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Indoor fungal contamination has been associated with a wide range of adverse health effects, including infectious diseases, toxic effects and allergies. The diversity of fungi contributes to the complex role that they play in indoor environments and human diseases. Molds have a major impact on public health, and can cause different consequences in hospitals, homes and workplaces. This review presents the methods used to assess fungal contamination in these various environments, and discusses advantages and disadvantages for each method in consideration with different health risks. Air, dust and surface sampling strategies are compared, as well as the limits of various methods are used to detect and quantify fungal particles and fungal compounds. In addition to conventional microscopic and culture approaches, more recent chemical, immunoassay and polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based methods are described. This article also identifies common needs for future multidisciplinary research and development projects in this field, with specific interests on viable fungi and fungal fragment detections. The determination of fungal load and the detection of species in environmental samples greatly depend on the strategy of sampling and analysis. Quantitative PCR was found useful to identify associations between specific fungi and common diseases. The next-generation sequencing methods may afford new perspectives in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

House dust mite (HDM) feces and molds are the main allergens involved in allergic asthma. Differences exist between the housing fungal biome of allergic patients and standard or unhealthy housing. House dust mite (HDM) feed off spores and transport them on their bodies, but do they have fungal food preferences? We observed Dermatophagoïdes farinae in vitro with 16 mold menus and repeated the experiment 10 times. This observation led us to define Alternaria alternata, Cladosporium sphaerospermum, and Wallemia sebi as “tasty” molds and Penicillium chrysogenum, Aspergillus versicolor, and Stachybotrys chartarum as “repulsive” molds. The food preferences of D. farinae may play a role in the following two phenomena: a decrease in spore numbers due to HDM consumption and a scattering of spores that stick to the bodies of HDMs. The extent of these two phenomena should be estimated in future studies for other common domestic HDM species. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In 2009, 100,000 jewelry boxes, manufactured in China, were delivered to a jewelry manufacturer in Besançon, France. All the boxes were contaminated by mold. Because the workers refused to handle these jewelry boxes, the company contacted our laboratory to determine how to deal with the problem. Three choices were available: (1) decontaminate the boxes, (2) return the boxes to the Chinese manufacturer, or (3) destroy the entire shipment. Based on microscopic identification, the culture analysis was positive for A. oryzae. This could not be confirmed by molecular techniques because of the genetic proximity of A. oryzae and A. flavus. Because A. flavus can produce aflatoxins, we tested for them using mass spectrometry. Aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, G2, and M1 were not detected; however, given the specifics of this situation, we could not discard the possibility of the presence of other aflatoxins, such as P1, B3, GM2, and ethoxyaflatoxin B2. We concluded that the contamination by A. oryzae was probably due to food products. However, because of the possible presence of aflatoxins, occupational health risks could not be entirely ruled out. The decision was therefore taken to destroy all the jewelry boxes by incineration. To avoid a similar situation we propose: (1) to maintain conditions limiting mold contamination during production (not eating on the work site, efficient ventilation systems); (2) to desiccate the products before sending them; and (3) to closely control the levels of dampness during storage and transport. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Farmer's lung disease (FLD) is a form of hypersensitivity pneumonitis resulting from recurrent exposure to moldy plant materials. We investigated and compared the initial response of respiratory epithelium after exposure to extracts of Sacharopolyspora rectivirgula, Lichtheimia corymbifera (formerly Absidia corymbifera), Eurotium amstelodami and Wallemia sebi. The two criteria for selection of these species were their high prevalence in the hay handled by FLD patients and the presence of high levels of specific precipitins to these molds in FLD patients' sera. Hydrosoluble extracts were prepared from spores and hyphae grown in culture under optimal conditions for each of the four species. Confluent A549 cells were inoculated with one of the four calibrated soluble extracts. Two mediators, one inflammatory ( Interleukin ( IL)- 8) and one allergic ( IL-13), were quantified using real-time PCR and ELISA assay, after four exposure periods (30 min, 2 h, 4 h and 8 h). S. rectivirgula and L. corymbifera extracts were the only ones which induced a marked upregulation of IL-8, as shown by both real-time PCR and ELISA assay 8 h after the initial contact. This study adds to the growing body of evidence that L. corymbifera should be recognized as an etiologic agent of FLD along with S. rectivirgula. