[Clinical profile of sensitization to fungi in Medellin, Colombia].

BACKGROUND

Fungi sensitization correlates with patologies like asthma, rhinitis, conjunctivitis and dermatitis. In general it is associated with other sensitizations. In Medellin the multisystemic pattern is associated with fungi sensitization.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the clinical pattern of the fungi sensitization in Medellin.

MATERIAL AND METHOD: We reviewed the medical records of 897 patients younger than 70 years old with fungi sensitization in the prick test during the period 1 January 2011 to 31 March 2014 in the allergy facility from 2 clinics. We evaluate 16 fungi and the presence of allergic diseases as well as the environmental conditions.

RESULTS

Form 897 prick test, 12.8% were positive to fungi, and the most frequent was Candida albicans with 30.4%. Rhinitis were present in 100% of patients, asthma in 46.1%, conjunctivitis in 92.2% and the multisystemic pattern in 9.6%. The multisystemic pattern was associated with younger age with a risk of 9,259, 95% CI: 1.14-74.95 and with Aspergillus fumigatus sensitivity with a risk of 4.381, 95% CI: 1,116-17,204.

CONCLUSIONS

The pattern of sensitivity was higher with Candida albicans. Most patients were polysensitized. The multisystemic pattern was associated with been younger and with Aspergillus fumigatus sensitivity. From the findings of this study, allergens like Candida and Aspergillus fumigatus should be tested in Medellin.