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Clinical study on Alternaria spores sensitization.

Authors :: Negrini AC
Berra D
Campi P
Cinti B
Corsico R
Feliziani V
Gallesio MT
Liccardi G
Loreti A
Lugo G
Marcucci F
Marcer G
Minelli M
Nardi G
Piu G
Passaleva A
Pozzan M
Puccinelli P
Purello D'Ambrosio F
Venuti A
Zanon P
Source :: Allergologia et immunopathologia [Allergol Immunopathol (Madr)] 2000 Mar-Apr; Vol. 28 (2), pp. 71-3.
Publication Year :: 2000
Abstract: Background: sensitization to fungi spores is often associated with sensitization to other allergens and so it is difficult to estabilish the exact cause of illness.<br />Objective: the aim of the study was to evaluate a group of patients monosensitized to Alternaria and to establish the prevalence, periodicity and clinical profile of this kind of sensitization.<br />Methods: 37 subjects who were monosensitized to Alternaria (prick-test positive), according to a previous epidemiological study were evaluated. Clinical symptoms and the period of their occurrence were taken into consideration as well as immunological parameters (RAST).<br />Results: 20 patients (over 50%) included in the study proved to be affected by asthma associated with other allergic symptoms and 22 patients (60%) presented perennial symptoms. The RAST carried out on 34 monosensitized subjects proved positive in 11 and negative in 23.<br />Conclusions: Alternaria sensitization is characterized by a perennial periodicity with severe respiratory symptoms (asthma) which occur primarily in children. Prick test is preferable to and more reliable than RAST as a diagnostic test.