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Farmer's lung disease (FLD) is common in eastern France. It is the main form of occupational hypersensitivity pneumonitis, caused by chronic inhalation of microorganisms (antigens) from mouldy hay, straw, or grain. The purpose of this study was to assess, with a panel of data collected between 1997-2003, environmental factors and agricultural practices that independently modify concentrations in hay of microorganisms potentially responsible for FLD. A total of 629 hay samples from 86 farms were included in statistical analyses using linear multilevel regression models allowing to consider the nested structure of the data: individual-level (batch of hay) and group-level (farm). The outcome variable of these models was the concentration in hay (logarithmic value of concentration+1) of microorganisms incriminated in FLD (Absidia corymbifera, Eurotium spp., thermophilic actinomycctes). The simultaneous analysis of batch of hay- and farm- level factors showed that bad climatic conditions of harvest, high-density hay-packing modes, (especially round bales) and altitude (2nd plateau, 1700-900] m) were the main factors associated with high concentrations of these microorganisms in hay. This study allowed clarification of the factors that influence the microbial concentration of hay with etiological agents of FLD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a case study of a 30-year-old baker diagnosed with occupational hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP). It is inferred that HP should be suspected in bakers with respiratory symptoms. The development of HP due to the sensitization to fungi- and mite-contaminated flours is highlighted.

Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are frequently colonised or sensitised by Aspergillus , but clinical significance remains unclear. Furthermore, little is known on the impact of indoor mould exposure during COPD. In this study, we assessed the relationship between domestic mould exposure, Aspergillus biomarkers and COPD severity during acute exacerbation and at stable state. Aspergillus section Fumigati culture in sputum and anti- Aspergillus antibodies detection (IgG and precipitins) were followed up in COPD patients that were prospectively recruited during exacerbation (n = 62), and underwent a visit at stable state after 18 months (n = 33). Clinical characteristics were collected at inclusion. Electrostatic dust collectors (EDCs) were used to measure domestic mould contamination. Aspergillus section Fumigati was more frequently detected during exacerbation (16.9%) than at stable state (4.0%), but the frequency of patients presenting with anti- Aspergillus antibodies was similar (32.2% and 33.3%, respectively). Aspergillus section Fumigati detection was associated with a higher body-mass index (BMI) during exacerbation, whereas patients with anti- Aspergillus antibodies presented a lower BMI and forced expiratory volume in 1 s, as well as a higher frequency of inhaled corticoids and higher total mould and Penicillium exposure at final visit (P < 0.05). The frequency of patients with anti- Aspergillus antibodies was higher for total mould counts >30 CFU/cm2 (P = 0.03). Aspergillosis was diagnosed in 2 patients (6.1%) who presented increased levels of antibodies. Our data suggest that anti- Aspergillus antibodies are associated with chronic lung function alteration and/or domestic mould exposure, thereby supporting the consideration of indoor mould contamination and anti- Aspergillus antibodies kinetics in COPD management. • Aspergillus is more frequent during AECOPD (16.9%) than at stable state (4.0%). • Anti- Aspergillus antibodies frequency is similar during AECOPD and stable state. • Anti- Aspergillus antibodies are associated with higher mould exposure during COPD. • EDC mould counts >30 CFU/cm2 can be used to define abnormal indoor contamination. • Domestic mould exposure should be taken into account in COPD management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the clinical case of a 48-year-old nonsmoker who was diagnosed with hypersensitivity pneumonitis. The patient used to play saxophone, which was found to have two molds namely Ulocladium botrytis and Phoma. He was diagnosed with hypersensitivity pneumonitis because of the inhalation of molds from his saxophone. The treatment administered to the patient is also described.

