[Fungal spores in the environment of the asthmatic patient in a semi-desert area of Mexico].

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the frequency and type of fungal spores in the habitat of sensitized asthmatic patients, its relationship with skin test reactivity to fungi and indoor factors favoring the fungi development.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

Indoor airborne fungi were collected from the houses of 85 patients using fungal culture methods and adherent cover glasses. Data were analyzed as a cross sectional study.

RESULTS

The prevalence of positive fungi skin test reactivity was 22%, the main reactivity was for Aspergillus (54%), Alternaria (51%) and Monilia (48%), and most frequent cultured fungi were: Cladosporium (76%), Alternaria (57.5%) and Aspergillus (51.3%). Another molds (Dreshlera, Rhodotorula) not included in the skin test reactivity panel nor immunotherapy plans were cultured. The fungus spores mean concentration was 1788/m3 +/- 1637 (930 to 10,230/m3) without qualitative or quantitative differences when several house areas were compared. The association of skin reactivity and indoor exposure were significant only for Aspergillus (RR 3.14, 95% CI 1.77-5.58). The use of ventilation-air-conditioning systems (42%), personal humidifier or nebulizers (43%), dampness inside the houses were important characteristics.

CONCLUSIONS

Indoor fungus pollution is also important in semi-desert areas, due to high prevalence of many factors that contribute for its development and proliferation.