FUNGAL ALLERGENS AND ALLERGIES ARE COMMON

Reto Crameri et al. Fungi: the neglected allergenic sources. Allergy 2013; In Press.
Hui Zoi et al. Correlation between fungal sIgE and bronchial asthma severity. Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine 2013;6:537-41.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially recognized 120 allergens from fungi (molds). Several hundred additional fungal proteins believed to be allergenic (allergy causing) have also been described. Fungal allergens most commonly trigger type I immediate type hypersensitivity reactions such as asthma, rhinitis and anaphylaxis. Fungal allergens can also trigger type III hypersensitivity reactions (such as hypersensitivity pneumonitis) and type IV hypersensitivity reactions (allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis [ABPA] and hypersensitivity pneumonitis).
Allergy to many types of mold, including Alternaria, Aspergillus, Candida, Cladosporium, Penicillium, and Trichophyton have been associated with significantly higher risks of asthma in many published studies. A recent study of 100 asthmatics reported that higher levels of fungal IgE antibodies in blood were associated with significantly higher severity of asthma.
As many as 93% of all patients with chronic rhinosinusitis have significant mold allergies. Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (APBA) involves a mixture of type I, III and IV hypersensitivity to fungal allergens. Sensitization to common skin and GI tract yeasts (fungi) such as Candida, Saccharomyces, and Malessezia may also be related to increased risk dermatitis and other skin problems.
Much more research is needed to prevent, diagnose and treat fungi related allergic diseases.

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