The indoor microbial community is a mixture of microorganisms resulting from outdoor ecosystems that seed the built environment. However, the biogeography of the indoor microbial community is still inadequately studied. Dust from more than 3000 dwellings across France was analyzed by qPCR using 17 targets: 10 molds, 3 bacteria groups, and 4 mites. Thus, the first spatial description of the main indoor microbial allergens on the French territory, in relation with biogeographical factors influencing the distribution of microorganisms, was realized in this study. Ten microorganisms out of 17 exhibited increasing abundance profiles across the country: Five microorganisms (Dermatophagoïdes pteronyssinus, Dermatophagoïdes spp., Streptomyces spp., Cladosporium sphaerospermum, Epicoccum nigrum) from northeast to southwest, two (Cryptococcus spp., Alternaria alternata) from northwest to southeast, Mycobacteria from east to west, Aspergillus fumigatus from south to north, and Penicillium chrysogenum from south to northeast. These geographical patterns were partly linked to climate and land cover. Multivariate analysis showed that composition of communities seemed to depend on landscapes, with species related to closed and rather cold and humid landscapes (forests, located in the northeast) and others to more open, hot, and dry landscapes (herbaceous and coastal regions, located in the west). This study highlights the importance of geographical location and outdoor factors that shape communities. In order to study the effect of microorganisms on human health (allergic diseases in particular), it is important to identify biogeographic factors that structure microbial communities on large spatial scales and to quantify the exposure with quantitative tools, such as the multi-qPCR approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) play an important role in the mortality of immunocompromised patients. The pediatric hematology department (PHD) at Besançon University Hospital has relocated 3 times: (1) from a building without an air filtration system (B1), (2) to a renovated building with low air pressure (B2), and (3) to a new building with high air pressure and high-efficiency particulate air filters (B3). This study aimed to investigate how these relocations influenced the fungal exposure risk for the PHD's patients. Methods Air samples were taken monthly in patient rooms and weekly in corridors. The detection of opportunistic fungi species was used to assess IFI risk. Data were analyzed using univariate and multivariate random-effects negative binomial regression. Results A total of 1,074 samples from 29 rooms over a 10-year period showed that renovation of an old building with a basic ventilation system did not lead to a significant improvement of air quality ( P  = .004, multivariate analysis). Among factors linked to higher risk of patient rooms mold contamination was fungal contamination of the corridors ( P  <   .001). Conclusions This study demonstrates that corridors can be used as reliable sentinel to prevent fungal contamination in patient rooms. Only relocation in building B3, equipped with laminar air flow, achieved adequate air quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contexte Le MALDI-TOF est maintenant utilisé en routine dans une majorité de laboratoires pour l’identification des bactéries et des levures. La place du MALDI-TOF pour l’identification des filamenteux en routine est moins bien définie. Objectif Évaluer la capacité du MALDI-TOF a identifié les filamenteux en routine en utilisant la database « Fungi » BRUCKER, spécifiquement dédiée à l’identification des filamenteux. Méthodes Une série de 46 souches de filamenteux, initialement identifiés par microscopie, a été testée par MALDI-TOF après culture liquide et extraction longue, comme cela est recommandé par le fournisseur. Résultats (1) Vingt-deux de dermatophytes ont été testées : 9 Trichophyton rubrum , 6 T . mentagrophytes , 3 T . tonsurans , 1 T . soudanense , 1 Epidermophyton floccosum , 1 Microsporum persicolor et 1 M . gypseum . Seules les souches de T . rubrum et la souche de M . gypseum ont été identifiées avec succès. Pour E . floccosum , le commentaire « pas d’identification possible » a été obtenu. Pour T . tonsurans , T . mentagrophytes et M . persicolor , un résultat d’espèce erroné, essentiellement T . equinum et M . canis , avec un très bon score (> 2) a été obtenu. (2) Vingt-quatre souches de filamenteux non dermatophytes ont été testées : 7 Mucorales (2 Lichtheimia corymbifera , 2 Mucor sp., 1 Rhizopus oryzae , 1 Rhizomucor sp., 1 Cunninghamella bertholettiae ), 6 Aspergillus sp. (2 A . flavus , 1 A . nidulans , 1 A . terreus , 1 A . ochraceus , 1 A . glaucus , 1 A . versicolor ), 7 Fusarium sp. (4 F . solani , 2 F . proliferatum , 1 F . oxysporum ), 1 Scytalidium dimidiatum , 1 Scopulariopsis brevicaulis , 1 Scedosporium apiopsermum . Les Fusarium sp. ont été identifiés à l’espèce dans tous les cas. Les Mucorales ont été identifiées au genre dans tous