελαχίστων αλλοιώσεων (νέφρωση) στα παιδιά

2002 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saiel Saleh
Keyword(s):  
Aspergillus Fumigatus ◽  
Alternaria Alternata ◽  
Cladosporium Herbarum ◽  
Skin Prick Tests ◽  
Ifn Γ

Η πιθανή συσχέτιση ατοπίας και ιδιοπαθούς νεφρωσικού συνδρόμου μετ’ ελάχιστων αλλοιώσεων (MCNS) έχει αναφερθεί από μερικούς συγγραφείς. Ενώ άλλοι δεν μπόρεσαν να επιβεβαιώσουν αυτή τη συσχέτιση. Σκοπός της μελέτης μας ήταν η αναζήτηση πιθανής συσχέτισης ατοπίας και MCNS στα ελληνόπουλα. Μελετήθηκαν 39 παιδιά, 21 αγόρια και 18 κορίτσια ηλικίας 2 ως 12 ετών, με τα κλινικά και τα εργαστηριακά κριτήρια του MCNS. Σε όλα τα παιδιά με MCNS έγινε αλλεργιολογικός έλεγχος (μέτρηση ολικής IgE, δερματικές δοκιμασίες αλλεργίας (skin prick tests), προσδιορισμός των ειδικών IgE αντισωμάτων σε 8 τροφικά αλλεργιογόνα), καθώς και προσδιορισμός των κυτταροκινών IL-4, IL-10, IL-13 και IFN-γ. Τα αποτελέσματα συγκρίθηκαν με αυτά από 40 υγιή παιδιά της ίδιας ηλικίας που χρησίμευσαν ως μάρτυρες. Τα αποτελέσματα της μελέτης μας ήταν τα παρακάτω: 1) Ιστορικό ατοπίας διαπιστώθηκε σε 6/39 (15,4%) παιδιά με MCNS και σε 4/78 (5,1%) γονείς τους. Οι μάρτυρες ήταν ήδη γνωστό ότι δεν είχαν ιστορικό ατοπίας. 2) Υψηλή ολική IgE ανιχνεύθηκε σε 26/39 (66,6%) παιδιά με MCNS, ενώ στους μάρτυρες σε 14/40 (35%) παιδιά. 3) Θετικές δερματικές δοκιμασίες (prick tests) στα αεροαλλεργιογόνα και τα τροφικά αλλεργιογόνα που μελετήσαμε είχαν 13/39 (33,3%) παιδιά με MCNS. Αναλυτικά: α) στα αεροαλλεργιογόνα είχαν 4/13 παιδιά, από τα οποία τα 3 με μονοευαισθησία στους μύκητες (Alternaria Alternata, Cladosporium Herbarum και Aspergillus Fumigatus), β) στα τροφικά αλλεργιογόνα 7/13 παιδιά και γ) στα αερο- και τροφικά αλλεργιογόνα 2/13 παιδιά. Στους μάρτυρες θετικές δερματικές δοκιμασίες διαπιστώθηκαν σε 9/40 (22,2%) παιδιά. Αναλυτικά: α) στα αεροαλλεργιογόνα είχαν 3/9 παιδιά, β) στα τροφικά αλλεργιογόνα 5/9 παιδιά και γ) στα αερο- και τροφικά αλλεργιογόνα 1/9 παιδί. 4) Ειδικά IgE αντισώματα σε 8 τροφικά αλλεργιογόνα (αυγό-λευκό, ολικό γάλα, α-λακταλβουμίνη, β-λακτοσφαιρίνη, σόγια, καζεΐνη, αυγό-κρόκος και γλουτένη) βρέθηκαν σε 5/39 (12,8%) παιδιά (σε 3 παιδιά στο αυγό, σε 1 παιδί στο γάλα και σε 1 παιδί στο αυγό και το γάλα). Στους μάρτυρες δεν έγινε ανίχνευση των παραπάνω ειδικών IgE αντισωμάτων λόγω του υψηλού κόστους των αντιδραστηρίων. 5) 0 προσδιορισμός των κυτταροκινών IL-4, IL-10, IL-13, IFN-γ έδειξε αυξημένη την IL-4 σε 12/39 (30,7%) παιδιά, αυξημένη την IL-10 σε 22/39 (56,4%) παιδιά, φυσιολογική την IL-13 σε όλα τα παιδιά και αυξημένη την IFN- γ σε 7/39 (17,9%) παιδιά. Στους μάρτυρες οι IL-4, IL-10 και IL-13 ήταν στα φυσιολογικά επίπεδα. Μόνο η IFN-γ ήταν αυξημένη σε 1 μάρτυρα. Τα συμπεράσματα από την μελέτη συνοψίζονται ως εξής: 1) Ατοπικό υπόστρωμα διαπιστώθηκε σε 22/39 (66,6%) παιδιά με MCNS. 2) Ιστορικό ατοπίας στα παιδιά με MCNS και στα μέλη των οικογενειών τους, βρέθηκε σε ποσοστό 15,4% και 5,1% αντίστοιχα. 3) Θετικές δερματικές δοκιμασίες (prick tests) ανιχνεύθηκαν σε 13/39 (33,3%) παιδιά με MCNS. Αναλυτικά: 4/13 παιδιά είχαν θετικά prick tests σε αεροαλλεργιογόνα (3 με μονοευαισθησία στους μύκητες), 7/13 παιδιά σε τροφικά αλλεργιογόνα και 2/13 παιδιά σε αερο- και τροφικά αλλεργιογόνα. 4) Ειδικά IgE αντισώματα αναζητήθηκαν σε 8 τροφικά αλλεργιογόνα (αυγό-λευκό, ολικό γάλα, α-λακταλβουμίνη, β-λακτοσφαιρίνη, σόγια, αυγό-κρόκος, καζεΐνη, γλουτένη) και ανιχνεύθηκαν σε 5/39 (12,8%) παιδιά (3 παιδιά στο αυγό, 1 παιδί στο γάλα και 1 παιδί στο αυγό και το γάλα). 5)0 προσδιορισμός των κυτταροκινών IL-4, IL-10, IL-13, IFN-γ έδειξε αυξημένη την IL-4 σε 12/39 (30,7%) παιδιά, αυξημένη την IL-10 σε 22/39 (56,4%) παιδιά, φυσιολογική την IL-13 σε όλα τα παιδιά και αυξημένη την IFN-γ σε 7/39 (17,9%) παιδιά. Όπως προκύπτει από τα ευρήματά μας, διαπιστώθηκε αυξημένη συχνότητα ατοπίας στα παιδιά με MCNS. Ο ρόλος της ατοπίας στην εκδήλωση του MCNS παραμένει άγνωστος. Δόθηκαν οδηγίες στους γονείς των παιδιών για αποφυγή των αλλεργιογόνων που διαπιστώθηκαν και κυρίως πλήρης αποφυγή των τροφικών αλλεργιογόνων με σκοπό να μελετηθεί η συχνότητα των υποτροπών του συνδρόμου σε σχέση με τα παιδιά στα οποία δεν ανιχνεύθηκαν αλλεργιογόνα και δεν υποβλήθηκαν σε υποαλλεργική δίαιτα.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document