Prevalence of Sensitization to Mold Allergens in Patients with Respiratory Allergy

Rationale: Sensitization to fungi is recognized as a risk factor for exacerbations among patients with asthma diagnosis, however, its contribution as a cause of allergic disease is still a subject of debate. The aim of this study is to know the fungal sensitization among patients consulted for respiratory symptoms in a tertiary center of allergy, as well to assess the prevalence by diagnosis, type of fungi and age group.

Methods: A retrospective study was conducted, obtaining data from the records of skin tests of patients attended at an allergy center in Monterrey, Mexico, between January, 2010 and December, 2014. These tests included: Alternaria alternata, Helminthosporium sativum, Hormodendrum cladosporioides, Penicillium chrysogenum, Rhizopus nigricans, Aspergillus fumigatus.

Results: 5,325 skin test were performed. 877 (16.65%) were positive for fungi. The most prevalent was Alternaria alternata with 5.4%. The highest prevalence was identified in the 0 – 10 years age group, with 6.4%, followed by 3.5% in the 11 – 20 years age group. The most prevalent mold in patients with asthma was Alternatia alternata with 6.7%. Aspergillus sensitization prevalence among patients with asthma was 3%.

Conclusions: The highest prevalence of sensitization was found in the 0 – 10 years age group. The most prevalent mold was Alternaria Alternata.