les cas, et à l’espèce dans un cas sur deux. Les Aspergillus sp. ont été identifiés à l’espèce à l’exception de A . glaucus (qui n’est pas dans la database). La souche de S . brevicaulis a été bien identifiée. Le commentaire « aucune identification possible » a été obtenu pour les S . dimidiatum et S . apiospermum , pourtant présents dans la database. Aucun résultat d’espèce erroné n’a été obtenu pour les filamenteux non dermatophytes. Discussion Le MALDI-TOF peut rendre service en routine au laboratoire, essentiellement pour l’identification a l’espèce rapide des Fusarium sp., des Mucorales et de certains Aspergillus sp. La plus grande prudence doit être appliquée en cas d’identification de dermatophytes par MALDI-TOF, ou la microscopie, et le séquençage si besoin, doivent être privilégies. De meilleurs résultats pourraient être obtenus par enrichissement de cette database par l’ajout de spectres de références pour des espèces pour l’instant peu voire pas représentées par le fournisseur. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectif Les patients atteints de BPCO sont fréquemment colonisés par Aspergillus fumigatus (49–87 %) et à risque de développer des formes invasives d’aspergillose dont la mortalité est importante et l’incidence (environ 2 %) probablement sous-estimée. Afin de mieux comprendre le rôle de l’exposition environnementale aux moisissures dans ces infections, nous avons caractérisé la flore fongique domiciliaire de patients atteints de BPCO et évalué son impact sur le risque de colonisation et sensibilisation fongiques par A. fumigatus . Méthodes Soixante-deux patients ont été prospectivement recrutés au CHRU de Lille entre août 2011 et novembre 2015. La flore fongique domiciliaire a été caractérisée à partir de capteurs électrostatiques à poussières exposés 10 semaines dans la chambre du patient et analysés par culture. Un examen mycologique des crachats, et une recherche d’ Aspergillus par PCR en temps réel ont été effectués. La présence d’anticorps anti- Aspergillus a été recherchée par méthode Elisa et immunoprécipitation. Résultats Le sex-ratio était de 2,6 et l’âge moyen de 63,3 ± 10,4 ans. Neuf patients étaient atteints de BPCO modérée (stade GOLD II), 28 de BPCO sévère (stade III) et 25 de BPCO très sévère (stade IV). Dans les 51 capteurs à poussières analysés, 1 à 159 colonies par capteur, représentant 1 à 13 genres ou espèces ont été mises en évidence. Penicillium , Cladosporium , A. fumigatus et les mucorales ont été les moisissures les plus fréquemment identifiées (90,2 %, 64,7 %, 49 % et 33 % des capteurs à poussières, respectivement). La recherche d’ A. fumigatus dans les crachats et/ou d’anticorps anti- A. fumigatus était positive pour 31 patients (50 %). Le nombre médian de colonies détecté dans les capteurs à poussières et la diversité étaient similaires pour les patients « colonisés et/ou sensibilisés par A. fumigatus » et « non colonisés/non sensibilisés par A. fumigatus » (18 vs. 22,5 colonies et 6 vs. 7 genres/espèces par capteur, respectivement), de même que la fréquence de positivité à A. fumigatus (50 % vs. 48 %) et le nombre médian de colonies d’ A. fumigatus (3 vs. 2 colonies). La fréquence de sensibilisation par A. fumigatus était plus élevée pour les patients exposes a un niveau très élevé de contamination fongique (75 % vs. 36–52 %). Conclusion La flore fongique identifiée dans les logements des patients est globalement similaire a celle rapportée dans les logements d’autres régions, mais la fréquence d’isolement d’ A. fumigatus et de mucorales est plus élevée. Nos résultats indiquent qu’un niveau très élevé d’exposition domestique aux moisissures pourrait favoriser la sensibilisation à A. fumigatus chez les patients atteints de BPCO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Des études ont montré que les microorganismes de l’environnement intérieur peuvent avoir un rôle délétère ou protecteur vis-à-vis des pathologies allergiques. En revanche, les espèces impliquées, leurs rôles ainsi que les seuils déclencheurs des symptômes ou ayant un effet vaccinal sont encore à définir. Seule une quantification spécifique de différents microorganismes présents dans l’environnement intérieur, avec un suivi épidémiologique d’une large cohorte d’enfants (de la naissance à l’âge adulte) comme l’étude Étude Longitudinale Française depuis l’Enfance (ELFE), pourrait permettre de répondre à ces questions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

