Fungi belong to common allergens, which can be found both in occupational and non-occupational environment. The aim of the study was to determine the frequency and factors associated with mould allergy among bakers and farmers reporting work-related respiratory symptoms. The study group comprised 117 bakers and 83 farmers reporting work-related respiratory symptoms. Skin prick tests (SPT) with ...

In this issue of the Journal of the Chinese Medical Association, Liang et al describe a study that evaluates the skin test (Tori Ltd, Tokyo, Japan) and specific IgE antibodies (ImmunoCAP system; Pharmacia, Uppsala, Sweden), which are designed to identify mold allergy. Five fungal antigens (Candida, Alternaria, Aspergillus, Cladosporium and Penicillium) were included in this study. With the stea...

Moulds are responsible for diseases in humans through the three pathogenetic mechanisms of infection, allergy, and toxicity. Fungal infection is especially a risk factor for immunodeficient patients, but it occurs in immunocompetent patients as well. Fungal allergy is manifested as bronchial asthma, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, or allergic fungal sinusi...

INTRODUCTION Moulds are the one of the known biological factors that have a negative impact on human health. Moulds are commonly present in residential and work environments. Materials plentiful in organic compounds, such as building materials or paints, are a splendid substrate for the development of moulds. The first documented mention of a study describing the harmful effects caused by mould...

Introduction. Molds are a very diverse group of allergens. Exposure and sensitization to fungal allergens can promote the development and worsening of allergic rhinitis (AR). Objective. The natural course of allergic rhinitis was compared between a group of patients with allergy to molds and patients with AR to other allergens as the control groups. Material and Methods. The study group consist...

Allergic reactions to the ubiquitous pathogenic and non-pathogenic fungi are models for the study of hypersensitivity. Emphasis will be placed wherever possible in this paper on findings in man, in whom fungal hypersensitivity is widely prevalent. These findings throw light upon fungal antigens in relation to clinical manifestations and upon the nature and mechanism of allergic reactions. It is...

Iatrogenic meningitis can be caused by a number of mechanisms. The recent case reports of fungal meningitis after application of epidural methylprednisolone caused warning in the medical community. Cases were caused by contaminated lots of methylprednisolone from a single compounding pharmacy. Several medications can cause meningitis by probable hypersensitivity mechanism. Neurologists should b...

Taking medical history, physical examination, and performing some in vivo and in vitro tests are necessary for the diagnosis of allergy. Skin prick test (SPT) is considered as the standard method and first-line approach for the detection of allergic sensitization. Although mainly SPT is used for the detection of allergic sensitization, intradermal skin test (IDST) may be necessary, especially i...

Allergy to fungi has been linked to a wide range of illnesses, including rhinitis and asthma. Therefore, exposure to fungi in home environment is an important factor for fungal allergy. The present study was aimed to investigate types of airborne fungi inside and outside the homes of asthmatic children and control subjects (nonasthmatic children). The dominant fungi were evaluated for their qua...