Monitoring the profile of mould sensitization in children and adults in Volga region

Rationale: The clinical significance of sensitization to mould allergens is increased even in geographical areas with their low concentration in the environment. Objective: To determine the frequency of sensitization to Alternaria alternate (AA), Cladosporium herbarum (CH), Aspergillus fumigatus (AF) and Penicillum notatum (PN) and characteristics of co-sensitization with other groups of allergens in Volga region from 2009 to 2013. Methods: A total of 100 adult and 230 children aged from 1 to 14 years with allergic rhinitis and asthma and conjectural anamnesis mould allergy were included. Immunoblot method was used to identify allergen specific IgE – antibodies. Results: From 2009 to 2013 increased the number of patients with sensitization to AA with 32 to 44%. For other types of mould such tendency was absent. The number of patients sensitized to CH was in 2009 and 2013. 29.2% and 27%; AF 9 and 10%, PN -15 and 17%. Frequency of mould sensitization was similar in all age groups. The concentration of allergen specific IgE was highest for AA (average 3.09 IU/ml) and minimum for PN (2.03 IU/ml). Sensitization to AA often (63.1%) combined with sensitization to CH, to birch pollen allergy (26.2%), Artemisia (35.7%). If sensitization to CH revealed concomitant allergy to birch pollen in 21%, Artemisia - 31.5%. Mould sensitization to AA and CH in significant number of patients associated with epidermal allergy to cat (50%) and dog (21.4%). Conclusions: The prevalence of mould allergy to AA increases. Monitoring of etiological factors and common associations of IgE-antibodies in allergic rhinitis and asthma is important for of elimination, prevention and treatment programs.