DNA metabarcoding is increasingly being used to characterize the microbiological composition of both the indoor and outdoor environments of dwellings. Our study aimed to evaluate metabarcoding and bioinformatic analysis resulting from calibrated samples and samples collected by an electrostatic dust collector (EDC) in dwellings with no moisture problems. Thus, the fungal communities of 14 dwellings (eastern France, Franche-Comté region) were analyzed by Illumina MiSeq technology after amplification of the ITS2 region. Using the standard samples of 11 species of yeasts and molds allowed us to validate the Operational taxonomic units (OTU) assignment. These calibrated samples also showed a low amplification bias, a low rate of sequencing errors and the semi-quantitative nature of the technique. Only one species from the calibrated samples ( Lichtheimia corymbifera ) was less amplified probably due to the presence of two mismatches in its3 primer. EDC analysis identified 3594 OTU with 75% of reads corresponding to 30 genera. The main genera are those usually found by culture techniques ( Penicillium , Aspergillus and Cladosporium ), but findings also indicate others less commonly isolated in culture such as Epicoccum , the fourth detected genus in our study. The type of heating systems was correlated with fungal diversity. We found less diversity in the dwellings with wood heating and larger quantities of Epicoccum nigrum verified by qPCR. DNA metabarcoding analysis applied to EDC seems promising. However, we think that it must be used along with qPCR, to obtain a more global view of microbial ecology and relative quantification of species of interest within communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study to assess the potential health effects of airborne exposure to a mix of preblend lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and carbohydrate) and milk powder in workers in a dairy food industry. The study concluded that measures to reduce exposure to airborne LAB and milk powder in food and dairy industries are recommended. The need to examine exposed individuals in a future retrospective survey, evaluating and diagnosing health problems is highlighted.

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis, also known as "machine operator's lung" (MOL), has been related to microorganisms growing in metalworking fluids (MWFs), especially Mycobacterium immunogenum. We aimed to (i) describe the microbiological contamination of MWFs and (ii) look for chemical, physical, and environmental parameters associated with variations in microbiological profiles. We microbiologically analyzed 180 MWF samples from nonautomotive plants (e.g., screw-machining or metal-cutting plants) in the Franche-Comté region in eastern France and 165 samples from three French automotive plants in which cases of MOL had been proven. Our results revealed two types of microbial biomes: the first was from the nonautomotive industry, showed predominantly Gram-negative rods (GNR), and was associated with a low risk of MOL, and the second came from the automotive industry that was affected by cases of MOL and showed predominantly Gram-positive rods (GPR). Traces of M. immunogenum were sporadically detected in the first type, while it was highly prevalent in the automotive sector, with up to 38% of samples testing positive. The use of chromium, nickel, or iron was associated with growth of Gram-negative rods; conversely, growth of Gram-positive rods was associated with the absence of these metals. Synthetic MWFs were more frequently sterile than emulsions. Vegetable oil-based emulsions were associated with GNR, while mineral ones were associated with GPR. Our results suggest that metal types and the nature of MWF play a part in MWF contamination, and this work shall be followed by further in vitro simulation experiments on the kinetics of microbial populations, focusing on the phenomena of inhibition and synergy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Wood chipping has been described as a potential hotspot for the selection of azole-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus (ARAf). We previously reported ARAf isolates in sawmills (Eastern France), most of which contained the TR34/L98H mutation. Methods: To study genotypic relatedness, microsatellite genotyping (short tandem repeat for A. fumigatus (STRAf)) was performed on 41 azole-susceptible A. fumigatus (ASAf) and 23 ARAf isolated from 18 sawmills and two clinical A. fumigatus (sensitive and resistant) isolated from a sinus sample of a woodworker. Results: Fifty-four unique multilocus genotypes (MLGs) were described among the 66 isolates: 13/24 ARAf and 41/42 ASAf. Allelic diversity was higher for ASAf than for ARAf. Among the 24 ARAf, five isolates had their own MLGs. Thirteen ARAf (54%) belonged to the same group, composed of four close MLGs, defined using Bruvo’s distance. Thirty-two of the 42 ASAf (76%) had their own MLGs and could not be grouped with the Bruvo’s distance cutoff used (0.2). Conclusion: Thus, at a regional scale and in the particular environment of the wood industry, common but also different distinct genotypes, even in the same sawmill, were identified. This suggests that the hypothesis of ARAf clonal expansion from a common strain is probably insufficient to explain genotype emergence and distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the plant features associated with increased irritation symptoms and levels of inflammation markers among compost workers (CWs). Ninety CWs were followed over 18 months, using questionnaires on respiratory symptoms, fractional exhaled nitric oxide measurements, spirometry, a methacholine bronchial challenge test, and quantification of specific immunoglobulins E (IgE) and G. CWs in plants processing the highest quantities of waste exhibited more airway irritation symptoms. So did the CWs in partially and fully indoor plants as compared to those in plants entirely outdoors. Working in sewage sludge versus green waste plants and having a high level of exposure were associated with higher levels of different IgE. The duration of employment decreased the FEV1 by 16 ml per year. Working in an indoor plant is linked to symptoms and inflammation markers in CWs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dairy farming is a risk factor for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The aim was to determine predictive markers either in blood samples or in dwelling dust samples by comparing COPD and healthy controls with or without farming activity. Dust was collected and analyzed by real-time quantitative PCR. ELISA and DELFIA® were performed to assay the level of specific IgG and IgE of 10 targeted microorganisms. The dwelling exposure of farmers was higher than in the non-farmers (Especially Eurotium amstelodami and Lichtheimia corymbifera). The IgG response against Wallemia sebi and Saccharopolyspora rectivirgula was more often higher in the farmers than the non-farmers. However, exposure and sensitization to the microorganisms tested cannot explain the occurrence of COPD in the dairy farmers' population. COPD development is probably caused by multiple factors associated with exposure over a period of several years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of this study was to understand the differential acute effects of two distinct wheat-related dusts, such as field or stored wheat dust handling, on workers’ health and how those effects evolved at 6 month intervals.Methods: Exposure, work-related symptoms, changes in lung function, and blood samples of 81 workers handling wheat and 61 controls were collected during the high exposure season and 6 months after. Specific IgG, IgE, and precipitins against 12 fungi isolated from wheat dust were titrated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, dissociation-enhanced lanthanide fluorescence immunoassay, and electrosyneresis. The level of fungi was determined in the workers’ environment. Levels of exhaled fraction of nitrogen monoxide (FENO) and total IgE were obtained. Exposure response associations were investigated by mixed logistic and linear regression models.Results: The recent exposure to field wheat dust was associated with a higher prevalence for five of six self-reported airway symptoms and with a lower FENO than those in the control population. Exposure to stored wheat dust was only associated with cough. No acute impact of exposure on respiratory function was observed. Exposure to field wheat dust led to workers’ sensitization against the three field fungi Aureobasidum, Cryptococcus, and Phoma, although exposure to storage wheat dust was associated with tolerance. The level of Ig remained stable 6 months after exposure.Conclusion: The clinical picture of workers exposed to field or storage wheat dust differed. The systematic characterization of the aerosol microbial profile may help to understand the reasons for those differences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Different phenotypes of wheezing have been described to date but not in early life. We aim to describe wheezing phenotypes between the ages of two months and one year, and assess risk factors associated with these wheezing phenotypes in a large birth cohort. Methods: We studied 18,041 infants from the ELFE (French Longitudinal Study of Children) birth cohort. Parents reported wheezing and respiratory symptoms at two and 12 months, and answered a complete questionnaire (exposure during pregnancy, parental allergy). Results: Children with no symptoms (controls) accounted for 77.2%, 2.1% had had wheezing at two months but no wheezing at one year (intermittent), 2.4% had persistent wheezing, while 18.3% had incident wheezing at one year. Comparing persistent wheezing to controls showed that having one sibling (ORa = 2.19) or 2 siblings (ORa = 2.23) compared to none, nocturnal cough (OR = 5.2), respiratory distress (OR = 4.1) and excess bronchial secretions (OR = 3.47) at two months, reflux in the child at 2 months (OR = 1.55), maternal history of asthma (OR = 1.46) and maternal smoking during pregnancy (OR = 1.57) were significantly associated with persistent wheezing. These same factors, along with cutaneous rash in the child at 2 months (OR = 1.13) and paternal history of asthma (OR = 1.32) were significantly associated with increased odds of incident wheezing. Having one sibling (ORa = 1.9) compared to none, nocturnal cough at 2 months (OR = 1.76) and excess bronchial secretions at 2 months (OR = 1.65) were significantly associated with persistent compared to intermittent wheezing. Conclusion: Respiratory symptoms (cough, respiratory distress, and excessive bronchial secretion) were significantly associated with a high risk of persistent wheezing at one year. Smoking exposure during pregnancy was also a risk factor for persistent and incident wheezing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) is an immunoallergic disease due to chronic exposure to high quantities of different microorganisms such as Mycobacterium immunogenum (Mi), a mycobacterium, and Lichtheimia corymbifera (Lc), a filamentous fungus. It has recently been demonstrated that the protein DLDH (dihydrolipoyl dehydrogenase), is common to these microorganisms. This study aimed to investigate the immune potential of overlapping peptide pools covering the MiDLDH and LcDLDH. Experimental design A selection of 34 peptides, from the MiDLDH and LcDLDH, able to interact with Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) 1 and MHC 2, was obtained using three different epitope prediction websites. By means of ELISPOT assays, we compared the frequency of Interferon gamma (IFNγ) secreting peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) after stimulation with overlapping peptide pools. Tests were performed using cells from 35 healthy blood donors. Results One peptide pool containing five peptides from MiDLDH and able to interact with MHC 2 induced a marked IFNγ specific immune response (Pool F, p < 0.001, Wilcoxon signed-rank test). Conclusion This study demonstrated that peptides from microorganisms involved in HP were able to induce a high IFNγ specific immune response after stimulation of PBMCs from healthy blood donors which could be useful to develop an effective prevention strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Very few studies have been conducted on cystic fibrosis (CF) patients' exposure to the indoor environment and, to our knowledge, there are no studies dealing with the link between specific fungal environmental exposure at home and fungal colonization resulting in allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA). Fungal exposure of CF adult patients with ABPA (n = 4) with fungal sensitization (n = 7) and with no ABPA (n = 5) was assessed in 16 homes by dust sampling with electrostatic dust fall collectors (EDCs). Aspergillus fumigatus was specifically quantified by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reactions (qPCRs), and A. fumigatus DNA concentrations were significantly higher in homes of ABPA patients (p < 0.001). Results indicate that indoor fungal contamination could be a factor favoring ABPA and suggest that environmental surveys could help in preventing fungal risk in CF patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bird fancier's lung (BFL) is the most prevalent form of hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) worldwide. The current techniques used for the serological diagnosis of BFL all use crude extracts from feathers, droppings, and blooms as test antigens, which is associated with a lack of standardization and variability of the results. An antigenic protein, immunoglobulin lambda-like polypeptide-1 (IgLL1), isolated from pigeon droppings, was recently identified to be associated with BFL. We used genetic engineering to produce IgLL1 as a recombinant antigen. We aimed to prospectively validate the use of an automated ELISA based on recombinant IgLL1 protein (r-IgLL1) as the test antigen for the serological diagnosis of BFL. Immunoprecipitation (IP) techniques (immunodiffusion (ID), immunoelectrophoresis (IEP)) and ELISA using r-IgLL1 were performed concomitantly over 10 months on 634 sera from patients with a BFL serodiagnosis request. Questionnaires were sent to obtain details on the avian exposure, clinical data, and final diagnosis. Concordance, sensitivity (Se), and specificity (Sp) of the two techniques were compared. In total, 72 completed questionnaires were returned with 18 cases of BFL diagnosed and 54 of non-BFL. The concordance between the ELISA and ID+IEP precipitation techniques was 71%. The combination of immunoprecipitation techniques showed a Se of 78% and a Sp of 67%. The ELISA using r-IgLL1 showed a Se of 89% and a Sp of 91%. The automated r-IgLL1 ELISA test is sufficiently efficient to be used alone for the diagnosis of patients exposed solely to Columbidae. In cases of other avian exposure, the Se and Sp of the r-IgLL1 ELISA used for screening combined with the immunodiffusion test for confirmation were 89% and 93%, respectively. The automated ELISA using r-IgLL1 is a promising tool for BFL serodiagnosis. Replacing immunodiffusion by the automated ELISA using r-IgLL1 as a screening technique will be the basis of our future strategy for BFL serodiagnosis. • Precipitin-based techniques are time consuming. • Antigens extracted from bulk products lack standardization. • The r-IgLL1 ELISA combined with immunodiffusion shows a sensitivity/specificity of 89%/93%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]